Testing a socket in the middle of a distribution circuit.

[Kelsall McEwen]

First post. I've installed a 6mm SWA cable to a summer house in the garden from the house. Summer house has a cu with a ring and light. I've installed an outside socket in the middle of the distribution circuit. Between the house and summer house.

Question. How do I inspect and test this socket and include it on the EIC. It's kinda in no-man's land.

Thanks.

 

[Octopus]

Er .... you don't install a socket part way along the circuit!

 

[Kelsall McEwen]

I thought that would be the case....I guess I could turn it into a junction box if I have to.

How about a separate form. ?

 

[Pete999]

First post. I've installed a 6mm SWA cable to a summer house in the garden from the house. Summer house has a cu with a ring and light. I've installed an outside socket in the middle of the distribution circuit. Between the house and summer house.

Question. How do I inspect and test this socket and include it on the EIC. It's kinda in no-man's land.

Thanks.

It's not a distribution circuit then is it? it's a supply to a socket with a CU tagged on the end wit a RFC and a lighting circuit as well woulsdn't like to put my name to that.

 

[Octopus]

What does this sub main connect to at the house end?

 

[westward10]

The circuit on the schedule will state; Garden socket and consumer unit in summer house, points served; 2. Simples but why you did this who knows.

 

[davesparks]

If you don't know how to test and certify a simple radial circuit you shouldn't be doing the job.

 

[Pete999]

If you don't know how to test and certify a simple radial circuit you shouldn't be doing the job.

Dave it's not really a radial as such it's a sub main with a socket installed in the middle, not an ideal arrangement is it?

 

[buzzlightyear]

I've installed an outside socket in the middle of the distribution circuit. Between the house and summer house.

I thought that would be the case....I guess I could turn it into a junction box if I have to.

or turn into a

 

[westward10]

Not the best but you will be hard pushed to find a Regulation to say it is incorrect. Rcd/rcbos both ends I suspect.

 

[Pete999]

Not the best but you will be hard pushed to find a Regulation to say it is incorrect. Rcd/rcbos both ends I suspect.

Not the best but you will be hard pushed to find a Regulation to say it is incorrect. Rcd/rcbos both ends I suspect.

Westy the circuit as is, is an abortion, who has ever heard of running a sub main and sticking a socket in the middle? the min boggles.

 

[HandySparks]

...I've installed an outside socket in the middle of the distribution circuit.

It may be unconventional, but it may be perfectly safe, and could be the best configuration, taking into account the physical layout and best use of materials.

As westward says, it's just a radial serving two points.

 

[KEV 1 N]

I would have ran a new cable (swa or pvc pipe) from the cu or spurred off a socket in the summer house, not the best way to break into a distribution circuit to add a socket and now I guess there's two rcds in series, which I hate, because you can't test the 2nd without bypassing the 1st.

 

[Kelsall McEwen]

Thanks for all your input. I also can't find a reg that says you can't. The socket was already there so the summer house is added. I agree it does all sound a bit shonky..... I'll turn the socket into a junction..... before I put my name to it.

Cheers.

 

[Octopus]

Thanks for all your input. I also can't find a reg that says you can't. The socket was already there so the summer house is added. I agree it does all sound a bit shonky..... I'll turn the socket into a junction..... before I put my name to it.

Cheers.

Suggest you read Part 2, definitions, then find Distribution Circuit...

Assuming you have the BYB

 

[HandySparks]

Double post.

 

[HandySparks]

...

 

[HandySparks]

Suggest you read Part 2, definitions, then find Distribution Circuit...

Assuming you have the BYB

Nothing in the regs stating that a distribution circuit can only serve one point.

OK, not under BS7671, but the cable to your house could be regarded as a multi-point distribution circuit.

I've installed one myself. Something like a 60A switch fuse, SWA to separate garage, then continue on to garden office on the same circuit. Made no sense to run two cables or to run the garden office (which was the major load) as a final circuit from the garage.

 

[HandySparks]

This site is a pain to work with sometimes!

 

[Strima]

I have a socket in my loft tapped off the garage circuit which is not RCD protected. Shall I do the honourable thing and shoot myself now?

 

[Wilko]

You have confessed your sins, so you can be forgiven

 

[telectrix]

I have a socket in my loft tapped off the garage circuit which is not RCD protected. Shall I do the honourable thing and shoot myself now?

but can the socket be used to supply equipment outdoors?

 

[Paul.M]

but can the socket be used to supply equipment outdoors?

Hey up Tel.... he did say it's an outdoor socket

SWA does not need an up front rcd. Change the socket to an rcd socket so this sub main is a continuous feed t the summer house cu OR make it a junction box and run new cable to an outside socket? Whatever is best for the location.

 

[Strima]

but can the socket be used to supply equipment outdoors?

With a long lead and a lot of messing around it could well be...

 

[telectrix]

Hey up Tel.... he did say it's an outdoor socket

SWA does not need an up front rcd. Change the socket to an rcd socket so this sub main is a continuous feed t the summer house cu OR make it a junction box and run new cable to an outside socket? Whatever is best for the location.

i was referring to Strima's attic socket.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

Not sure there is a reg saying this can't be done but it brings with it loads of issues such as IP ratings, rcd/rcbos etc.. and discrimination... not sure the part p scams would be too pleased if shown it on a assessment.

 

[HandySparks]

Not sure there is a reg saying this can't be done but it brings with it loads of issues such as IP ratings, rcd/rcbos etc.. and discrimination... not sure the part p scams would be too pleased if shown it on a assessment.

I don't see 'loads of issues'.

Suppose you have a radial circuit on a 32A MCB supplying a properly IP rated RCD socket, then on to a board in a shed with RCD main switch. Where are the issues?

 

[Kelsall McEwen]

That is exactly what it was. Exactly. However, following the general consensus that it was somewhat unconventional, I have changed the socket for a junction. It's part of an application to join Elecsa.....so I want limited debate.

Thanks everyone for your input....these forums really are an incredible resource. I guess it helps you commentators keep it all fresh in your mind. Cheers Kelsall

 

[Paul.M]

^^^ Please for the love of God (and our entertainment) put in an RCD socket and let the assessor pull you on it..... then ask him to give you the reg numbers that it goes against??????

 

[Paul.M]

i was referring to Strima's attic socket.

Sorry bud, been off the forums for a while and I missed what you were on about. I'm a bit rusty