How many sockets?

[ciare]

I live in a studio flat(not sure of size), and I only have two electrical sockets in the living/sleeping area and one in the kitchen.

I was just wondering whether this is legal, or what the legal minimum is?

Thanks

 

[TPES]

There's only recommendations, no legal requirement

 

[malcolmsanford]

There is no legal limit as such.

In the regulations, reg number 553.1.7 tells us that there should be sufficient conveniently placed sockets for mobile equipment likely to be used, and we do have guides in England and it is recommended for a bedsitter that there should be 4-6 sockets, depending on it's size.

In Scotland i believe that the building regulations do have minimum numbers for socket outlets, are you in Scotland

 

[ciare]

I live in England, I did advise the council of this(it is a council property)but they say to install more would be an improvement rather than a repair, so they will be leaving me with the small amount I have. It is quite dangerous though as I am having to use extension leads, and they are quite full, but have no choice.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

You can purchase devices that plug into each socket-outlet that convert single to double and triple, and double to triple socket-outlets.
Failing that, you could spur off of the socket-outlets in the living/sleeping area, or get someone (Part P registered) in to do the work and perhaps add some socket-outlets in the kitchen

 

[malcolmsanford]

The actual reg reads

" 553.1.7 Where mobile equipment is likely to be used provision shall be made so that the equipment can be fed from an adjacent and conveniently accessible socket outlet, taking account of the length of the flexible cord normally fitted to a portable appliance and luminaries. "


It as always been my experience when you start quoting regulations at official bodies they tend to be a little more receptive

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Its all about making sure that available points arnt overloaded with those 3 way boxes you can get etc. When we do a rewire we will put 3 double sockets (minimum) in a kitchen and a minimum of 4 doubles in a living room, 2 doubles in a bedroom, 2 singles in a hallway/landing etc. Obviously we will discuss with the client what the use of rooms will be and where they would like the points to be but we generally find that what we provide (number of sockets/points) is more than adiquate for the expected use/demand...............

 

[Blowcat]

As other people have said there is no legal requirement for number of sockets, so trying to get your local authority to install more will be a long and exhausting exchange of words that may be very frustrating to say the least.

I would recommend going to B&Q, Homebase, Argos or simialr place (but not a poundland type of shop) and getting a few 2, 3 or 4 way extension leads to suit your needs. They come in several lenghts. Work out what you need, buy them and run the cable as neatly as you can round the edge of the room.
I would avoid the 3way square adaptor that plugs into the wall socket with NO LEAD, its just a big plug.
You can plug an extension lead into another without worrying. Its not perfect or pretty but it does the job.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Thats called "daisychaining" blowcat and it aint a good idea mate..........

 

[telectrix]

not a problem as the 1st lead is fused at 13A anyway. best solution is to get a local spark to fit a couple of extra sockets. won't cost a fortune, and at least they'd be done without 200yards of mini trunking.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

not a problem as the 1st lead is fused at 13A anyway. best solution is to get a local spark to fit a couple of extra sockets. won't cost a fortune, and at least they'd be done without 200yards of mini trunking.

Was thinking about if they use an extention reel (something they find in the garage/bootsale or someone loans them) etc. So they wont unreel it fully thinking its ok and will just keep adding em on so you get heat issues etc..........

 

[telectrix]

well. 2 birds with 1 stone then. runs the TV, computer, DVD player, and solves the heating problem

 

[GLENNSPARK]

well. 2 birds with 1 stone then. runs the TV, computer, DVD player, and solves the heating problem

Had a chuckle over that one tel.....but cant you get volt drops appearing n all (over a long run on extention reels daisychained)?......

 

[Blowcat]

Thats called "daisychaining" blowcat and it aint a good idea mate..........

Like I said its not perfect or pretty but it does the job and is safe.
It is a good idea to solve the problem.

 

[mickys86]

I think Malcolm wins this one. Start throwing regulations at the council. And tell them that the extension leads are getting very hot. Even though they are only recommendations they might take heed and do something.