Garage electric points?

Question

I need to install 2 double electric sockets in my garage, 1 of which will be powering a tumble dryer, Can i take the power from the electrics that power 2 ceiling lights already there? The power for the lights has been taken from the switch of the combi boiler which is in the kitchen.

I forgot to add before i submitted, I also have a single waterproof socket which was installed when the house was built 3 years ago. Looks like the question i already asked is a no brainer. So could i convert the sinlgle to a double and then run a further double socket form there to power the tumble dryer. The single at the moment is run through the electrics which powers the lounge sockets which is isolate by a switch.

The waterproof socket is in the garage.

Answer 1

Assuming youre living in the UK then I'd have to say that you should be able to feed the extra sockets from the outdoor socket.
The lighting circuit would be way too weak to feed a dryer and other powerpoints.
As for what the electrical Engineer said I'fd quantify that by saying maybe thats US standards he's talking about.
Most UK and Irish Dryers are much smaller and come with 13amp fused plugtops already attached.

Assuming youre in the UK or Europe then ideally you should run a new supply cable of at least 2.5 mmsq cores and terminate this into its own small supply board with a main Switchfuse and seperate miniature circuit breaker for lighting(6 amps) and an Residual current circuit breaker rated at 20 amps for the socket circuit in the garage. A 25 amp circuit breaker could then be used to feed these direct from the House Supply Board.

Answer 2

No! Absolutely not! The Tumble Drier will need 45A circuit protection. You should find a spare way in your main fuse board and run a 3 core 6mm2 cable from there to your sockets. Better still, Insatall a small fuse panel in the Garage with a 45Amp breaker. Run to your sockets from there.

It is very important that you make sure that the equipment is earthed properly, or the user could be seriously injured, or killed!

Your lights are very unsafe if they are being run from the Combi Boiler. with no adequate circuit protection, there is a very good possibility that the cables will catch fire and burn down your garage. Or your house! Have your electrics inspected by a professional. It sounds to me as if your insurance will not cover any damage at present!

Further. Most tumble driers are approx 3.5KW. This equates to 19.02Amps at a nominal voltage of 230V. 4mm2 Cable is rated @ 25Amps. However, consider the high voltage drop of 11mV/A/m. 6mm2 Cable only has a VD of 7.3mV/A/m. I would not suggest that an effective load of 19.02 Amps is fed from a 13Amp socket!

Answer 3

The simple answer is no. With that said most dryers take 220V and need a special connection socket as well as a heavy power line to take the amperage. Have this installed professionally. If you just need a couple extra outlets thats a different matter and you can take this from an existing socket or line provided you are not continually over-using this with many appliances i.e. dishwasher/stove. Check yoour circut and see whats on it first by turning off the power to the garage and see what else is connected. If its just general electrical outlets with lights and such you are safe to add another outlet to this line.

Answer 4

From your description it seem to be a real mess! Get an electrician to inspect the wiring and start again. A garage requires RCD protection of outlets. and power and light circuits should not be combined. Ignore the advice above about a tumble dryer requiring a 45 amp circuit and 6mm cable.(Must be from the US) A domestic UK dryer will work from a 13 amp socket which can be a radial or a ring circuit. It looks like you have neither.

Answer 5

"I am an Electrical Engineer"

could have fooled me...



That drier should be on its own circuit.

From the sounds of your post, and know offence here, you don't know a thing about electric.

I highly suggest getting a certified electrician in there and then an inspector in there after him to let him check out the new work before using it.

Electric is not something to be messed with by a DIYer as there are so many rules both in logic and the NEC05 code book which must be followed starting 10/1/06...that's in like a week from now.

Sure you'll be paying lots for this work to be done but adding a new line for your dryer and whatever else is nowhere near a DIY job.

Answer 6

The fact that you have to ask the question suggests to me that this is one area you should not touch, leaving aside all the new rules about who how and to what extent householders can add repair or replace domestic electrics. At is simplest without tecky jargon for example the size of the cable used for lighting circuits is smaller than that for your sockets and the appliances you want to use are heavy consumers of power. You shouldn't be drawing you plug power from a lighting source etc.Overheating and fire could be the end result !

Answer 7

Unfortunately nobody can stop you using an extension lead if you insist, but it is dangerous and considered bad practice. It is best you get an electrician to install a permanent socket for you. That way it will be done properly and safely, under Part P of the Building Regulations. He will issue you with a certificate that you can pass on to any potential buyers, should you decide to sell at some time in the future.

Answer 8

Do not take the power from your lights, use a qualified electrician to install your sockets from the ring main in the house.

Answer 9

Don't even think about it. VERY DANGEROUS a tumble drier uses a vast amount of power 12.5AMPS and requires its own supply.
I might add that you are already overloading the sensitive switch in the kitchen. GET an electrician to install a proper circuit.

Answer 10

You really do not want to add sockets to a light circuit.
As the power is going to be outside your property (technically) you would be better to have a fused outlet fitted by an electrician