Adding socket to radial

[Billybellfoot]

Hi as above i currently have a Radial from CU in cupboard that powers one socket (powers 13a heater) outside the cupboard can i (DIY) add a new socket inside the cupboard between CU and existing socket? The intention to have a socket in that cupboard to power a chest freezer

Thanks for any support

 

[Marvo]

Is the existing radial circuit 20A? Is it RCD protected?

This isn't an airing cupboard with the heater used inside it is it? If so I wouldn't put any kind of refrigeration appliance in a heated cupboard.

 

[Billybellfoot]

Is the existing radial circuit 20A? Is it RCD protected?

This isn't an airing cupboard with the heater used inside it is it? If so I wouldn't put any kind of refrigeration appliance in a heated cupboard.

 

[Billybellfoot]

Hi thanks for swift response. no its just an inside cupboard just inside porch door (maisonette no downstairs except that cupboard and the adjacent heater) ill show a pic for ref


Thanks again

 

[Billybellfoot]

Hi on the fuse box pic posted the fuse in question is the (lobby heater) proteus b20 i believe is a 20a as for rcd there are 2 rcd switches.

 

[westward10]

Yes is the answer.

 

[Pete999]

Yes is the answer.

Up early Westy

 

[westward10]

Up early Westy

Down in Reading, up early to beat traffic gets worse every day. Actually quite late for me some days up at 3.30 what a life

 

[Billybellfoot]

Hi thanks for input westward is that YES it has rcd OR, YES it can be done adding an additional socket to radial between CU and existing socket at end of radial


Thanks

 

[westward10]

Both, yes it has rcd protection and you can add on either between the socket and CU or after the socket using a suitably sized cable which is probably 2.5.

 

[telectrix]

or even take direct off the MCB, making sure you get the N in the correct N bar.

 

[Billybellfoot]

Both, yes it has rcd protection and you can add on either between the socket and CU or after the socket using a suitably sized cable which is probably 2.5.

would the existing cable given enough slack in it behind the dry wall be fit for the purpose. for the between CU and existing socket method (does this in theory make the existing heater socket a spur from the intended new socket if so does that method remain safe)


Thanks again

 

[Pat H]

If you add direct from the MCB isn't that a new radial circuit and not an addition.

 

[Andy78]

Of you add direct from the MCB isn't that a new radial circuit and not an addition.

No

I would advise the OP to get an electrician in to carry out this job as they will be able to test the circuit to verify its safety.

 

[Pat H]

Ah yes thats correct as long as its the same MCB then its not a new circuit its an alteration.
Its a shame that the addition of a new MCB would be neater and provide circuit seperation but would then be a new circuit.
And yes of course the work would need the correct tests done to ensure safety so should be carried out by an electrician.

 

[Billybellfoot]

Hi here is a small diagram of what i have with a basic floor plan for info/ref and an idea of what i had intended with fig1 being the more obvious location for new socket. i am not qualified correct but i thought this was (diy level) adding one socket between cu and existing socket on that radial. maybe i underestimated the complexity of the job ?

 

[Pat H]

The physical install maybe ok but to test continuity and insulation resistance are ok and safe you need the right kit and how to use it. Hence safer to use an electrician.

 

[Billybellfoot]

The physical install maybe ok but to test continuity and insulation resistance are ok and safe you need the right kit and how to use it. Hence safer to use an electrician.

I do have a continuity tester and am willing to buy the kit required if i dont have it to hand.

Thanks again

 

[Andy78]

You'll be looking at £500 minimum for a multi function tester to test the circuit in accordance with the wiring regulations. Then you need to know how to use it. Probably simpler to get an electrician in as you seem keen to do a proper job of this.

 

[Pat H]

A normal continuity tester isn't normally suitable. Due to the high voltage and high current we need to measure to fractiins of an ohm. Most normal continuity meters are designed to just check continuity but not at the required accuracy.

 

[Billybellfoot]

Hi thanks again to all for input. so i now have conflicting responses a yes it can be done and it can be but only by a sparky with 500 plus kit ?. i really did think it was as simple as adding a socket. i recently isolated the heater socket to change from a fused faceplate to a socket faceplate so as i had a spare socket downstairs for say vacuming car etc. I assumed isolate that same heater socket and in turn the length of cable powering it cut into (dead) cable fit patress box wire in new socket faceplate and voila. i assumed cable etc wouldnt need continuity tests etc as its already running the heater with no problem ?

 

[Billybellfoot]

Heres a list i found of what a person can cannot do without notification. http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/partp.htm
Says addition of sockets is ok without?

 

[westward10]

It is probably a straight forward job and you are correct it is not notifiable. What is also being said is that an electrician can test the circuit to ensure it's compliance/safety.

 

[Andy78]

You can do what you like in your own house and it is a simple job. Other simple jobs can include changing the brakes on your car, stitching an open wound, and connecting a gas cooker. All of these jobs probably have information on the web on how to do them, and there are also professionals to do them for you.

 

[Pat H]

Doesn't even connecting a gas cooker require corgi registration? I purchased a new cooker flexible hose and was advised only a registered installer could fit it.

 

[westward10]

Ah yes thats correct as long as its the same MCB then its not a new circuit its an alteration.
Its a shame that the addition of a new MCB would be neater and provide circuit seperation but would then be a new circuit.
And yes of course the work would need the correct tests done to ensure safety so should be carried out by an electrician.

That's open to debate.

 

[Billybellfoot]

Hi thanks again all input is much appreciated. so the socket being added in the way ive stated is the correct approach (would any of you approach it differently?), and assuming the continuity is ok as the heater is wired to that radial fitted by a sparky so i assume he wouldnt of fitted that to a length of cable that lacked the required continuity. basing alot on assumption of the competence of the qualified sparky maybe ?

 

[Billybellfoot]

Thanks again to all that chipped in ill order the bits and go ahead with it.


Bill

 

[PEG]

Doesn't even connecting a gas cooker require corgi registration? I purchased a new cooker flexible hose and was advised only a registered installer could fit it.

...yet,when you purchase condoms,nobody wants to extend advice ...