New socket problem

[Michael Walker]

Hi there,

I think this should be in the DIY section, but, it seems to be locked. I am no electrician.

I want to convert a large cupboard into a computer room, on the opposite of one wall is a light switch. the plan was to split the connection so one continues to go to the switch and another leading to the socket.

After safely connecting everything and turning on the power, I found the socket only had power if the light switch was off?

Is there something I have done wrong?

Any help would be great

Thanks

 

[Farmelectrics]

Yes attempting something your not qualified to do consult an electrician

 

[telectrix]

yes you have. you can't feed a socket from a light switch. time to employ an electrician.

 

[Simonslimline]

probably the best one for a while

 

[Scotford14]

Oh dear.

 

[telectrix]

shame, i;m going to bed in a min.

 

[Guest77]

Hi Glenn, hows it hanging fella?

 

[Farmelectrics]

Do a bit overtime tel could be interesting lol

 

[Simonslimline]

Clearly a windup.

 

[Guest77]

God I hope so or we have hit an all time low chuckle

 

[Paul.M]

Hi Glenn, hows it hanging fella?

It isn't Glenn btw. Looks like a real question!!!!!

 

[Phil L]

This should be good not even a tin hat can help the op this time

 

[Octopus]

Wonder where the neutral is coming from?

 

[HandySparks]

Gobsmacked.

Try plugging a kettle into your new socket and see if it causes the light in the other room to light up. Then have a little think about what you've done.

 

[HandySparks]

Wonder where the neutral is coming from?

Via the lamp!

 

[Marvo]

By the sounds of things the way you've wired it is so the light is in series with anything you plug into your socket. It's an understandable mistake for someone who's not familiar with circuit layouts.

Several issues immediately spring to mind, firstly you've tried to wire a socket onto a light circuit which is a no-no. Secondly any equipment you plug into your new socket is likely to get damaged because your socket is mis-wired.

My best advice is to isolate all power first at the CU then remove all your new wiring immediately before there's costly collateral damage. Then rather get an experienced electrician in to reinstall safely.

 

[telectrix]

classic mistake of using the red and black instead of the red and green stripey wire.

 

[telectrix]

at least the thread is now in the destroy it yourself forum.

 

[Marvo]

classic mistake of using the red and black instead of the red and green stripey wire.

As this is in the DIY forum I'll point out that Tel is making a joke. Don't use the earth instead of a neutral.

 

[tazz]

Deffo not Glenn....hes on the other end of the phone to me.....This has to be the best post in diy for years....!!!

 

[Phil L]

This will never be beaten

 

[tazz]

Unless they let Mr Cockburn back....to continue is procedure on earthing watering cans.....!!!

 

[Phil L]

To the op without being rude you clearly do not have the skill or knowledge to be doing this work,for your own safety and your families it would be a very good idea for you to undo any work you have done (safely) and call a electrician who will put a socket anywhere you want without your lights having to be on

 

[Pete999]

Flabbergasted, flummoxed and f--- me

 

[Spoon]

To the OP: As you are most prob already aware, what you have done is not good. Best thing to do is make Marvo's advice in post 16.

To pete999: This is a DIY section, the OP might take you literally with the last bit of you post #24.

 

[Pete999]

This should be good not even a tin hat can help the op this time

Tin hat? airraid shelter more like.

 

[GMES]

I wonder if the op is related to Walnut Whip!!!

 

[PEG]

Joking apart,the OP has concluded,late in the day,that he needs help. That help,is best given,not as derision,but as advice. Which initially,he was. The problem,i think,stems from this confounded internet,where if you search long enough,you can find assistance in doing ANYTHING. That,coupled with a general belief in technology protecting us in whatever we do,encourages people to attempt all sorts. This situation is what earned me a stern ticking off from a gynaecology consultant :conehead:

 

[Paul.M]

This is a prime example of a DIYer trying something that is not possible. (well it is BUT with a lot of complications lol... 1000% easier to install a new socket).

I can only think of 4 ways his socket would work with the "light switch turned off".