Attach 1 double socket to CU

[pckid57]

Hi, my Consumer Unit is in a cupboard in my hall. I would like to install 1 double socket only in this cupboard.

I was wondering if I could run the cable to feed this socket from an already occupied 16amp mcb or 32amp mcb from within my CU?

 

[Dustydazzler]

Hi, my Consumer Unit is in a cupboard in my hall. I would like to install 1 double socket only in this cupboard.

I was wondering if I could run the cable to feed this socket from an already occupied 16amp mcb or 32amp mcb from within my CU?

Technically you can nick a feed from an already in use mcb.
But if you have a spare slot then just whack in a new 16a mcb for the new plug socket

 

[pckid57]

Technically you can nick a feed from an already in use mcb.
But if you have a spare slot then just whack in a new 16a mcb for the new plug socket

Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure if I have an empty slot yet. If not is it safe to "Nick a feed from an existing mcb"?

 

[Grant1987]

Hi, my Consumer Unit is in a cupboard in my hall. I would like to install 1 double socket only in this cupboard.

I was wondering if I could run the cable to feed this socket from an already occupied 16amp mcb or 32amp mcb from within my CU?

Hi, yes you can do that at the consumer unit aslong as you havnt already spured off from your consumer unit the regs say an unfused spur May be connected to the origin of the circuit at the distribution board

 

[Grant1987]

Hi, yes you can do that at the consumer unit aslong as you havnt already spured off from your consumer unit the regs say an unfused spur May be connected to the origin of the circuit at the distribution board

Or preferably just put it on its own circuit as dusty dazzler said

 

[pckid57]

Hi, yes you can do that at the consumer unit aslong as you havnt already spured off from your consumer unit the regs say an unfused spur May be connected to the origin of the circuit at the distribution board

So it's okay to run a 2.5mm twin & earth from the existing mcb straight to the new intended socket, which is about five feet away from the CU?

 

[westward10]

Put in a new protective device it would require notification to building control under Part P of the Building Regulations. Connected from the existing ring final circuit it does not, that's the way of it. Do you have rcd protection.

 

[Grant1987]

So it's okay to run a 2.5mm twin & earth from the existing mcb straight to the new intended socket, which is about five feet away from the CU?

Yes that’s fine mate providing it hasn’t already been spured off from the CU

 

[westward10]

Or preferably just put it on its own circuit as dusty dazzler said

See #7, this is poor advice.

 

[ipf]

Put in a new protective device it would require notification to building control under Part P of the Building Regulations. Connected from the existing ring final circuit it does not, that's the way of it. Do you have rcd protection.

…….and are you sure all is in order with the existing ring circuit, if there is one. A bit of testing wouldn't go amiss.

 

[pckid57]

Put in a new protective device it would require notification to building control under Part P of the Building Regulations. Connected from the existing ring final circuit it does not, that's the way of it. Do you have rcd protection.

Yes there is RCD protection. The new socket will only be used to charge s Dyson Hoover.

 

[westward10]

Put in a new protective device to a spare way requires notification to building control, this is a legal requirement. Some responses to this thread have not considered this.

 

[Grant1987]

See #7, this

Put in a new protective device to a spare way requires notification to building control, this is a legal requirement. Some responses to this thread have not considered this.

Hi, no I didn’t consider if it was going to be notified i assumed he was going to comply with regs and I’m new to forum and I can quickly see that people without relevant qualifications may just want to do DIY without it being properly tested and certified so my bad will make sure future responses are compliant

 

[pckid57]

I don't think there is a spare way in the CU. So I'm looking at easy and safe options.

 

[Grant1987]

I don't think there is a spare way in the CU. So I'm looking at easy and safe options.

If you are safe and qualified page 505 in regs book does state you can spur off at origin of circuit

 

[westward10]

An easy safe option is to get an electrician in. If the socket is local to the consumer unit an easy job and you should get certification.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

If the new socket is near the CU. Remove one of the legs of the ring from the CU MCB and put it in your new socket. Run a short length of 2.5 T & E from you new socket back to the CU MCB. Thus the new socket becomes part of the ring.

 

[Pete999]

Yes that’s fine mate providing it hasn’t already been spured off from the CU

Why is that a no no?

 

[Grant1987]

Why is that a no no?

You can only have 1 unfused spur from any point of circuit including consumer unit that’s the regs.

 

[SJD]

You can only have 1 unfused spur from any point of circuit including consumer unit that’s the regs.

Which regulation is that?