New socket on ring main - replace consumer unit?

[Paul.M]

I currently have a double socket in our spare bedroom and a 4 way extension block running a computer and peripherals. For neatness I would like to have an electrician add a second double socket right next to the existing one and do away with the extension block. The socket can be added to the existing ring main.

Just ask your electrician to install a short bit of 20mm or 25mm galv conduit in between the two socket back boxes bedded in the wall (a coupler would be easier). This is well within the Regs and is listed in the Regs itself. The new socket plate can be an RCD or none RCD one, depends upon its use. In your case, you do not need one (but it is advisable). As already said above, a surge protection extension lead should be used if for computer equipment, common sense.


Protection for fixed wire installations for cables less than 50mm from finished surface should be RCD protected OR adequate mechanical protection (galv conduit) OR surface mounted.

Its only an extra socket and even in London would cost less than £150 (should be anyway???)

 

[westward10]

Just ask your electrician to install a short bit of 20mm or 25mm galv conduit in between the two socket back boxes bedded in the wall. This is well within the Regs and is listed in the Regs itself. The new socket plate can be an RCD or none RCD one, depends upon its use. In your case, you do not need one (but it is advisable). As already said above, a surge protection extension lead should be used if for computer equipment, common sense.


Protection for fixed wire installations for cables less than 50mm from finished surface should be RCD protected OR adequate mechanical protection (galv conduit) OR surface mounted.

Its only an extra socket and even in London would cost less than £150 (should be anyway???)

In op's situation you would be hard pushed for a reason not to provide additional rcd protection.

 

[Paul.M]

In op's situation you would be hard pushed for a reason not to provide additional rcd protection.

RCD for the 6 inch of fixed wire or the socket outlet?

 

[Rpa07]

@Paul.M where have you been - thought you may have been thrown out with the bath water !

 

[westward10]

RCD for the 6 inch of fixed wire or the socket outlet?

The socket.

 

[Paul.M]

@Paul.M where have you been - thought you may have been thrown out with the bath water !

No mate, nothing like that. It was just a good time to concentrate on life and not the Forum + other none essential things. I'm back now, ready to have a laugh with you all.... well now that the court cases have stopped and being put on a special registrar.... I can no longer live within 500 yards of a school and I've been fired from my part time job as an Ice cream van driver!!!!!!!!


Lowering the tone and taking threads off track since 2010!!!!!

Happy new year to you all

 

[Paul.M]

The socket.

Just put an RCD socket plate on it, simples.

 

[Rpa07]

Welcome back - mines a "99" with sprinkles!

 

[Paul.M]

Welcome back - mines a "99" with sprinkles!

Do you want to know where the sprinkles --- from?!?!?!?!

Thanks for the welcome back. NYE and getting ready to go out. Question:- If I wrap kitchen foil around the tracker on my ankle, will it stop the signal to the local police station????

 

[westward10]

Just put an RCD socket plate on it, simples.

Done that, you stated it could be rcd or non rcd depending on usage. I stated it would be difficult to find a reason not to provide additional rcd protection in the op's situation. Is it 2017 yet.

 

[Midwest]

Think the OP's got bored with all the silly chit chat, and gone back to using the 4 way extension block.

Happy New Year's ya filthy animals.

 

[streamer]

What about replacing an existing faulty socket which isn't protected by an RCD, would that have to be an RCD socket too?

 

[andyb]

What about replacing an existing faulty socket which isn't protected by an RCD, would that have to be an RCD socket too?

No, but make a note on the certificate along with any other observations.

 

[sparksburnout]

No, but make a note on the certificate along with any other observations.

Your winding us up, right?
Yeah, just thought again, definitely a wind up.

 

[andyb]

No windup. Like for like replacement. You'd just leave the damaged socket then?

 

[sparksburnout]

if it was a like for like replacement why would there be a certificate? Maybe I am coming into this a bit late...

 

[andyb]

if it was a like for like replacement why would there be a certificate? Maybe I am coming into this a bit late...

MWC, if I'm replacing a socket and there are issues with the existing installation I'm going to note that on the cert. And advise the customer according.

 

[GMES]

Doing a straight swap socket front for socket front, would this not just be classed as Maintenance, Just playing Devils Advocate.

 

[westward10]

MWC, if I'm replacing a socket and there are issues with the existing installation I'm going to note that on the cert. And advise the customer according.

With you on that.

 

[streamer]

if it was a like for like replacement why would there be a certificate? Maybe I am coming into this a bit late...

We have to provide a certificate for everything now. In this case a Minor Works.