Socket in the loft

[richo106]

I would like to install an aerial signal booster/splitter in the loft but it requires a 13A socket. There is no power in the loft so is it ok to spur off the lighting circuit (with 3/5A fuse) and then install a single socket up there?

What are peoples opinions on this? or any other suggestions?

Thanks

 

[telectrix]

it has been done like that, but it's poor practice. you could fit a 5A or 2A round pin socket from the lighting circuit and replace the plug on the amp.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

I must admit I cant see any problem with a 13a socket wired to the lighting circuit for a specific item of equipment in a loft, especially if it is suitably labelled....possibly poor practice but it's hard to see a real problem as it will be fused at 5/6a at the origin. Tels suggestion of a 2a/5a socket is a good one,but the reality is a 13a socket will do exactly the same job. A possible snag is the provision of RCD protection which may not be on the lighting circuit,but is required for a socket. However a socket for a specific item of equipment and labelled as such may have RCD protection omitted.

 

[Skimpy Wan]

My concern would be that if there is a 13A socket outlet in a location any future residents may not be aware and then plug in other appliances that the circuit isn't intended to permit.

I know labelling would mitigate this, but personally I don't like it ...

 

[Deleted member 9648]

My concern would be that if there is a 13A socket outlet in a location any future residents may not be aware and then plug in other appliances that the circuit isn't intended to permit.

I know labelling would mitigate this, but personally I don't like it ...

I'd agree.....but if it's protected by a 6a OCPD there is no risk of a dangerous overload.

 

[Skimpy Wan]

Agree that it's protected by a fuse / MCB, but personally I prefer to try and not have to rely on this.

How about a switched FCU?

 

[Leesparkykent]

Just hardwire the amp in to the SFCU and put a durable label on it saying TV amp 3A only.

 

[7029 dave]

Agree that it's protected by a fuse / MCB, but personally I prefer to try and not have to rely on this.

How about a switched FCU?

That's what I would do in this situation.

 

[richo106]

Yes i was going to install a FCU (with 3A) and then a 13A socket as the amp has a transformer plug so couldn't wire it straight into the FCU

 

[Andy78]

Yes i was going to install a FCU (with 3A) and then a 13A socket as the amp has a transformer plug so couldn't wire it straight into the FCU

So you are going to have 2 3A fuses in series ?

 

[Skimpy Wan]

Cut the plug off and then there is no chance of anyone plugging items into the outlet (point to note, some manufactures may invalidate the warranty if you cut the plug top off).

 

[Dave OCD]

You fellas aren't paying attention, the OP has stated it's a TRANSFORMER plug, so there won't be 2x 3 amp fuses in series and cutting the plug off would be rather unproductive .:uhoh2:

 

[Dave OCD]

Yes i was going to install a FCU (with 3A) and then a 13A socket as the amp has a transformer plug so couldn't wire it straight into the FCU

Yes I'd say that would be a good solution.

Edit - And use a surface 'dual appliance box', easier and neat.

 

[joehat]

I would just put the Amp up in the loft and get a separate pay downstairs, making sure all connections are power pass Ect. Problem solved with less effort

 

[Andy78]

You fellas aren't paying attention, the OP has stated it's a TRANSFORMER plug, so there won't be 2x 3 amp fuses in series and cutting the plug off would be rather unproductive .:uhoh2:

1/3 of my attention on the thread, 2/3 of it on that case of beer over there. Speaking of which, time to get started

 

[sparksburnout]

I would just put the Amp up in the loft and get a separate pay downstairs, making sure all connections are power pass Ect. Problem solved with less effort

Would you care to translate that into English??

 

[Risteard]

My concern would be that if there is a 13A socket outlet in a location any future residents may not be aware and then plug in other appliances that the circuit isn't intended to permit.

It's hard to foresee anyone plugging a hoover or kettle in in the roof space though, isn't it?

 

[Toonlad]

Their always seems to be a route into loft for a socket in my opinion, cupboards,or trunk up etc. That would be my choice.

Or if you configure your sky (if you have it) use the RF2 out to power an amp,but that is another discussion.

Beer time

 

[Skimpy Wan]

It's hard to foresee anyone plugging a hoover or kettle in in the roof space though, isn't it?

You never know what things may "grow" in people's lofts?!

They could have several interest that they end up utilising the space for.

 

[sparksburnout]

Your over-thinking it. Just wire it off the lighting cct and put a label on the socket saying "TV booster only". What's the point of using an FCU feeding the socket that someone can just stick a 13A fuse in anyway? The cct is protected by a 5/6A OCPD so in the unlikely even of someone taking up residence in the loft and plugging a kettle in it's protected.