New socket to consumer unit help please

[Jimbo Nick Pleeb]

Hi
I am wanting to install a new plug socket in the loft, it is a bungalow and all other sockers are on ground level. Therefore this socket will be going directly to the mains, does anyone know how to go about this? Ne advice would be great cheers.

 

[andemz]

Could you not run a spur from a plug socket. This way your problem is solved.

 

[dingbat]

If you have a consumer unit with miniature circuit breakers (MCB's) you have two main options.

A) spur off the existing ring at the consumer unit by connecting a single length of 2.5 sq mm twin and earth cable to the 32A MCB which currently protects your sockets. You can supply one twin socket with this.

B) (which is better) If you have the capacity to add a new circuit, add a 20A type B MCB and use that to protect a new radial circuit on which you can have as many socket outlets as you like, provided the floor area served is 50 sq m or less.

The easiest way to get the cable into the loft is probably to run it vertically from the consumer unit in mini-trunking.

If you have a fuseboard, then for method A you will be connecting to a 30A fuse (red) and method B will need a new 15A fuse carrier.

BUt - and it's a big but - all of this depends on your existing supply being safe. If you have ANY doubts about this, please call in a professional.

 

[securespark]

Or if you have no capacity for extra circuit, but want more than one socket in loft, you could extend the ring.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Therefore this socket will be going directly to the mains

All sockets go directly to the mains. What point were you trying to make with this comment?

 

[securespark]

Maybe he means in his installation it will be easier to install a radial back to the box, as opposed to tapping off the ring, which is (I guess) at GF level.