Convert power switch to outlet

[betamaxbandit]

Hi. I have a extractor fan in my kitchen that I never use as well as a outside light for the garden which is rarely used. I'm wondering if the switches that power these could be converted into a wall outlet instead as that would be much more useful.

I know it's possible but i'm wondering how invasive and costly it would be. The kitchen is newly decorated so I don't want walls being ripped open etc. It's only something i'd want doing if it was relatively easy and not to destructive.

I've included a picture for better detail.

Thanks for any advice

 

[Octopus]

It would depend on what rating circuits they are connected to?

If its lighting - then no
If its 16A or above - probably.

 

[BOYD BARKLEY]

Hi. I have a extractor fan in my kitchen that I never use as well as a outside light for the garden which is rarely used. I'm wondering if the switches that power these could be converted into a wall outlet instead as that would be much more useful.

I know it's possible but i'm wondering how invasive and costly it would be. The kitchen is newly decorated so I don't want walls being ripped open etc. It's only something i'd want doing if it was relatively easy and not to destructive.

I've included a picture for better detail.

Thanks for any advice

View attachment 41141

It just depends on what circuit it comes from,if its on the lighting circuit and it has a neutral connection and a sound earth you may fit a 5 amp socket only for light use. If it's on a socket circuit you should be able to fit a 13 amp socket to the feed side at little cost.Make sure the circuit is tested properly and is adequate for the load.

 

[Risteard]

Is extraction not a requirement of the Building Regulations?

 

[Octopus]

Is extraction not a requirement of the Building Regulations?

Only on new builds and extensions with BCO involved as far as I'm aware.

 

[Risteard]

Only on new builds and extensions with BCO involved as far as I'm aware.

I was assuming this was put in as part of a new build, so then is it reasonable/allowable to remove it?

 

[Octopus]

I was assuming this was put in as part of a new build, so then is it reasonable/allowable to remove it?

Who's going to stop you?

 

[Risteard]

Who's going to stop you?

I'm not suggesting that anyone would be peering through the window to stop you. I'm just curious as to whether this would breach Building Regulations (which are statutory).

 

[Pete999]

OP, as it has been said, lots of differnt things will be the decisive answer, wiring size, how it's wired etc, it's not something a non electrical person should be attempting, the best advice I can give you, is the old stated reply, "you need an Electrician to advise you" personally I wont give advice except what I have said, do yourself and your family a favour and get professional advice, please.

 

[BOYD BARKLEY]

[QUOTE="BOYD BARKLEY, post: 1362757, member: 106866".[/QUOTE]

 

[BOYD BARKLEY]

[QUOTE="BOYD BARKLEY, post: 1362757, member: 106866".

[/QUOTE]
Never recommend DIY on electrical work . 2 and 5 amp sockets may be wired (suitably)on a lighting circuit.

 

[betamaxbandit]

Oh I would never attempt anything like that myself. I just wanted to know if A- it would be possible and B- how invasive it would be, i.e would it involve hacking into the wall etc. It's only so I can have the tv where I want it without having to drag and extension lead over the kitchen which is what I currently have to do. Looks pretty unsightly.

I don't know what type of wires it has or what it's connected up to. I don't know the first thing about this stuff. I'll ask a local electrician to see what he thinks.

There used to be an outlet socket in that area but the house was rewired about 7 years ago and they removed it. Very annoying.

 

[Risteard]

Hi. I have a extractor fan in my kitchen that I never use as well as a outside light for the garden which is rarely used. I'm wondering if the switches that power these could be converted into a wall outlet instead as that would be much more useful.

I know it's possible but i'm wondering how invasive and costly it would be. The kitchen is newly decorated so I don't want walls being ripped open etc. It's only something i'd want doing if it was relatively easy and not to destructive.

I've included a picture for better detail.

Thanks for any advice

View attachment 41141

Oh, by the way I salute you for supporting what was unquestionably the best video format - superior to VHS in every respect.

 

[Adam W]

Changing light switches for sockets isn't usually a good idea:
Chances are it's on the lighting circuit so if you try to use any high current appliances like a vacuum cleaner you'll trip out the lights.
You might be gaining a socket but you'll be losing a light elsewhere or an extractor which were presumably put there for a reason. Repurposing the boxes with then mean you have an outside light and/or extractor which then no longer work, effectively broken.
Light switches often have shallower backboxes so it could involve cutting the box deeper anyway. In either case it'll be at switch height, not socket height, so it'll look like what it is - an afterthought.

Electrical alterations really need to be done before you decorate.

 

[KEV 1 N]

Electrical alterations really need to be done before you decorate.

Wish I had a pound for every time I’ve said that to someone!