Garage installation

[Dayday101]

Hi I was

 

[Dayday101]

Re: SWA cable installation to outside Garage

Looking to do the same but mine is a new build and was going to put Henley connector in and put new cu in garage approx 15m away. I was look to put in a full ring with 8 double sockets and a lighting circuit. Also a seperate fuse for a outside plug. Can you advise what size mm swa to go for? Many thanks

 

[Marvo]

Hi Dayday, welcome to the forum. I've made your two posts into a thread of your own. Do you have an electrical qualification?

 

[Dayday101]

Hi. I've got experience but no qualification my friend runs his own company and is doing the final install but I want to get the swa ran ready for him cos it on his job to do list to pop round sorta thing lol. I want it ready for him so I will speed up a lot. Thanks in advance.

 

[Marvo]

No probs, as you're not an electrician I'll put this in the DIY sub forum for you.

 

[Marvo]

Maybe you can give us more details. I'm wondering why you'd install 8 x double sockets in a garage for one.

You're going to need a substantial supply by the sound of it so you'll probably be better running a SWA cable from your CU. Do you know what earthing arrangement you have at the main CU? maybe you can post a couple of photos of the incoming DNO cable head and the CU.

 

[Octopus]

So you have a quailifed friend, so your best course of action is to consult him.

In the meantime start digging the trench, minimum depth 500mm as that will save time and money.

 

[Dayday101]

It is a new build house with meter and switch outside and was hoping to run a swa from the meter to Henley connector. So o didnt have to cut into new brick or drill through. The reason for so many plugs is a couple of power tools etc and a fridge freezer and the and the usual battery charges etc nothing to power consuming like welders or anything like that.

 

[GMES]

As Murdoch s aid consult your friend. He will be better suited to help you out, as i am guessing he knows the layout of your property, have a chat with him and tell him what kind of load you will be using. I am sure he will be telling you what cable he wants installing rather than the other way round.

 

[Dayday101]

Ok I didn't think I'd get an answer he is busy at mo been doing some big jobs and you know what mates are like when then say I will pop round soon lol. I will have to wait then.

 

[Guitarist]

The size of your cable will depend on the load required, so as already said, dig the trench and speak to your electrician.

 

[Dayday101]

Right then my mate never came round so had 2 electricians pop round, one who is working currently on site (new build) and guy who works at a specialist underground cable jointing place(don't quite know what this is) now they have quoted 2 things. One has said 2.5mm swa will be ok and the other said he would not use less than 6mm who do I trust? I plan to have a fridge, 2 fluorescents, and approx 8 double sockets scattered around (not all in use) and 2 outdoor security led lights, what would you guys recommend? He has also said he going to split the load at tails with a Henley block if this makes any difference. Comments appreciated....

 

[amlu]

dont really get that splitting with henley block... is he going to terminate swa in there? (not good!)
good option would be a separate rcbo installed in existing consumer unit plus a small cu in the garage with incomer and 2xmcb for socket and lights. rcbo will deal with the faults not tripping whole house down.

there is a choice of 2.5 cable on a 20amp breaker... that will do for lights, power tools, freezer etc.
may trip when freezer+kettle+couple of big halogen lights on at the same time.

go in the middle and stick a 4mm cable in there. not that expensive and can be upgraded to 32 amp if needed and not too long run.

 

[Octopus]

I'm not sure that a sparky has been round...... if they have YOU have to define the anticipated load them let them quote again.

 

[Dayday101]

A sparky hasn't been round 2 have. Then length is 20m run and both said they come of a spare in the existing cu but I asked if I can avoid that to save the drilling etc into my new wall and both said yes they will split into main of the tails. They have both quoted for 3core cable if this makes any difference and for me to run the cable and them to connect. I am on a budget so want to do as much as I can. But I'd rather be too secure than not enough. The box one has got me and I brought already is a metal clad 63a 30ma rcd Wylex with a 6a breaker for lights and a 16a for sockets so I can start the work in the garage hope this helps.

Murdoch - I am not asking to do this myself I rewired my hole old house 7 years ago and this was checked and fine so I am more than competent diyer. However am trying to save money as a new baby on the way so want to do this as cheap as possible but without cutting corners therefore asking for help( which I thought that is what this forum is for ) I am going to get all work signed of as it's a new build house etc. I don't understand why one said 2.5mm and one said 6mm the guy with a 2.5mm just wanted to come of a socket until I told him it wAs a spur...

 

[markc123]

A sparky hasn't been round 2 have. Then length is 20m run and both said they come of a spare in the existing cu but I asked if I can avoid that to save the drilling etc into my new wall and both said yes they will split into main of the tails. They have both quoted for 3core cable if this makes any difference and for me to run the cable and them to connect. I am on a budget so want to do as much as I can. But I'd rather be too secure than not enough. The box one has got me and I brought already is a metal clad 63a 30ma rcd Wylex with a 6a breaker for lights and a 16a for sockets so I can start the work in the garage hope this helps.

Murdoch - I am not asking to do this myself I rewired my hole old house 7 years ago and this was checked and fine so I am more than competent diyer. However am trying to save money as a new baby on the way so want to do this as cheap as possible but without cutting corners therefore asking for help( which I thought that is what this forum is for ) I am going to get all work signed of as it's a new build house etc. I don't understand why one said 2.5mm and one said 6mm the guy with a 2.5mm just wanted to come of a socket until I told him it wAs a spur...

Right, i'm going to be slightly brutal here - and i'm sorry in advance.

1) First of all...save all the crap about you having a child on the way - it's irrelevant, just flannel to try and get us to feel sorry for you. The Cheap as possible attitude without cutting corners is a fine line that's easily crossed.

2) Right, next point - i wouldn't trust any spark who signs off someone elses work unless he's been present and supervising you whilst you've undertaken the work.

3) Next, the fact that you say 'you are not asking to do this yourself' and that 'you rewired the whole old house 7years ago....and more than a competent diyer' don't add up at all, i interpret that (maybe wrongly) as you want the answers on here for you to do yourself and the whole scenario of other electricians turning up and quoting different things just adds to the storyline and is infact fantasy.

4) I understand this is the DIY thread, and we are supposed to be more lenient - but i think 100% honesty from the OP is required aswell. (here, i don't think thats the case)

My advice....(given the story)

Get a 3rd electrician in - you have 2 different quotes, so get a 3rd opinion and see if that sides with either 2 of the previous ones.

For what it's worth 6mm is overkill for what you're wanting - however, some electricians like to 'futureproof' and this could be a reason behind it. 3core cable or 2core cable is adequate, different electricians prefer different things. I would quote for 3core aswell, although im probably in the minority on this site with that one.

Another point, not sure why you need a 63A RCD? An RCD may not be needed at all, depending on how its going to be installed. Like others have said, it's impossible for us to advise on the size of cable, install methods ect... without actually seeing it for ourselves.

Post some pictures up, you may get a better response.

 

[Dayday101]

Hi mark, thanks for the honesty however I have been honest from the start here. I have since spoken to another sparky and has said 2.5mm will be fine but for future proof as you put it run 4mm. I am doing the work running the cables etc but getting a sparky to connect and sign off. When I rewired my last house it was different as it was like for like replacement of cables etc and new parts but this is a NEW install so to speak. So now I have 3 quotes with 3 different options only thing they have quoted the same is the Wylex CU which has already been brought so I am making a start with that end first. As for me wanting to save money in this day and age saving over £150 is quite a saving what I can't afford to give someone else when I can ask these questions and save this amount of money for my family.. Maybe this amount isn't a lot to you but it is to me when I have just put all my saving into this new house to begin with... As for not getting these quotes why would I lie that's why I am asking for advice on here 2.5mm to 6mm in terms of amp rating etc is HUGE I know this not being a sparky i can provide you with company names if you require proof of this fact and the fact I have said it is a new build and the electricians are still on site would also give it away. Besides that thanks for replying..

 

[Guitarist]

The job you are describing goes beyond a simple bit of DIY ​(as evidenced by the fact that you haven't got a clue what size cable to use), but if your electrician is willing to assess you as "competent" and supervise your work, before making final connections then testing and signing off your work, so be it.
Just for the record, I am struggling to find a day's work every week at the moment, due to people wanting to "do it themselves", so don't think for one second that £150 isn't a lot of money to an electrician.
Frankly, I'm wishing that I hadn't wasted 4 years of my life undergoing training, along with the thousands of pounds it cost to start my business, plus ongoing yearly outgoings for equipment, scheme membership, insurance, instrument calibration and the hassle of dealing with members of the public who seem to think that we're "ripping them off".

 

[Dayday101]

I don't understand why people are so keen on having a go at me for trying to save money. I know more than basics of electrics but by no means professional as why I am asking for help and advice especially when I have had quotes and been given 3 different results so where does that lead me to... answer here asking for your advice. I am not saying anyone is ripping anyone off and I am still paying to get everything connected and tested just doing the hard work so speak myself (the labour side). I have been brought up by my father as DIYer so that's all I am. However I am a bit blown away by these government titles to say only x person can do this job because he has the money to go and get this degree etc. I am not saying I don't agree but why should that stop me trying to save some money but still get it tested I don't see the problem. To be frank if I had the money and the time to spare I would take the same route as you guys but I simply don't I have a 60hour week doing manual warehouse lifting and loading just to support my family so if you think I am tight for doing this so be it....

 

[Octopus]

Gentlemen. Recommend no further input to this thread.