Outside lights / socket outside covered way

[123bill]

Hi there ,
Some advice about running power from the house to a covered way , obviously slightly different to a shed as it’s more open to the elements. Is it best to get a unit/cupboard for the CU ? Or not have a CU at all outside and place a switched spur on the inside wall to power them ...

 

[pc1966]

Do you need it to be outside? Generally put stuff indoors unless absolutely necessary.

Also do you need a CU for multiple circuits? If it is just some lights or sockets then a FCU would be adequate (assuming RCD protected circuit).

Don't forget to use outdoor rated cable. So typically SWA (if mechanical protection required) or Flexishield, or H07RN-F rubber flexible cable if useful (but don't forget ferrules on the wire ends).

 

[123bill]

Yes ideally outside , just a light (and switch) and then a socket for occasional summer use , I mean cheapest /easiest way would be to spur off inside socket to the outside one ( junction box + armoured or swa) and then place the outside light on a plug top for that socket , obviously won’t be very aesthetic , the other option is spuring off a socket to a fcu and then to a lightswitch and a socket ...

 

[pc1966]

I mean do you need the protection to be outside?

The lowest cost/effort is probably a 13A FCU for the outside socket(s) and another FCU to fuse down to 3A for the lights. Even with outdoor switched accessories, it is a good idea to have internal DP isolation options, both to deal with a fault and to deny strangers the use of them if you are away.

 

[123bill]

Most likely not no , so spurring off a socket to a 13 amp fcu to the junction box , armoured towards my covered way into another junction and then to the socket and light from there would be okay ?

 

[123bill]

Or the light on a 5amp fcu from the outside socket , with the armoured going straight to the socket ? Thanks

 

[Grant1987]

Or the light on a 5amp fcu from the outside socket , with the armoured going straight to the socket ? Thanks

Just spur off a socket inside into a double pole isolator and then drill through to provide an external socket then either have a fused spur next to that socket or run SWA to a fused spur suitably IP rated fused down for lights required

 

[westward10]

Why do the lights need fusing down just keep all cables at 1.5.

 

[Grant1987]

Why do the lights need fusing down just keep all cables at 1.5.

I didn’t think that 1.5 is capable of 20A?

 

[westward10]

I didn’t think that 1.5 is capable of 20A?

Maybe I am misreading it but spurred from a ring final by way of a 13A FCU?

 

[Grant1987]

No spurred from a ring with 20A double pole isolator

 

[Grant1987]

Maybe I am misreading it but spurred from a ring final by way of a 13A FCU?

Or am I misreading? ?‍?

 

[westward10]

No spurred from a ring with 20A double pole isolator

Which post states that.

 

[Grant1987]

Which post states that.

Mine ??‍?

 

[Grant1987]

Which post states that.

Isn’t it best to provide double pole isolation for outdoor equipment? Therefore in the event of a fault occurring you can isolate inside?

 

[westward10]

A switched spur would do this however there is no requirement to do so in BS7671.

 

[Grant1987]

A switched spur would do this however there is no requirement to do so in BS7671.

You’re the boss so I’ll accept your reply