Electrical work (just thinking out loud)

Apr 11, 2005 3 Replies

Recently set up a distribution system for freeview, using one of the bedroom sockets to power an amplifier (needs 240 V at 50 Hz), so no serious effort involved, could have set the amplifier in the loft and pulled power for it from a lighting circuit. Is this a job somone somewhat technically skilled could tackle, or is it an electrician job?


Powering a TV signal amplifier from a lighting circuit is not the approved way to power it.

However, if the 13 amp plug top is removed, and the amplifier connected using a 3 amp fused switched spur connection

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or a 5 amp round pin plug and socket
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I don't see how anyone could become confused and try to plug a 13 amp appliance into the socket as doing this would blow the 5/6 amp fuse/trip and leave you in the dark!

easy

not a problem, long as you dont do it by fitting a 13A socket. Even if you do, not much likelihood of there being any problem IRL.

NT

This would be a good use for a clock point (socket) if you can still find one. These are allowed (indeed expected to be) on lighting circuits, and the plug is fused (at 0.5A, 1A, or 2A;

0.5A would do for this application).

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