Outdoor Electrical Supply

message from mike. buckley on 24 May 2004

Probably been asked before, but I understand the concept, I just need a
cheap supplier!

Currently in our utility room there is a handily placed (no RCD) socket
for outdoor use, I'm using this for the lawnmower for example. The
previous house owner has run a twin+earth wire down to the pond,
presumably this was being used for a pump/fountain (I'll never know
seeing as they thoughtfully just snipped the outdoor end clean off). I'd
like to set this back up - only a little bit more permanently. What I'd
like to do is make the existing socket RCD protected, and also make the
outdoor a spur off it with an RCD socket outside. Unfortunately this is
expensive. The indoor RCD socket is only about 20 quid, but the outdoor
(single or double) I've seen priced anywhere from 40 to 80 quid. That's
more than the pump it's going to run!

Anybody recommend somewhere that might be cheaper - or find a cheaper
way round it that I haven't thought about?

Thanks

Lurch replied to mike. buckley on 24 May 2004

Fit an RCD spur inside for the pond supply and use a normal, non RCD protected,
waterproof socket. http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/BRH92.html. For the
socket I would recommend the MK Masterseal range.

nightjar replied to Lurch on 24 May 2004

That is rain proof, so you only need to worry if you plan to hose the socket
down or expect deep floods.

Colin Bignell

mike. buckley replied to mike. buckley on 24 May 2004

TLC Direct seem to be the way to go. I also found some cheaper RCD
outdoor sockets, but they were only rated at IP54, which looks a bit
pants.

Thanks folks.

Christian McArdle replied to mike. buckley on 24 May 2004

I'd use a standard outdoor socket, such as screwfix item 10562. IP66 rated
so needs no further protection. Run this off an RCD spur inside the house
that can also run an internal RCD socket if needed.

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?ts=11484&id=10562
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?ts=11438&id=14770

That's cheaper (this time) than the TLC items. Although I would recommend
both Screwfix and TLC generally, screwfix do some very good budget IP rated
electricals. The above I have and am impressed by build quality given the
price. I also have their Volex VGCKIT IP rated consumer unit which looks
excellent at any price, let alone the 25 quid they charge.

Christian.

Nick Brooks replied to mike. buckley on 24 May 2004

www.tlc-direct.co.uk

RCD Spur £26
Single socket for indoors £3
IP56 1 Gang Socket £16

Archived message: Outdoor Electrical Supply (UK D-I-Y Home Repairs)