Sep 19, 2024
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Hi all,
I have a hybrid car and I’m trying to install a socket outdoors. I’m on E7 and have storage heaters on their own circuits, can I make a little T junction within a back box like so and connect that round the corner to an external EV-rated socket? Circuit is 16A, storage heater does not get used, and the socket has RCBO protection. The switch is for the storage heater, cable from CU runs vertically down and powers only the storage heater.

Thanks in advance,
Rob

IMG_6758.jpeg
 
TL;DR
Spur from heater circuit for EV socket
I would not do that install if a customer asked me to.

the heater has a look of a well used heater. not as you say one that is never used.
it may be that it was used in the past and now you don't use it but other people would not be aware that you cant use them both at the same time.

I would always recommend a proper EV charger instead of a glorified outdoor socket.
 
Are you sure that’s the switch for the heater? There’s no flex going between.

Your socket will only work at off peak hours…

Your socket, being outside, will need to be rcd protected. (All sockets should be, but especially for outside)

If the CU is close, get a proper charge point installed.
 
What mode of charger is it?
 
Are you sure that’s the switch for the heater? There’s no flex going between.

Your socket will only work at off peak hours…

Your socket, being outside, will need to be rcd protected. (All sockets should be, but especially for outside)

If the CU is close, get a proper charge point installed.
Yep, comes down from the CU to the switch which goes down and round the corner to the storage heater. Charging is 10A/230V max and only a 11.1kWh battery so no point getting a proper charge point, would take me longer than I have the car to pay off vs using petrol alone. Off peak charging is good anyway as it’s half the price
 
I would not do that install if a customer asked me to.

the heater has a look of a well used heater. not as you say one that is never used.
it may be that it was used in the past and now you don't use it but other people would not be aware that you cant use them both at the same time.

I would always recommend a proper EV charger instead of a glorified outdoor socket.
We don’t use it, people who had the house before did. As there’s only two of us in the house we’d know not to use both (heater is next to a door anyway we may as well pay to heat up the outside)
 
A mode 2 charger can be connected from another circuit but it is suggested this is only for occasional use otherwise it should be a dedicated circuit. If using a 13A socket it should be identified for EV charging by the manufacturer.
 
What is your earthing system?
 
What is your earthing system?
Not sure, CU is old and definitely needs replacing but can’t be bothered with the hassle of telling the landlord despite it being illegal
 
Does your landlord know you are doing this?
Has your landlord carried out an EICR and given you a copy as required by law.
 
Does your landlord know you are doing this?
Has your landlord carried out an EICR and given you a copy as required by law.
I asked him if I could get a socket installed he said yeah that’s fine. Got a quote from an electrician he said the CU isn’t up to code and an EICR hasn’t been done as it would show the CU needs replacing. Decided not to go with the electrician as he wanted to spur off a socket on the front ring and the internet says no to that
 
They are breaking the law not having an EICR carried out.
You can connect from the ring final but it would only be suitable for occasional use. How often do you plan on using it?
 
They are breaking the law not having an EICR carried out.
You can connect from the ring final but it would only be suitable for occasional use. How often do you plan on using it?
Once every two or three days, overnight. Would either be 00:00-07:00 at 6A or 4 hours within 00:00-0700 at 10amps.
Should I tell them they need the EICR doing? How much roughly does it cost for replacement of two CUs and an inspection?
 
The landlord should have had this done by now it is a legal requirement. I personally would not be touching anything until this is done. Can you show a picture of your consumer unit?
 
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Apart from everything else mentioned, I wouldn't be happy fitting a 13A socket to an automatically switched supply.
 
The landlord should have had this done by now it is a legal requirement. I personally would not be touching anything until this is done. Can you show a picture of your consumer unit?
image.jpg
This is the CU (two of these), presumably fairly old
 
Unless there is an rcd before that board ( looks like the main switch but has a little test button on it)
It is unlikely to be suitable for the addition of an outside socket.
 
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Unless there is an rcd before that board ( looks like the main switch but has a little test button on it)
I fitted several of these GE boards back in the day. That's not a test button, it's an embossed section on the aluminium profile used to link the two SP switches that make up the main switch.
 
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If you're a qualified, trainee, or retired electrician - Which country is it that your work will be / is / was aimed at?
United Kingdom
What type of forum member are you?
DIY or Homeowner (Perhaps seeking pro advice, or an electrician)

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Spur/Junction for outdoor socket for PHEV charging?
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