fitting outside weatherproof sockets with rcd

[john102956]

Hello. I am thinking of fitting an outside weatherproof socket unit. I will run the cable back through the wall via a surface mounted box to a kitchen socket where it will be plugged in with a 13 amp fuse. I will use 2.5mm square cable and trunking. The kitchen socket is already covered by an rcd on the consumer unit. Is it necessary to have an outside socket unit protected with an rcd when the circuit is already covered by the consumer unit rcd?

 

[littlespark]

No. You don’t need another rcd if the circuit you’re coming off has it.

Also, 2.5 t&e will not fit into a plug top.

by using the 13A fuse in the plug, you could use 1.5mm flex instead.

 

[telectrix]

far better to spur off the rear terminals of the internal socket. but if you want it to be plugged in use 1.5mm flex with a 13A fuse in the plug. do not try and fit T/E into a plug.

 

[littlespark]

It’s a DIY thread, tel. Maybe beyond the capability to spur off the back of the socket.

 

[telectrix]

It’s a DIY thread, tel. Maybe beyond the capability to spur off the back of the socket.

that's whyi added the 1.5mm flex into a plug. (before i'd read your last ost ?‍??‍?).

 

[john102956]

No. You don’t need another rcd if the circuit you’re coming off has it.

Also, 2.5 t&e will not fit into a plug top.

by using the 13A fuse in the plug, you could use 1.5mm flex instead.

Hello. you have confirmed what i was thinking. many thanks for your help.

 

[john102956]

far better to spur off the rear terminals of the internal socket. but if you want it to be plugged in use 1.5mm flex with a 13A fuse in the plug. do not try and fit T/E into a plug.

Hello. many thanks for your help and info. much appreciated.

 

[pc1966]

If the cable will be exposed to sunlight then use UV resistant cable. This is suitable and sold be the meter in many places:

Superlec 3CORE 1.5MM 3183P H07RN-F EPR / PCP FLEXIBLE MAINS CABLE - EN60332-1-2

H07RN-F Cable is a non armoured flexible mains and control cable designed primarily as a trailing cable for use in the supply of energy for portable or mobile equipment.The cable is Ideal for use with transformer pumps, welders grinders, temporary lighting cable and feed cables to heavy mobile...

www.superlecdirect.com

Ideally you would use ferrules on the fine-stranded wire at the back of the socket (sometimes for plug tops as well), though many don't and it might be a bit of an expense for a one-off DIY job. But if you do odd things like this a lot then something like this would do:

Crimping Tool Set IDESION Ferrule Crimper Plier 0.25–10mm² Self-Adjustable Ratchet Crimp Tools with 1200 pcs Wire Terminal Crimps (AWG 23-7) : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Shop Crimping Tool Set IDESION Ferrule Crimper Plier 0.25–10mm² Self-Adjustable Ratchet Crimp Tools with 1200 pcs Wire Terminal Crimps (AWG 23-7). Free delivery on eligible orders of £20 or more.

www.amazon.co.uk

Finally please test the socket before use! At the very least one of the basic socket test tools, but if you can afford it then the better ones like this tell you if the earth is at least half-decent:

TIS Socket Tester With Loop & RCD Check

A pocket sized checker for indicating loop impedance, socket polarity and RCD 30mA are all ok. Indication is by LED's and buzzer. An ideal unit for initial "checking out" of a 13A socket and will advise if the circuit is ok, needs attention, or needs urgent attention. An ideal product for...

www.toolstation.com

If your house has not had a recent electrical inspection (EICR) then it is well worth spending an hour or two with such a tester going round every socket and checking it passes, looks OK (no cracks or evidence of thermal stress) and the switch action is good and positive.

 

[pc1966]

If you don't have the ferrules, then for the socket end strip about 2cm of insulation off the fine stranded wire, twist the fine strands together a bit, and fold them back half-way so you have about 1cm doubled-up for the terminal to get a good grip of.

 

[john102956]

If you don't have the ferrules, then for the socket end strip about 2cm of insulation off the fine stranded wire, twist the fine strands together a bit, and fold them back half-way so you have about 1cm doubled-up for the terminal to get a good grip of.

Hello. Thank you so much for these excellent informative answers.

 

[telectrix]

there's a video of how not to do it. another member may be able to find it.

 

[nicebutdim]

If you insist...

Amazed the guy has only hidden this and not removed it altogether - need someone with the know-how to save it ?

 

[Markyd]

It’s a DIY thread, tel. Maybe beyond the capability to spur off the back of the socket.

then also beyond capability to test and issue a minor works cert.....Get a sparky

 

[littlespark]

It’s going to be on a plug top..... so it’s not fixed wiring.... or would you like it PAT tested instead ?