Wiring In a Shed, advice needed on SWA route

[Bobster]

Cosmic reply Rob, Cosmic

Don't like to see anyone being ripped off, especially when trying to better themselves.

 

[Pete999]

Don't like to see anyone being ripped off, especially when trying to better themselves.

Agree, but there are a great many people getting ripped off all over the shop. Apologies for echoing your post on my last reply, but it gets up my nose when guys with some engineering experience think you can commit to the two courses mentioned and assume they are all singing all dancing Electricians.

 

[Big_Paul83]

Woo there! Never said I was going to be an all signing all dancing electrician! What I am looking at is the route the become a domestic installer. And what I need to do, what I need to study and what exams to take to move towards that. And as a start using my own home to gain some practical experience.
I do already hold a degree and NVQ 4 in Electrical engineering, but I do respect the fact that doesn’t mean I can suddenly start wiring houses.

 

[Bobster]

Agree, but there are a great many people getting ripped off all over the shop. Apologies for echoing your post on my last reply, but it gets up my nose when guys with some engineering experience think you can commit to the two courses mentioned and assume they are all singing all dancing Electricians.

I don't think this guy is under that impression Pete.

I merely wanted to point out information on the courses he mentioned.

Probably the type of person who would suit the Electrical Trainee course, an then working alongside an electrician for a while to pick up the practical knowledge of dismantling a house etc..

Although I have to ask, why on earth with a degree in engineering do you want to go into house bashing, the market is saturated and there is far easier far higher paying work as an engineer knocking around.

 

[Intoelectrics]

Big_Paul, welcome to the forum!
please don't take offence if some of us are very direct and seemingly unhelpful, that's not really our intentions!
The truth is we get a lot of D.I.Y'ers on here trying to take short cuts for one reason or another (usually to try and save money).
It is obvious that you are knowledgeable, experienced and qualified in electrical systems albeit not the domestic sector. But this knowledge will certainly help you towards achieving the required qualifications and experience to work in the domestic sector.
Its great that you seek advice regarding this install (rather than just blundering on) and from what you have suggested thus far seems reasonable to me. But it would be fool hardy to not involve an experienced electrician throughout the job. Yes it will cost you some money but this money will be an investment towards your learning experience.

My advice, along with what has already been suggested, is that you employ an experienced electrician who will work with you, can oversee the design and install and is happy to sign off the works.

 

[Big_Paul83]

In answer to your questions, I miss doing practical work, I’ve been sitting at a computer for the last few years and with my first baby on the way it’s a good way to use previous experience to do a bit of extra work to earn a little more.
I have no ambition on doing anything other than potentially putting in new CUs, extra sockets/lights or maybe the odd reword here and there, or light in doing at my own place, running power out to a shed/garage.
I pride myself in the quality of work and originally did an old fashioned MOD indentured apprenticeship (rare as rocking horse ---- these days) then my degree. But let’s be honest, doing a 9-5 in an office can be a bit crap

 

[Spoon]

But let’s be honest, doing a 9-5 in an office can be a bit crap

I enjoy doing it. Not to everyone though mate.
Yes I do miss wiring up consoles/control panels.

 

[Spoon]

As @Rob has already stated, the domestic side is saturated mate.

 

[Spoon]

If you want to gain knowledge about the domestic side then this forum is good for that. I have learned loads and learn more each day from the people on here.

 

[snipersmith87]

Why 6mm? Excessive for a lighting circuit and socket circuit. Is it a long run?

 

[Big_Paul83]

It’s long enough, plus it’s future proofing in case of a potential extra circuit in the future

 

[Spoon]

It’s long enough, plus it’s future proofing in case of a potential extra circuit in the future

I think @snipersmith87 comment "Is it a long run?" was most prob about volt drop and that is why you are going for 6mm cable.
Just out of interest mate, what is the approx cable length route from house CU to shed CU? You did say the shed was 5 meters away.

 

[Big_Paul83]

Total length is around 20 meters for the cable route.
Anyway, the volt drop would be negligible. Also it’s going to go under the wooden floor and not encapsulated in insulation or plaster.
I know I probably don’t have to run 6mm2, but it’s just if I end up running something a bit heavier than a couple of computers and the lights

 

[buzzlightyear]

andymann why are you putting dumb , dont stand on touch line. get on the pitch and say something.

 

[Norah Nabino]

Hi All,
I have a couple of questions regarding running SWA cable between the Internal House CU and The Shed New CU.

The shed is basically being used as a home office and as such has a 6A lighting circuit and 16A Circuit for Socket outlets. Will be running a couple of computers and Monitors.

So, First things first, I understand that running power out to the Shed is notifiable, however I'm not Part P registered, however I do design electrical systems for ships, so I'm a bit beyond a normal DIYer.

House is pretty old and not had a re-wire for a long time.
TN-S Earthing.
I think a new CU in the house is probably best.
RCD protected for House Circuits, Seperate 32A MCBO for supply to Shed, as the Shed CU has its own RCD.
Can the House CU be Changed and retain the original RED/Black house wires?

I need some advice on running the SWA cable from the house CU to the Shed.
Plan is the use 6mm2 SWA, correct glands for earthing or the armour to the Metal CUs and one core for Earth as well as the Armour.

The house has Suspended wooden floor so running the SWA from the consumer unit to the exterior wall is no problem.
Is there a specific requirement for the height the cable must enter/exit the building?
Should the SWA be chased into the wall internally before it goes through the cavity if it has to come out at a certain height?

Once on the outside it will be clipped along the exterior wall where it will head to shed...
Entry through side panelling with drip loop and then into Shed CU.

Shed distribution from Shed Cu is all done in conduit and already wired ready to go.....

Thanks in advance for any input and help, have a beer on me!

Hi,have you worked out your circuits design properly? ?
Why are you having 32a RCBO for the shed and RCD in the shed CU?
Have you worked out your discrimination?
I assume you are using radial circuits in the shed,why are you using 16a for sockets?