Loft power socket?

[Anonymous]

Up in my loft I need to add a power socket which will be used to power one tv amplifier.

There is the lighting circuit up there, and conveniently near to where I need the socket, there is a brown juntion box which just has 1 twin+earth in, and one the same out. Perhaps someone used this to join the cables?

Anyway. Can I just connect a length of twin+earth into here, then connect the other end into a 5A single socket.

I'll have to cut the flex from the TV amp and fit a 5A fuse with the rounded pins to fit the socket.

Does this sound OK?

Ideally i'd like a double socket up there because for a while whilst i'm installing the aerial stuff i'd maybe like a spare "normal pin" socket available to charge a small power tool, but these perhaps could be misinterpreted as a "proper" socket in the future and someone might overload the lighting circuit?

I'm also understanding that this wouldnt be notifiable under part P? I do have some old cable length up there I could use.......but then again the 5A socket I buy will probably have a date on it somewhere.......

Any comments would be gratefully received.

[Steve Walker]

I had a TV amp wired direct to the lighting circuit for years, it only used about 10w and was perfectly happy. I wouldn't advise using any form of plug/socket arrangement though, it's inviting an accidental overload.

[Owain]

Yebbut is that a joint in the line+neutral, or in the switchedlive+neutral, in which case your telly will only work when the appropriate light is on.

Yes

plug - the round pin ones are unfused

Yes

That is why an ordinary 13A socket should not be fitted on a lighting circuit. You /could/ take the supply through a prominently-marked 3A fused connection unit to the socket as a way of reducing the badness.

If you only need it to charge a power tool why can't you charge it elsewhere?

Only thing I can foresee is that if you have a TT installation you need a 30mA RCD on all sockets, and your lighting circuit might be on a 100mA RCD (or no RCD). Technically I think the RCD requirement would apply to a 5A socket but it would certainly apply to a 13A socket.

Owain

[John]

I used a 2 amp clock point for a TV amplifier.

[The Natural Philosopher]

I would probably put in a switched fused spur with a 5A fuse in it..

Not sure if its kosher or not...

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the replies thus far.

The existing junction box must be in the live + neutral because the amp is powered when the loft light is turned off.

The upstairs lighting circuit is on a 6A RCD.

The consensus on here and on another forum where I asked the same question, seems to be that the best way to do this is to use a FCU fitted with a 3A fuse, and clearly mark it as follows

"MAXIMUM LOAD 3 AMP / 600 WATTS"

Also, there is a bit of banter going on as to whether this work will require a minor works certificate. There is agreement that the work is not notifiable, but disagreement as to the certificate.

We're not planning on selling the house anytime soon, so I guess whatever the outcome I don't need to worry?

Thanks again for the replies.

[David Hansen]

On Tue, 11 Jul 2006 23:37:23 GMT someone who may be "--Carpy" wrote this:-

Indeed, perhaps with a cord outlet near to the amplifier.

I don't see any need for that on the FCU. If anyone in the future wishes to re-arrange the fixed wiring then one of the first things they need to do is ascertain what circuits things are connected to.

However, if installing a 13A socket on the lighting circuit it should certainly be permanently marked in this way and perhaps a different colour.

[TMC]

Years ago looking to future use I started with a spur off of the house ring main routed through the airing cupboard to a single socket and switched fuse spur for the loft light. Became very useful when I later boarded the loft and now runs the network hub and TV booster splitter

Tony

[Christian McArdle]

Fine, if it is permanent live.

Yes.

The round pin plugs are not usually fused. The fuse will be the 5/6A fuse/MCB at the consumer unit.

Yes.

Indeed. I would not do this. Just use an extension lead from downstairs if you can't extend or spur from the ring.

Christian.