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Electrical

Replacing a double socket with a fused switch and socket

Anonymous user 16/03/2024 - 2.44 PM

We are in the process of changing our TV and as such I am going the be redecorating and now is the ideal time to change which wall the TV is on. On the new wall at the normal floor level is a double socket. The new TV is flush mounted so a socket behind the TV is not possible. Therefore, I’m thinking of having an electrician change the double socket to a fused switch with single socket combo (like the standard cooker switch and socket found in most kitchens) and running the power from the fused switch directly to the TV. My obvious first question is this a permissible option (not that I’ve checked but I don’t believe the double socket is a spur - we moved into the house as a new build and would be surprised if this socket was a spur)? My main question however is regarding the preferred in-wall cabling option between the TV and the fused switch. In my mind, there are two options: 1) remove the plug from the TV and wire the cable directly to the fused switch (not preferred but I guess the simplest option) or 2) connect the fused switch to the TV via an inline connector so the TV can be disconnected easily (the connector would be in a wall box behind a brush surface mount so the connector can be easily accessed). This would be my preferred option simply because the tv can be disconnected when necessary (not that I’m planning on disconnecting it very often). Should the in-wall cable between the fused socket and TV be armoured as it will be behind plasterboard (I’m a bit of a safety nut and being a plasterboard wall someone in the future might drill into that wall etc) My second question is simply what rating of fuse would be the most preferred option? Happy to consider any other sensible options for getting power to the TV (the TV comes with a wall mount attached - but if the route above is a pain, I’m pretty happy to reuse the existing wall mount and have my electrical put a spur off the double socket).

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

3 Answers

DEACON ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Rating: 5 out of 5

Grimsby

The most sensible option would be to get a professional in to do it.

Answered31 October 2021

Eco-Sparks ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5

Hindhead

Hi, you you should not attempt this work yourself, call a registered electrician

Answered30 October 2021

Anonymous user

This all sounds like a very bad plan. It isn't clear why you can't just plug into a double socket in the normal way, and perhaps box that in if it offends the eye. As far as running the cable behind the plasterboard goes, there are cable conduit kits you should use. Generally, as long as cables in a wall void are left loose, with plenty of slack, then drilling into them is impossible - the drill just pushes them aside. Wherever cables are fixed in place they should be run inside trunking/conduit of some kind.

Answered2 November 2021