Getting around the rules, Legally????

[Speck]

Hi,

I want to fully wire up a workshop that I have just built, sockets, lights etc. I am fully competent enough to do this but the rules say I cannot. However, I think I may have a way around it and seek your advice.

Here is my plan. I will install the consumer unit, wire up all the lights, sockets, spurs etc, whatever I need. I will then run a cable from the consumer unit up to my house and fit a round plug on the end (16amp or 32 amp, advice please?) similar to the ones that are used for caravan hook ups.

I will then get a fully qualified Part P electrician to install for me an IP67 outdoor socket, again similar to the type used on caravan sites for mains hook up. Then, simply plug my shed into this socket, hey presto! Fully mains powered workshop!

Is there any reason why I cannot do this and is it legal, safe and within the rules?

Thanks.

 

[Marvo]

I don't see the point of the plug and socket what do you think you're gaining by installing it? Which rules specifically do you think it will circumvent?

 

[telectrix]

think he's concerned about notification to labc.

 

[Speck]

think he's concerned about notification to labc.

As far as I am aware I cannot legally open up my consumer unit and connect my workshop to it?

 

[Octopus]

You should contact LABC, pay their fees and allow them to do all the inspections etc.....

 

[Speck]

The point of doing this is .......
1. I won't have to pay an electrician to wire up my workshop when I am capable of doing it myself.
2. I won't have to bury an SWA in the ground and have that inspected.
3. I will get a useful outdoor socket.

 

[telectrix]

you can legally do any work you want, including working on the consumer unit. to comply with part p of the building regulations, you should notify to your LABC before starting. this usually costs around £300. whether or not you decide to comply with part p is up to you. in any case, you should possess the test equipment to test the install and produce an EIC for the work.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

If you do a risk assessment, you will discover that the resulting installation via the socket-outlet is less safe than if it were directly connected. Why compromise safety?

 

[Speck]

If you do a risk assessment, you will discover that the resulting installation via the socket-outlet is less safe than if it were directly connected. Why compromise safety?

Why is it less safe?

Also, I want to save the £300 by doing it this way.

If we can put aside the reasons for a moment, is it safe and legal to do it this way?

Thanks

 

[telectrix]

can you test the installation and complete a certificate? if not you are not complying with BS7671, a non-statutory set of regulations for electrical installations. by not doing, if anything were to go wrong, your insurance company may refuse to pay out and you could find yourself in front of a judge. a defence of " well it was only on a plug" when someone is injured or killed will not get you off.