outdoor electrical socket - why so expensive?

[Dundonald]

Why's this so expensive then?

[Sparks]

Because it's water resistant to IP56, even when a normal plug is used Because it has funny squishy things that mould round the cable when something is plugged in, and the lid is closed (for above)

Basically it's the mutts nuts :-)

[RichardS]

personally, I'd go with two of these (unless 2G is important - don't seem to be able to find 2G as part of the Clipsal IP66 range)

?ts=25771&id=10562I've got one & it's a very well made accessory. V. robust, very well sealed (if you install it as per instructions) and it will take screw-on IP66 13A plugs.

[Rolyata]

You can get an own-brand single or double socket from Wicks for a hell of a lot less.

I can't remember the exact IP rating - I'd guess at IP56 but you'll have to check to be sure.

It also has a housing large enough to cover a standard 13A plug and the lid has those gel-filled seals around the cable too.

I fitted some last year and they seem very good.

[Andrew Gabriel]

IP55, dropping to IP4X when in use (i.e. OK providing you don't leave a plug in it when it's raining). I suspect they're made for Wickes by G.E.T. I've used these. I did have one back box break when I was trying to knock out the 20mm punchout. After that, I used a proper 20mm hole punch rather than rely on the punchout breaking away correctly.

Oh, that's not the one I'm thinking of. Might want to ask yourself if you really need one which is usable in the rain -- personally I can't imagine using an outside socket if it's raining.

[Andrew Mawson]

OK you're cutting the lawn with your electric mower, the 'phone rings and you go in to answer leaving mower plugged in. Phone call is long and involved, meanwhile an April shower drenches the lawn !

AWEM

[Mike Hibbert]

Nah, you'd never hear the phone with the mower going ;o)

[nightjar]

Before I laid a permanent cable, I used to use one to supply an extension lead to the garage. That needed to work when it was raining.

Colin Bignell

[dmc]

In article , nightjar

Something which I assume is fine and deemed safe under Part P whereas installing a proper feed to the shed is not :-(

Mind you, you aren't allowed to install the outside socket now either :-(((

Darren

[Peter Andrews]

[Andy Hall]

- It's a very well made MK branded product to the proper specifications for its application and with features to exceed that such as additional seals. There's a 20 year warranty, which, in this context means that the manufacturer anticipates no problems with it.

- under certain weather conditions it could very well save your life. Hopefully you value that a little higher than £48. You should in any case have an RCD in the circuit.

- there are cheaper sources of the same product.

- In B&Q's case you could also ask, "Why does a dog lick its balls?"

[Dundonald]

Fair enough, thanks.

Of course I do. The plan is to spur off a mains, fuse and RCD it, then cable from RCD to this outdoor socket. I plan to keep the water feature plugged in this socket most of the time, and switched off when it's not needed. And the spare socket is useful for lawn mower, strimmer, radio etc.

I'm willing to pay the extra cash for quality.

Not sure what that means.

[Andy Hall]

You could also consider

one has the RCD built in and you might find overall cost and convenience more attractive.....

I have several of them at strategic places outside. They are good.

Because it can ...... :-)

[Frank Erskine]

Because it can. :-)

[nightjar]

Naturally, I completed all wiring work I ever might need before Part P came into force.

Colin Bignell

[Owain]

[under Part P]

According to the IEE Wiring Matters a *luminaire* on the wall of the house is non-notifiable provided the internal wiring is not in a kitchen or special location, so wouldn't a socket follow the same principle?

A couple of 63A sockets on switchfuses at the meter as the 'fixed' installation and everything else could be wired on 'extension leads'.

Owain

[dmc]

I can just imagine some plugging their elcheapo 5 amp reel into a 63Amp feed and running their kitchen off of it :-)

Still, obviously much safer than adding that extra socket for the microwave.

Darren

[Dave Stanton]

Could I borrow your crystal ball next time

Dave

[nightjar]

My reels of bulk purchased cables in the old colours might be of more practical value, but I'm hanging on to those, just in case I need to have completed more.

Colin Bignell

[Dave Stanton]

O

Yes, I have just been tidying up the reels of old colour cables in my garage.

Dave