How can I install sockets in my shed?

Question

SORRY if this is posted three times... I have been having internet problems, causing everything to be triplicated.

I want up to three 2-gang sockets in my shed, mainly to run a fountain pump, outdoor lights (few hours per day), plus occasional use of lawn mower, hedge trimmer, etc.
The shed is like a brick extension to the house, and it appears possible to run cables under the floorboards (house is elevated) out into the shed without them going outside (had been done previously, but stripped away).
Would I be able to have these sockets added by extending my downstairs ring circuit, using 2.5sqmm twin-core and earth cable? Would there be any problem (e.g. voltage drop) due to long length of wire between sockets - at most, the cluster of sockets would be 6-8 metres from the neighbouring sockets on the ring (back in the kitchen), and can this be got round? If this plan is not feasible, can you suggest a suitable alternative arrangement?

Answer 1

You can do it in the way you suggest but there is not a need to break in to the ring main. All you need to do is run a spur from the ring main and this can be done by just running a plugged in cable from one of your existing sockets and terminating at your new sockets which are then series connected or break into the wiring with a junction box and run the spur that way.
Have a happy Easter.

Answer 2

As your shed is connected to the house just extend the existing ring. The only thing is the regs state if any socket that is used for equipment outdoors ( including the pump ) must be protected by an R.C.D. So if your house has not got one at the CU make sure all the sockets you install are R.C.D. sockets. Because I'm a qualified electrician you will get your work certified ( part p regs ) wont you !!!

Answer 3

Yes sounds quite feasible.You could either run the extension as a spur off of the back of the nearest socket in the house or you could go right back to the fuse box and use a separate circuit if there is one.Before fitting the sockets fit an isolating switch in the shed so the whole of this circuit can be switched off if necessary.It will also provide a fused safety to prevent the whole shed circuit exceeding the 13amps.Fit the sockets where you want them in the usual ring main manner.You should not notice any volt drop from this sort of run.The only thing is that recent legislation has been introduced whereby it is illegal for an unqualified person to make alterations to a house electric circuits unless it is checked and certificated by an authorised electrician.I assume this may apply to you as although it is the shed you are wiring it is being sourced from the house. It would pay you to check before commencing work.

Answer 4

If you want to draw a heavy load it's an expensive job and has to be done properly by an electrician. You can just run an extension lead from the house for power tools as long as you make sure to protect it from rain at both ends, you'll also have to run the cable safely and make sure water can't get in the house or shed. Heating of outbuildings is not easy or cheap, if you ae a diy person then try making a rocket stove, much cheaper than electric heating.

Answer 5

As long as the sockets are inside the fabric of the building the it will not be notifiable under Part P. (within the equipotential zone)

If you do not have RCD protection on the sockets inside then take a spur to an RCD fcu and install your sockets beyond that. I'm more concerned about the outdoor lights, which may be notifable (if they are not on a plug!).
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RCD-Fused-Spur-Unit-Neon-White-30mA-Passive_W0QQitemZ330102097707QQcategoryZ57215QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Although you want a total of six sockets, I don't think that you would be drawing that much given the list of appliances. 13A should be more than sufficient.

Pauline

Answer 6

I wouldn't recommend it unless you are a qualified electrician.

The law was changed a couple of years ago and you are not allowed to touch your electrical circuit unless you are qualified, this includes adding outside connections for things like pond pumps.

If you do the work and then something happens because of it i.e fire or someone gets electrocuted you wont get a house insurance pay out and you could be charged with negligence or worse.

If you notice diy and gardening programs now always show their 'electrician' doing the work, whereas Charlie Dimmock used to do it herself.

Answer 7

Why not just put in external sockets we have 2 doubles one each end of the garden

Answer 8

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Answer 9

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Answer 10

Go to taylorsgardenbuildings.co.uk for a "Readyboard". I installed one in my work shop. Much safer than running a spur off a ring main.