Should my external socket have an isolation switch?
Anonymous user 16/03/2024 - 2.30 PM
New persimmon development. I paid for an external power socket. However...there is no switch internally that allows me to cut the power to that socket meaning if I’m not about, anyone could use it. It’s not even wired separately into the consumer unit so the only way to isolate it would be by cutting power to all downstairs sockets...clearly not workable as this would cut power to the fridge, freezer etc. This seems odd to me...surely a switch internally should have been fitted or at the very least, the socket wired individually to keep it separate for the other sockets?
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
Well, I have been in this game 40 odd years and I have never fitted a switch inside for a outside socket-unless asked to. Consider getting an IP rated box around it that you can lock it or indeed get a DP switch installed inside.
Unfortunately it's not unusual, or incorrect to have an exterior socket wired the way yours is. I would anticipate it is just wired to the downstairs ring circuit. Having an internal switch is an option, which if you was having the work done, you could request. Obviously, the house builder will take any opportunity to save money during the build process and hence a switch wasn't installed. Fitting a switch internally wouldn't be impossible and you could ask an electrician to do this for you.
If I was to install a external socket ,and i have to take the power from ring main or a junction box ,i will definitely use a switch connection unit .having said that the best way to wire anything external would have to come through and RCBO breaker from the consumer unit ,because if anything happens on that circuit and that breaker trip ,nothing else will trip.because is independent protective devise
There is nothing wrong electrically with the way it is fitted, it is just a spur off a ring main that happens to be outside. It is probably the most common way of creating an external socket.
Some people do ask for it to be switched from the inside too, in which case I use a fused connection unit. So for example, outside Christmas lights can be turned off without having to venture into the rain.
Changing your current setup is straight forward.
I hope this helps.
Martin
