UK Diy, installing a media wall, adding 4 double & 1 single socket, advice on how to wire everything safely & then get an electrician to inspect

[jeff72]

Hi, I'm wanting to add 4 double & 1 single socket for a media wall, I've checked the wattage of each electrical item tottaling 2535W & calculated I need 11.02 Amps, can I run a 13 amp fused spur from the back of an existing double socket & then run cables to connect the sockets in a radial fashion from the 13A fused spur, one item is an electrical fire which draws nearly 8A, is it better to have that run from a different 13A fused spur from a different double socket, I will get a local electrician to inspect, test & sign off, TIA

 

[Avo Mk8]

Hi, I'm wanting to add 4 double & 1 single socket for a media wall, I've checked the wattage of each electrical item tottaling 2535W & calculated I need 11.02 Amps, can I run a 13 amp fused spur from the back of an existing double socket

Check that the socket you run the spur from is on a ring circuit, eg with a 32A MCB/RCBO

& then run cables to connect the sockets in a radial fashion from the 13A fused spur,

That's OK

one item is an electrical fire which draws nearly 8A, is it better to have that run from a different 13A fused spur from a different double socket

Because your media devices will not draw much current, I think the same single feed could be used for the 2kW fire as well, but maybe best on its own socket.

I will get a local electrician to inspect, test & sign off, TIA

Sorry to sound blunt, but that sounds a little arrogant, unless that has already been discussed and agreed!
'Sign off' is a declaration by the electrician that he has designed the circuit to the regulations, that the workmanship is satisfactory (terminals done up to acceptable torque, wiring insulation meeting requirements, sleeving present, IP met, no damage etc etc.), then testing with calibrated instrument(s), and the results recorded on the Minor Works Certificate (or EICR/whatever).
As a result of that formal declaration the electrician often assumes some responsibility for safety, with associated legal implications for him/her.
A visual inspection and testing doesn't necessarily give all the necessary information, so quite understandably many electricians won't agree sign off other peoples work, and you might argue it's unethical.
As a minimum I suggest you discuss what you would like to do with the electrician you'd like to use, and let him decide if he's happy for you do the work. Sometimes a compromise can be reached with prep, running cables etc. and the electrician terminating the accessories.

 

[jeff72]

Check that the socket you run the spur from is on a ring circuit, eg with a 32A MCB/RCBO

That's OK

Because your media devices will not draw much current, I think the same single feed could be used for the 2kW fire as well, but maybe best on its own socket.

Sorry to sound blunt, but that sounds a little arrogant, unless that has already been discussed and agreed!
'Sign off' is a declaration by the electrician that he has designed the circuit to the regulations, that the workmanship is satisfactory (terminals done up to acceptable torque, wiring insulation meeting requirements, sleeving present, IP met, no damage etc etc.), then testing with calibrated instrument(s), and the results recorded on the Minor Works Certificate (or EICR/whatever).
As a result of that formal declaration the electrician often assumes some responsibility for safety, with associated legal implications for him/her.
A visual inspection and testing doesn't necessarily give all the necessary information, so quite understandably many electricians won't agree sign off other peoples work, and you might argue it's unethical.
As a minimum I suggest you discuss what you would like to do with the electrician you'd like to use, and let him decide if he's happy for you do the work. Sometimes a compromise can be reached with prep, running cables etc. and the electrician terminating the accessories.

Not blunt at all, honest opinions are exactly what I'm after, I'm a gas safe engineer so can appreciate wanting to do all the fixings myself, totally agree he may insist on the 1st fix being done by himself, it's still in the early stages, the frame has been built & I've marked where the sockets are needed, will get a local electrician to come & have a look before taking any further