Hello,

Please could some one confirm if I can do the following.

I have built some wardrobes over the weekend, which typically now block the original 2 gang plug socket.

My intension is as follows:

Connect a 13amp plug to 2.5mm twin & earth and connect this to a new 2 gang plug. The 13a plug will plug into the original double socket (i'm guessing this would just be the same as a shop bought extention lead, but will look a little neater as I can sink it into the wall).

I would then like to break in to the extension 2.5mm twin and earth with a junction box and run a 1mm light cable to a light switch and then on to a light fitting.

In essence then the 13amp plug, plugged into the original 2 gang socket will be powering a new double socket and a light.

The new socket will just power a hair dryer for her indoors and the new light is likely to be a low energy light of about 10 - 15 watts.


Many thanks for any help.

Regards

Mark

Anyone?

Patience is a virtue my Friend. The Forummers best able to answer your question will undoubtedly be hard at work at this time of day.

Opps - yes I suppose I was a little impatient - just wanted to crack on - but better to be patient and do the right job - :)

If you can sink the cable into the wall then why not just extend the ring??

Your other alternative would be a spur via a fused contol unit to your double socket..never the best option though.

_________________
.

If you feel you have benefited from the Free advice given on the Forum, Please consider making a donation to UHM's Nominated charity, read all about it and donate here :

http://www.donnasdreamhouse.co.uk/


__________________________________
__________________________________

Verwood Handyman
I Know it says I'm On-line, but I might have just left myself logged in, whilst I'm out....

Have just done similar, same reason, but in a stud wall. The stud was close to the original box and as I only needed to position the new box the other side:- power isolated; took a long 15mm wood bit to drill from the rough cut new dry lining position through the stud; then threaded coat hanger wire to pull new cable through to the original box side break out entry hole; trim and connect.

T&E cable into a 13A plug is definite no-no.

If you are prepared to chase the cable (as you state) then the easiest thing to do would be to relocate the existing socket - change it to a 3-way version at the same time to give you the extra socket for the light. Consider using self-adhesive trunking (skirtingboard type), if you don't want to chase walls, to hide trailing wires.

_________________
This post may contain nuts

Can't you just cut a well measured hole into the back of the wardrobe?

BG

Hello and thank you for all you replies.

I have now drawn a diagram of my proposed wiring (I did this before reading all the replies) - so perhaps someone could also comment on the following.

Why is it a definate no no to wire 2.5 twin and earth cable to a plug? What is the logic behind this? It would seem pretty much the same process as wiring in from the rear of the plug, but with the additional safety of a fuse at the plug - what am I mising here?

The reason that I do not need to channel in all the wiring in, is that it is hidden behind the wardrobe - the plug socket and light swich will be situated at the edge of where the cupboard ends, so the wiring will not be on show. It also means that if i move in the next year or so, the wiring can be completely removed in a few minutes.

If I wired into the rear of the existing socket, instead of using the plug, would the diagram below then provide a safe circuit.



Many thanks for all your help.

Regards

Mark

This is what I am trying to acheive



Thanks Mark

1) Twin and earth does not fit well into a plug so I would not bother with twin and earth but use flex.
2) 1.5mm cable is rated at 16A although that's in free air so may be slightly under that if insulated in any way. Your max fuse size in a plug is 13A and you can fit 1.5mm cable in a plug where you may find according to make you will not get 2.5mm to fit.
3) You say double socket so why use a junction box simpler to use just two plugs one with 3A fuse for light the other with 13A fuse for socket extension.
4) You will need assess to plugs. Only way to renew a fuse. Plus needed for 10 year inspection.

Thanks for the reply.

1. I have already wired a plug with 2.5 T&W and by carefully cutting the cable lengths it has fitted in very neatly - but I guess it would have been easier to use 1.5mm. I'm now thinking that wiring directly from the rear of the existing socket is better (but still not sure why using a plug gets so much bad press - in what way is it not as safe??)

2. As above.

3. The reason I wanted to use a junction box, is that a small TV takes power from one of the plugs in the wardrobe - so that just leaves me with one free socket.

4. - I have access to the plugs (a cut out in the rear of the wardrobe).

Appreciate your comments - Thank you, Mark

i would be tempted to extend the ring to include the extra socket and then run the spur off of that for the light (assuming the existing socket isnt already a spur off the ring)

_________________
- Dave
http://www.pamperhouse.net
http://www.invertedcircle.co.uk

Thanks 'root' - so I would go straight from the spurred double socket to the fused spur and thus not require a junction box - is that correct?

Thanks Mark

nope you extend the ring to include the new double and then spur off to the FCU for the light fitting.
http://alturl.com/vuw2e

_________________
- Dave
http://www.pamperhouse.net
http://www.invertedcircle.co.uk