Outside Socket

[rob1993]

Hi there iv been asked to install 2 outside sockets and was wondering the best way people would do this.

first things first the ring is currently not rcd protected so could I get away with getting 2 outdoor rcd sockets instead of putting an rcbo on the whole circuit??
also what would be the best way to wire it, by splitting the ring or would it be okay to put a FCU which then feeds both sockets?

 

[Pete999]

FCU then feed the sockets, I would imagine it would be a bit of a bogger to split the RFC

 

[rob1993]

yeah was thinking that because I would have to extend the ring if I did that! only thing is im not sure what its feeding so not sure if they will maybe be drawing more than 13A! any thoughts on the RCD?

 

[nickblake]

use an RCD switch fuse then out from there to the outside sockets be a little cheaper than 2 RCD sockets , also dont forget this work will be notifiable

 

[R G]

RCD fused spur feeding the two weatherproof sockets should do it,,,

Ah beat me to it Nick,,,,

 

[MDJ]

Hi there iv been asked to install 2 outside sockets and was wondering the best way people would do this.

first things first the ring is currently not rcd protected so could I get away with getting 2 outdoor rcd sockets instead of putting an rcbo on the whole circuit??
also what would be the best way to wire it, by splitting the ring or would it be okay to put a FCU which then feeds both sockets?

Are they close to each other? or in different parts of the outside?

 

[Octopus]

use an RCD switch fuse then out from there to the outside sockets be a little cheaper than 2 RCD sockets , also dont forget this work will be notifiable

depends where you are in the UK!

 

[rob1993]

okay thanks, yeah they are right next to each other so would be easy to run between.

only thing im now thinking Is how much load they might be taking!

- - - Updated - - -

im in Scotland does that make It notifiable?

 

[R G]

We might have a RCD fused spur knocking around from last night , if you need it , might need testing though first ,,,,

 

[rob1993]

thanks but should be able to get a hold of one pretty easily! so does anyone know if this work is still notifiable in Scotland??

 

[Octopus]

okay thanks, yeah they are right next to each other so would be easy to run between.

only thing im now thinking Is how much load they might be taking!

- - - Updated - - -

im in Scotland does that make It notifiable?

Good man - the correct question to ask the client. 4 x os sockets - the mind boggles!

 

[nickblake]

depends where you are in the UK!

good point should have added that after

 

[jimmymac]

thanks but should be able to get a hold of one pretty easily! so does anyone know if this work is still notifiable in Scotland??

Hi Rob, it's not notifiable, providing you are competent to install, test and certificate

 

[rob1993]

just text the client there, turns out its supplying 2 caravans.!! he said microwave,tv,lights and shower in each,both used on a daily basis! haha that totally changes everything.

 

[jimmymac]

just text the client there, turns out its supplying 2 caravans.!! he said microwave,tv,lights and shower in each,both used on a daily basis! haha that totally changes everything.

You could say that...lol

 

[MDJ]

Yup a different job now, you want 2 16 amp caravan sockets with isolators on them and convert to tt at the sockets, 2 16 amp supplies direct from the DB

 

[rob1993]

could I not just put 2 16a rcbos in the DB and then from there take a supply to a caravan socket outside?

 

[Octopus]

could I not just put 2 16a rcbos in the DB and then from there take a supply to a caravan socket outside?

Probably the best way assuming the CU has space and RCBO's are available for it!

 

[rob1993]

cool thanks what about earthing arrangments?

 

[Octopus]

cool thanks what about earthing arrangements?

Time to consult your BGB?

 

[MDJ]

cool thanks what about earthing arrangments?

if it is for 2 caravans i would buy the dual 16 amp units in one enclosure from denmans which is about 70 notes and drop the earth off in a wago on the din rail in it. Then whack a 5 ft rod in the ground by the socket and use that earth in the sockets. The unit I am talking about comes with 2 rcds in it and is designed to run 2 16 amp caravans. you could feed it on a 32 amp mcb, JMO

 

[Top Cat]

Hope that's not a skinny earth rod or the pr*t that's a tw*t will get on his high horse again!:59:

if it is for 2 caravans i would buy the dual 16 amp units in one enclosure from denmans which is about 70 notes and drop the earth off in a wago on the din rail in it. Then whack a 5 ft rod in the ground by the socket and use that earth in the sockets. The unit I am talking about comes with 2 rcds in it and is designed to run 2 16 amp caravans. you could feed it on a 32 amp mcb, JMO

 

[MDJ]

Hope that's not a skinny earth rod or the pr*t that's a tw*t will get on his high horse again!:59:

nah I use the big ones with the threads on the end, easy to add more on if the reading can't be obtained, anyhow hello M8

 

[MDJ]

I have tried to upload a picture of the unit I was referring to M8, but the site is struggling a bit at the moment, I will try later if I can cheers.

 

[Richard Burns]

One of these perhaps?

 

[MDJ]

One of these perhaps?

View attachment 23895

Very Very similar richard yes, the only difference is the 16 amp sockets are on the front, but that is basically what I was suggesting to the OP, Thanks.

 

[uksparks]

Yup a different job now, you want 2 16 amp caravan sockets with isolators on them and convert to tt at the sockets, 2 16 amp supplies direct from the DB

I agree, but you could argue that and not TT it, just say you are installing two outdoor power points. It's up to them what they plug in it, there's no difference you installing an outside socket or a blue outside socket, just happens to be a different shape and colour.

Look at it this way, why should you TT it just because it's blue and round? It's only a power point at the end of the day.

 

[uksparks]

Just to add to my previous comment, obviously RCD protect it if it's outside.

Im sure you see what I'm saying, if you fit a normal 13A socket it's all good, I know why but why should you TT it because it's a different shape?

 

[Hawkmoon]

Just to add to my previous comment, obviously RCD protect it if it's outside.

Im sure you see what I'm saying, if you fit a normal 13A socket it's all good, I know why but why should you TT it because it's a different shape?

What is the earthing arrangements (couldn't see if OP stated that) -

For this TT question (and RCBO issues) have a look at BGB 708.553.1.......

 

[MDJ]

I agree, but you could argue that and not TT it, just say you are installing two outdoor power points. It's up to them what they plug in it, there's no difference you installing an outside socket or a blue outside socket, just happens to be a different shape and colour.

Look at it this way, why should you TT it just because it's blue and round? It's only a power point at the end of the day.

Depends on the original earthing arrangement. If there is a TNS system in place then agree no tt, just use the TNS earth available and bobs your uncle. If however it is a TNC-S/PME then I would TT. Section 7 is quite clear about that regarding caravan supplies and that unit is for caravans. I think as the customer has told the OP the supplies are for 2 caravans he must adhere to the regs in this case.

 

[MDJ]

Just to add to my previous comment, obviously RCD protect it if it's outside.

Im sure you see what I'm saying, if you fit a normal 13A socket it's all good, I know why but why should you TT it because it's a different shape?

Because the customer has actually informed the OP that is is specifically for Caravan use.

 

[uksparks]

I had a feeling you would say that, which is the very reason I didn't fit one the other week because the customer said.

You see what I mean though about it still being a socket.

Have a good day all.

 

[MDJ]

I had a feeling you would say that, which is the very reason I didn't fit one the other week because the customer said.

You see what I mean though about it still being a socket.

Have a good day all.

I see what you mean yes, the customer actually asked for 2 twin sockets originally and didn't say what they were for, in that senario no one would consider anything other than using the house earth. I would have asked about loading myself as that is a lot of potential load if 4 outlets required. Since the customer has now said the supplies are specifically for caravans everything IMO changes, JMO of course.