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Electrical

1.5mm armoured cable to plug socket

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.08 PM

I bought 1.5mm armoured cable for shed lighting (where we have the pets ), and laid it into the ground (20m of it). But then i thought it would be better to install a double plug socket in the shed and plug the light source in from that, and then I could also install a 40 watt heater to stop the frost freezing the animals. So I got a 30amp rcd outdoor socket to wire up in the shed. I understand however power sockets would be on 2.5mm wire though ordinarily. Can I spur this plug off of another outside light, and run off 20mm of cable on 1.5mm to a shed. It will only power a light and 40 watt heater? I understand 1.5mm can run up to 20amp so I guess a 13amp socket is OK? I don't want to waste the cable and effort put in so far unless it is unsafe to do so! Thanks Rob

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2 Answers

Electrical Safety Services

Rating: 5 out of 5

Dereham

Currently as it sits you have carried out illegal and non-compliant electrical work, and face a £5000 fine from building control. STOP Now and get a professional in. The SWA cable needs to be buried at a depth of 450mm and covered with "Caution electricity cable below" yellow marker tape before being covered over.

Answered20 November 2014

Anonymous user

Have you applied to your local authority building control (LABC) - as you're obliged to do under Part P of the building regulations - prior to starting this work? From your questions, I can only assume not, and could therefore be liable for a hefty fine. The LABC-appointed building inspector would have provided guidance about what you may or may not do to ensure the work is compliant with the 17th edition of the IET wiring regulations. Alternatively, a registered, competent electrician could have done the job for you: safely, in compliance with the regulations, using the right equipment, and without the need to pay your LABC the £300 or so fee for providing an inspector.

Answered19 November 2014