New socket for freezer

[BelfastGuy82]

I want to put a new socket, for a freezer, in my hallway, right beside where my fuse cupboard / consumer unit is.

The consumer unit already has a dedicated 16 amp radial circuit for the designated fridge socket in the kitchen.

A YouTube video led me to believe that you can have 2 radial circuits coming out of one MCB.

So the question then is, can I just run some more 2.5mm T&E from the existing 16A fridge MCB to a new socket for a freezer...?


(I've put in a bunch of downlights, so I'm not a complete electrics "noob".)

 

[Jurassicspark]

So the question then is, can I just run some more 2.5mm T&E from the existing 16A fridge MCB to a new socket for a freezer...?

Yes, you can.

 

[ericmark]

The answer has to be no, even when that is what I would do. Any new socket has to be RCD protected, and MCB's to the right are not, I would simply swap the 16 amp MCB for a 16 amp RCBO, and to be frank having the freezer without RCD protection makes a lot of sense, however the rules are new sockets must be RCD protected, the same with new cables buried in the wall, so following the rules answer must be no, even when I would have no worries using it.

 

[Jurassicspark]

OP could fit an RCD protected socket.

 

[securespark]

Could you fit an MK 1257 and swap the appliance plug to match?

Then standard 13A plugs wouldn't fit and the socket could only be used for the freezer.

 

[BelfastGuy82]

The answer has to be no, even when that is what I would do. Any new socket has to be RCD protected, and MCB's to the right are not, I would simply swap the 16 amp MCB for a 16 amp RCBO, and to be frank having the freezer without RCD protection makes a lot of sense, however the rules are new sockets must be RCD protected, the same with new cables buried in the wall, so following the rules answer must be no, even when I would have no worries using it.

Any reason then not to just put a new MCB on the far left and have it protected by the existing RCCB...?

I definitely want to comply with the regs, maybe I should have made that clear from the start.

 

[Adam_151]

Any reason then not to just put a new MCB on the far left and have it protected by the existing RCCB...?

Only that it then becomes an additional circuit and therefore before becomes notifiable to Building Control (at least in England and wales it does - Where abouts in the British isles are you - Is your handle simply indicative of where you are from, or of where you are now??)

 

[pete01]

If the cable is in trunking fit an FCU (spur) and cut the plug off the freezer and connect direct.
No socket no buried cable no rcd needed.

 

[Murdochcat]

OP - when you did your downlights you should have fitted rcd protection to the lighting circuit you changed

 

[ericmark]

It is near impossible for the DIY guy to do electrical work and comply with all regulations and laws. At least cheaper than getting a scheme member electrician to do the job for you. So if you want to comply with all, then hardly worth having a forum to help you.

It would be wrong to say

Yes, you can.

however also in real terms, I see no reason why not. It is like doing 25 MPH through a Welsh town, we know the limit is now 20 MPH but also know someone in government went OTT.

 

[BelfastGuy82]

Only that it then becomes an additional circuit and therefore before becomes notifiable to Building Control (at least in England and wales it does - Where abouts in the British isles are you - Is your handle simply indicative of where you are from, or of where you are now??)

OP - when you did your downlights you should have fitted rcd protection to the lighting circuit you changed

I'm in greater Belfast and I've been renting this place from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for about 20 years.

About 6 months ago I had my "5 yearly electrical inspection" (which definitely doesn't even happen every 5 years...). I fully expected the guy to inspect my work on the lights, but he made it very clear that he was only there to measure the current coming into the flat, and replace any sockets etc. that might be damaged.

So I'm sure I could get away with things here, but I want to be safe and compliant for my own peace of mind.

Presumably it would just be a case of swapping the MCB for the lights with an RCBO then...?

 

[sparkwright]

I would create a brand new circuit, and feed it with a B 20amp RCBO from one of the spare ways.

 

[BelfastGuy82]

I would create a brand new circuit, and feed it with a B 20amp RCBO from one of the spare ways.

Why 20 amp instead of 16, like the existing fridge MCB...?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Why not? You mentioned using 2.5mm² T&E which can carry 27A (with no derating) so may as well use 20A (or 25A) MCB.

Going back to the beginning:

I want to put a new socket, for a freezer, in my hallway, right beside where my fuse cupboard / consumer unit is.
The consumer unit already has a dedicated 16 amp radial circuit for the designated fridge socket in the kitchen.

Ok.

A YouTube video led me to believe that you can have 2 radial circuits coming out of one MCB.

You can but technically by our definitions, everything protected by a fuse/MCB etc. is classed as one circuit.

So the question then is, can I just run some more 2.5mm T&E from the existing 16A fridge MCB to a new socket for a freezer...?

Yes.

 

[ebee]

If you rent the property then do you have the landlords permission to alter their property?