Wiring In a Shed, advice needed on SWA route

[Big_Paul83]

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!

 

[buzzlightyear]

Imo i think you should get a spark in to sort the job for you .and can you send the beer in a can to me.

 

[Big_Paul83]

Appreciate you saying get a spark in, but that’s not really the advice I was looking for.....

 

[telectrix]

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? YES

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.OK

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?NO
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? NO

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!

MY THOUGHTS IN BLOOD.

 

[Big_Paul83]

Maybe I should say, I’d like the chase the SWA in the internal wall before exiting the building....is that ok to do, taking into account the bed radius of the cable?

 

[buzzlightyear]

Appreciate you saying get a spark in, but that’s not really the advice I was looking for.....

ok maybe you should not get one in ,maybe you ring you building control and ask them .
in the end you will get one in to sign it off .

 

[Big_Paul83]

Definitely, I know it notifiable work so will need to get BCD to test and inspect. This is just questions so I know where I can run the cable to get it out to the shed

 

[Spoon]

Can the House CU be Changed and retain the original RED/Black house wires?

All depends on the quality of the cable and whoever changes the CU can test this. Or get an Electrical Installation cert done before hand to see if the existing circuits are suitable.

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?

Hard to totally understand how you are routing the armoured cable but it's armoured so IMO no need to chase into a wall.
If taking the cable through the cavity make sure the cable is at a slight downward angle ( from inside to outside wall) to stop water transfering from outside wall to inside wall.

Is the shed attached to the house?

Oh and welcome to the forum mate.

 

[Big_Paul83]

Shed not attached to house, it’s about 5 meters away but have a nice solid brick wall to run the cable along outside, but I don’t know whether I should bring the cable outside under the floor board level, which would make it run along the base of the external wall before it gets to the wall and then bring it up vertically or if I should bring it up vertically inside the house, chased into the wall before Exiting the building. Do t really want the SWA pinned to the inside wall.

 

[Big_Paul83]

Attached are photos of the route

 

[Spoon]

If you are intending to route the cable the same route as the existing black cable then I don't see a problem.
Try and get at least the minimum bent radius for the 6mm while going round the corners.

 

[Spoon]

Just to add to @buzzlightyear post #6 above, when you ring building control and get a price for the work, it might be cheaper for an electrician to do it. They pay a lot, lot less to building control.

 

[Big_Paul83]

If you are intending to route the cable the same route as the existing black cable then I don't see a problem.
Try and get at least the minimum bent radius for the 6mm while going round the corners.

What looks like a cable is actually a pipe for the watering system in the garden, it actually passes underneath the door step to the other side of the door

 

[Big_Paul83]

Could I find a friendly local electrician and offer to do the labour myself such as running the cables, fitting everything etc etc and pay them for final connection/sign off?

 

[Pete999]

Could I find a friendly local electrician and offer to do the labour myself such as running the cables, fitting everything etc etc and pay them for final connection/sign off?

Only if he had inspected and verified the installation at the crucial stages, may find someone who is willing to it for cash in hand as he drives by.

 

[Bobster]

Maybe, but you'll need them to be involved from the start to design the circuit and tell you where and what to do.

They will also need to inspect it at different stages of the install.

I know most wont mind you doing the donkey work, like digging a trench etc..

 

[Big_Paul83]

Maybe, but you'll need them to be involved from the start to design the circuit and tell you where and what to do.

They will also need to inspect it at different stages of the install.

I know most wont mind you doing the donkey work, like digging a trench etc..

No trenches to be dug on this one, the cable will run along the wall.

I was think more of running cable from end to end CU to CU,with everything in place ready to be connected

 

[Bobster]

No trenches to be dug on this one, the cable will run along the wall.

I was think more of running cable from end to end CU to CU,with everything in place ready to be connected

You'll have to call a few and see what they say. I doubt they will have a problem with it. However they will specify what cable to use and where to run it etc..

It will be their name being signed against it.

 

[Big_Paul83]

You'll have to call a few and see what they say. I doubt they will have a problem with it. However they will specify what cable to use and where to run it etc..

It will be their name being signed against it.

I’d be the same in my day job, anything I have to sign my name to has to be properly ratified by myself

 

[remedial]

you dont need to run the swa all the way to the CU. might be easier to run t&e inside

 

[Bobster]

you dont need to run the swa all the way to the CU. might be easier to run t&e inside

That's not something the OP can decide, the electrician brought in to advise will suggest the appropriate installation method.

 

[Spoon]

you dont need to run the swa all the way to the CU. might be easier to run t&e inside

Also, to add to @Rob post above, the OP's CU doesn't have an RCD so may be easier to run armour to house CU.

 

[Big_Paul83]

@Spoon That's what I'd like to do is run the SWA from CU to CU, using the armour to export the Earth as well as a spare core. its a wooden shed by the way.
My main concern is bringing the cable up above the floor boards before exiting the house.
To keep the job tidy, I'd like to chase the SWA into the internal wall and then exit the building behind the chase.
I was concerned that I had to bring the cable out at a certain height but apparently not from earlier answers.
In which case I can bring it out on the right hand side of the door, go vertically down, under the door step then back up the other side to take it round to the garden wall....
I have to run conduit beside to take the CAT 6 cables out to the shed also.

 

[Spoon]

I have to run conduit beside to take the CAT 6 cables out to the shed also.

What about just using armoured CAT 6 cable? Then no need for conduit..

 

[Pete999]

Appreciate you saying get a spark in, but that’s not really the advice I was looking for.....

May not be the advice you are wanting, but it's the best advice given so far.

 

[Spoon]

Could also use one of these to get internet into shed.

 

[Big_Paul83]

@Spoon I don’t really want to use a power line adaptor as I have a need for Gb speed.
@Pete999 I’m looking at doing my 18th edition and part p courses so as much as I appreciate people telling me to get an electrician in, it won’t help me get any practical experience. I’m happy to work with one for sign off and I don’t mind paying a little more in the long run, but I would really like to do the work myself

 

[Bobster]

Part P isn't a qualification don't get ripped off with the courses.

It's a set of building regulations that are available free online.

Also, just the 18th edition qualification, although a start. Does in no way mean you can undertake electrical work. This qualification just proves you can read the book.

 

[Big_Paul83]

I already design and fit electrical systems to ships, unfortunately that don’t mean I can fit them in houses

 

[Pete999]

Part P isn't a qualification don't get ripped off with the courses.

It's a set of building regulations that are available free online.

Also, just the 18th edition qualification, although a start. Does in no way mean you can undertake electrical work. This qualification just proves you can read the book.

Cosmic reply Rob, Cosmic

 

[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?