socket on lighting circuit?

[neil_ev]

hi all,

have been asked to install a double socket in an attic space. was wondering if i installed it with a 5A fcu would this comply with the regs? seems a bit of a grey area.

thanks

 

[Amp David]

What happens when the someone swaps the 5 amp for a 13amp, because the 5 amp kept blowing? Shouldn't be done so i;d do it right and take it from an existing ring or radial.

 

[Paul.M]

NOT A GREY AREA. YOU CAN'T DO IT. Each circuit has to be separate for a start and another half dozen regs that it goes against.

 

[poirot]

What do they want to use the socket for ? Is it for a aerial booster or just general use.

 

[neil_ev]

Message recieved loud and clear. Don't do it.

Thanks all.

 

[KINKY]

If it is to be used for a specific purposes, i.e TV equipment, I read on here few weeks ago that as long as it is labeled accordingly this is in-line with the regs?

Is this correct, would like to know myself.

 

[IQ Electrical]

If it is to be used for a specific purposes, i.e TV equipment, I read on here few weeks ago that as long as it is labeled accordingly this is in-line with the regs?

Is this correct, would like to know myself.

You can install a 5A socket in a loft, on the lighting circuit, the same as you would install a 5A socket on a lighting circuit for a standard lamp, there is nothing in BS7671 preventing you from doing this, perfect for feeding a TV amp/booster.

The OP mentions a 'double socket'-in my view, this is somewhat stretching the issue!

 

[Paul.M]

NOT A GREY AREA. YOU CAN'T DO IT. Each circuit has to be separate for a start and another half dozen regs that it goes against.

Ok I'll put my hands up, I went down the wrong line of thought process. The first thing that jumped into my head at the time were why would you think you can put a 13amp db socket from a lighting circuit? There is no mention of what it will supply and I can just imagine the home owner plugging in a 2kw heater and the landing lights catching fire. How many regs does that break? That's what I was meaning, sorry if I confused the issue. IQ is correct, I would only use a fcu (not a socket) for the tv amp (if that is what its for) after working out the demand on that circuit.

 

[cornburn]

That's going to be fun for the next guy who works on the lighting, can imagine spending hours trying to find a lamp in somewhere cocking up his test results when it's something connected up in the loft. Surely there's something else up there you can tap into? Or just run a spur up inside the airing cupboard?

 

[IQ Electrical]

That's going to be fun for the next guy who works on the lighting, can imagine spending hours trying to find a lamp in somewhere cocking up his test results when it's something connected up in the loft. Surely there's something else up there you can tap into? Or just run a spur up inside the airing cupboard?

It's the cause of many a low IR value in domestic installations, the first thing an experienced domestic tester will look for!

It also shows the importance of marking up a consumer unit, about 8 seconds of time!

 

[Paul.M]

Agree with you, there must be a better way. On another thread right now about a customer complaining that an rcd test just blow up her sky+ box, same will happen here when the next spark turns up. Also with putting a fcu from the lighting circuit there is nothing stopping the customer going to a shed and buying and changing the fcu to a socket. If anyone does fit a fcu from a lighting circuit make sure you have it on paper to cover your back.

 

[pushrod]

Rather than fitting a double socket with square pins i would fit a single round pin and label like THIS stops somebody inadvertently sticking an electric fire into it.


edit - this= http://www.*************/app/sfd/ca...HZOSFFI?productId=11412&imageNo=null&ts=98976

still not working for me -imagine an old round pin plug!!!

 

[IQ Electrical]

Rather than fitting a double socket with square pins i would fit a single round pin and label like THIS stops somebody inadvertently sticking an electric fire into it.

Exactly, a 5A socket to BS546, perfect, just remember to mark up the consumer.

The reg's stipulate that we must list any items vulnerable to tests at or near the consumer unit for this very reason, if we adhere to these little rules, there is no problem.

 

[the pict]

Future testing, I agree I did a pir on on hotel laundry and on one ring final I got a fail on the IR test hauled every face plate off check between outlets trying to nail it, problem JB in attic feeding a tube heater under the water tank, bar steward,
Pict

 

[Amp David]

A second spent putting a note in or near the CU can save the next guy hours.

Can't understand why some sparks don't bother