SWITCHED DOUBLE SOCKET HELP?! - MUCH APPRECIATED

[Callum Thomas]

Hi Guys,

I am currently getting a kitchen overhaul and want to install some unit/kick-board lights. I want to be able to control the unit lights with the light-switch which controls the down-lights in the kitchen ceiling. I have swapped the switch out for a double switch.

The lights have came for the units but they require a plug socket. Currently i have created a double plug socket with a plastic external backbox which i have wired slightly different. I have attached a diagram of how this is currently wired up. The source of electricity (yellow spark in the diagram) is basically just an added spur from an existing socket. I have then decided to wire the live wire directly to the light-switch and a 'switched live' coming from the light switch going back to the 'L' part of the plug socket. Hopefully the diagram will better explain this.

My questions are, is this safe to do so, or is there an easier way to accomplish what i am trying to do? As i know you should never create a plug socket spur from a lighting circuit as they are rated differently. So am i creating any potential risk by adding the 2 circuits in a single back-box for the light-switch even though they don't actually come into contact with eachother as they will be wired to different individual switches on the same faceplate. Also, what is the situation with the earth cables for this setup? The backbox is a plastic dry-wall one so there is no earthing to be done for the back box. So would i combine the 2 earth cables into the same earth-lug on the metal faceplate of the lightswitch?

Any advice is much appreciated.

P.S i do not want to hear how i should be calling a qualified electrician in to do the job, i am simply just asking for advice and trying to educate myself in this sector. So those statements are irrelevant.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Amp David]

Tbh callum, its a better job than some who i know would do. I’ve some drill a hole through worktop and plug the lights into a socket and use that as there switching

 

[buzzlightyear]

Why are you on this thread? You have offered no helpful advice and are just posting irrelevant posts. Will ask you kindly to leave unless you're going to offer any helpful information.

check you insurance policy before you burn you house down. when you employ a spark he has got a 2 million l/b insurance have you....

 

[Callum Thomas]

I could be wrong, but I get the impression #2 is a sarcastic response to your query, if I am wrong then OP of #2 please accept my apologies.
To answer your question as to why I thinks it's a dangerous idea, you intend to supply the socket with a N and E and take the L to the switch, which undoubtedly already have a live present, so, hypothetically you could have a fault, or some work don on the lighting circuit, and the Electrician you would have engage to do the work on the lighting circuit, would of, I hope isolated the lighting circuit, only it wouldn't be dead as you would have, added another L to the switch position, yes he will have checked only to be faced with a DIY debacle.
So if you are intent on installing these lights, I would get a Kitchen fitter in to do the job cheaper than the Electrician you should have engaged to do the job in the first place.

I understand your logic completely, however, my consumer unit is an old-style one which does not allow seperate circuits to be switched off individually. I have attached a photo below, Therefore the entire electrics in the home will need to be switched off before any work is undertaken. Preventing your scenario.

 

[123]

Have you fused this down to 3 or 5A? Also what type of cable have you used, and how have you installed it?

 

[Pete999]

In theory this works, what kind of cable have you used?

Don't encourage him 123, it could be detrimental to his well being, seriously.

I do not understand your response, the socket is wired correctly from a 30 Amp ring main, only difference is the live is going to a switch so that the live can be switched on and off. The socket would work fine if the live was wired directly to the 'L' port rather than the switch. SO what is the issue?

I have given you my reasons, if you won't or can't accept them, I am not going to take any further part of this thread, it's not my policy to walk DIYers through a comprehensive install, which could cause injury to you or your family.

 

[Callum Thomas]

Tbh callum, its a better job than some who i know would do. I’ve some drill a hole through worktop and plug the lights into a socket and use that as there switching

Not quite what i'm trying to accomplish though is it. I know this is a possibility which can be done. Just trying to work out the best way to go about it. If you have any logical idea on how would be best to accomplish what i'm trying to do then please step in with your advice. As currently i'm hearing a lot of 'dont do its' but no alternatives being offered.

 

[Amp David]

You just pull a fuse for each circuit so yes they can.

Posting that pic callum has just opened you up to a load of grief now though pal

 

[buzzlightyear]

get some with a wood pole handy !

 

[PEG]

Callum,you cannot ask for advice,and then qualify what you would not want to hear,as irrelevant.

That is worse than risky. It is bad manners.

 

[Amp David]

Have you fused this down to 3 or 5A? Also what type of cable have you used, and how have you installed it?

Why the worry for fusing down?

Hes used 2.5 as as spur, no ones going to be using this new socket for anything as it must be hidden under the units

 

[charlie76]

I wouldn’t recommend this at all. You are mixing 2 circuits I.e. your lighting circuit and your socket circuit in 1 switch. It is unlikely but not impossible where you could have a fault whereby your lighting circuit ends up protected by a 32A MCB which would not protect a 1.5mm cable. It is just bad practice and as someone else said could be a mine field for someone else fault finding in the future. There will be much better ways of doing this.

 

[Callum Thomas]

I wouldn’t recommend this at all. You are mixing 2 circuits I.e. your lighting circuit and your socket circuit in 1 switch. It is unlikely but not impossible where you could have a fault whereby your lighting circuit ends up protected by a 32A MCB which would not protect a 1.5mm cable. It is just bad practice and as someone else said could be a mine field for someone else fault finding in the future. There will be much better ways of doing this.

Completely understand what your saying, however, what could be an alternative to accomplish this?

 

[buzzlightyear]

I wouldn’t recommend this at all. You are mixing 2 circuits I.e. your lighting circuit and your socket circuit in 1 switch. It is unlikely but not impossible where you could have a fault whereby your lighting circuit ends up protected by a 32A MCB which would not protect a 1.5mm cable. It is just bad practice and as someone else said could be a mine field for someone else fault finding in the future. There will be much better ways of doing

the op is not listening.

 

[Callum Thomas]

no ones going to be using this new socket for anything as it must be hidden under the units

Correct

 

[Grant webber]

Completely understand what your saying, however, what could be an alternative to accomplish this?

Simple hire the services of a professional