Can I wire up a room (13A sockets) without having a qualified electrician certify the installation if I connect them to the mains by a 13A plug instead of tapping into the ring main?
Thnx. It will be like having a long trailing socket!
Six answers:
KevLEC
2011-09-09 13:14:33 UTC
Yes, as the maximum fuse will be 13A this is all you can draw,so as long as you use 2.5mm cable all is ok, just a little rough! (but safe).
?
2011-09-09 09:29:56 UTC
That is a really bad idea. The UK wiring regulations require that a sufficient number of conveniently placed socket outlets be provided. Equipment should only be supplied by means of an extension lead on a temporary basis and an extension lead must never be made using non-flexible cable such as flat twin and earth. There is also an issue with voltage drop which may prevent your equipment from functioning correctly.
However, as a temporary measure, I can offer you some guidance. You must use flexible cable no greater than 1.5mm, as 2.5mm is too large for a 13A plug top. It can't exceed 15m in length otherwise an RCD must be fitted (which isn't a bad idea anyway). Don't run it under a carpet or use it coiled or it won't be able to give off its heat. Make sure it isn't a trip hazard and never be tempted to 'daisy-chain' which is plugging one extension lead into another.
All extension leads MUST have an earth. There is a also a risk that, under fault conditions, the disconnection times might not be met which is a fire hazzard. Remember, this can only be a temporary measure whilst you get some extra socket outlets installed.
anonymous
2011-09-09 10:22:39 UTC
It would be legal but bear in mind James' comments about electrical load and capacity of the wire. You'll need 2.5mm minimum size three core, and don't have more than two sockets on it or it will become a very clumsy extension lead. If you intend to have more than three sockets you should use a heavier gauge flex. Keep the lead as short as possible and don't bury it behind anything that will hide it or prevent heat from dissipating (eg, keep it outside of skirting boards).
This installation will not do you any favours when it comes to selling the house. Most estate agents and prospective buyers will wonder what other "bodges" exist and are hidden from view.
Keith B
2011-09-11 16:33:48 UTC
You say "wire up a room" if you mean have more than one outlet then a very bad idea 'cos they are in series. This means that if each appliance you connect to a (say) five socket extension is 1 KW then by the time you switch on the last 1KW the load in the first section of cable to the first plug is 5KW. (about 21amps)
classicsat
2011-09-09 20:55:39 UTC
That is not legal, IMHO.
Attaching a plug (likely not rated for use with T&E) makes it portable or temporary. You should not used fixed wiring components for portable/temporary wiring apparatus, nor fix portable/temporary wiring to a building.
You should not use temorary/portable wiring as a replacement for having proper permanent wiring legally installed.
Lincimp
2011-09-09 06:00:00 UTC
Yes it's just an Extension lead
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