I need power in a loft for a router and a TP link deco (wifi mesh system). Both are low power devices. Can I take a spur off of the light ring to a double socket? 3amp fused spur should be fine. Or is this a big no no? The ring will be pulling next to nothing as every light on it is LED now (if that makes a difference!)
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If you’re putting in via a fused connection unit with a 3A fuse as you say, then can’t see any issues. No different from looping smoke alarms or extraction fans in to the lighting circuit.
I’d be inclined to put a “Max 3A” sticker on the FCU and socket, and store a note of what you’ve done close to the consumer unit for the benefit of anyone inspecting the installation in the future.
I’d be inclined to put a “Max 3A” sticker on the FCU and socket, and store a note of what you’ve done close to the consumer unit for the benefit of anyone inspecting the installation in the future.
angellonewolf
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id say no as its not a lighting item thats in use your putting in a 13amp possable unit in to a lighting circuit
Barking Mat
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I would. But I'm a wrong'un.
Don't doubt it would be frowned upon by @brightspark .
What's your lighting circuit fused at ?
There's what you should do....
And what you can do.
Shoot me down people.
Barking Mat
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Not like a lighting spur could take a 75 watt tungsten bulb. Or six.
You probably shouldn't, but ....
You probably shouldn't, but ....
angellonewolf
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would it work yes is it allowed no
electrics supplyed by wet string will work dont mean you should do it
dont get me wrong its his house let him do with it as he wants
electrics supplyed by wet string will work dont mean you should do it
dont get me wrong its his house let him do with it as he wants
Barking Mat
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Barking Mat
Cuddler of hedgehogs.
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Wet string, I've had very little success.
Totally understand your point of view.
I'm just the other POV, why not?
Totally understand your point of view.
I'm just the other POV, why not?
Would it be possible to wire in directly to the fused Spur as that way you can't inadvertently plug in a 3kw heater etc? Or alternatively, could you fit the old style socket and plugs - the small round pin ones? By doing this any current electrical appliances could not be plugged in.
Labeling the Spur with a maximum fuse rating and also doing the same with the actual sockets.
Also could the fused Spur have an RCD built in - though I am not sure of actual need for this as you may be covered by your main electrical board.
As I sure you can tell, I am no electrician and I certainly have no knowledge of current regulations so beware of falling foul of such.
Labeling the Spur with a maximum fuse rating and also doing the same with the actual sockets.
Also could the fused Spur have an RCD built in - though I am not sure of actual need for this as you may be covered by your main electrical board.
As I sure you can tell, I am no electrician and I certainly have no knowledge of current regulations so beware of falling foul of such.
Agroshield
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The difficulty with that is the two items he mentioned are normally powered via a 'wall wart' supply, so not easily hard wired.
Onoff
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I'd do it. Take a 2+1 back box. Fit an unswitched fcu in the "1" and your double socket in the "2". Fuse it appropriately, so <5A which I'm assuming is the lighting circuits protective device. Label it up.
I think there's a reg says you can feed a socket off a lighting circuit. I'll look in a minute when I get up. In fact I'm sure there is. Probably aimed at the 5A round pin "table lamp" type sockets but I don't think it's that specific.
I think there's a reg says you can feed a socket off a lighting circuit. I'll look in a minute when I get up. In fact I'm sure there is. Probably aimed at the 5A round pin "table lamp" type sockets but I don't think it's that specific.
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But if you tried to draw 13A the 6A mcb protecting the lighting circuit would trip.
Onoff
In the land of the unfinished project I am King!
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(My regs are the blue book 2018 so unamended). The bold bit from the regs:
559.5.1 Connection to the fixed wiring
At each fixed lighting point one of the following shall be used for the termination of the wiring system:
(v) A suitable socket-outlet complying with BS1363-2, BS546 or BS EN 60309-2
Fyi:
BS1363-2 - Normal rectangular pin sockets
BS546 - The round pin sockets I mentioned earlier
BS EN 60309-2 - That's industrial sockets like 16, 32, 63, 125A jobbies. I can't even begin to work how that's possible...
Let's face it many people have TV amps in the loft or even TV sockets high up on the wall wired off the lights.
I'd do it and take the appropriate measures, labelling, 3A fuse.
559.5.1 Connection to the fixed wiring
At each fixed lighting point one of the following shall be used for the termination of the wiring system:
(v) A suitable socket-outlet complying with BS1363-2, BS546 or BS EN 60309-2
Fyi:
BS1363-2 - Normal rectangular pin sockets
BS546 - The round pin sockets I mentioned earlier
BS EN 60309-2 - That's industrial sockets like 16, 32, 63, 125A jobbies. I can't even begin to work how that's possible...
Let's face it many people have TV amps in the loft or even TV sockets high up on the wall wired off the lights.
I'd do it and take the appropriate measures, labelling, 3A fuse.
brightspark
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if you must . fit a fused spur with a 3 amp fuse of the lighting circuit and in to the socket next to it if its in the attic. we all; know your not supposed to but it will do no harm because the cable will not be overloaded as its protected at the cu with a 5 amp mcb and a 3a in the spur 
theirs no other way apart from running a feed of sockets below
theirs no other way apart from running a feed of sockets belowI have seen a lot of things plugged into trailing sockets from the plug in ceiling rose type things.
The round 3 pin "lighting" sockets are used in lighting and if it's got a plug you can always unplug it if anyone complains. Might need an adapter cable if it's a wall wart type psu.
Stu
Morrisman
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Someone ran the conservatory power from a lighting ring in our old house. I remember plugging a lawnmower into one of the sockets and it almost immediately lost power. Tortuous tracing of the supply lead me to a fuse in the airing cupboard, that had a 5 amp fuse in it, with 1mm wire leading to the conservatory. The other end lead to the front bedroom light circuit. 
For the life of me I can't imagine why it was done that way.
I put a little Dymo sticker on it 'Conservatory, 5amp max'.
For the life of me I can't imagine why it was done that way.
I put a little Dymo sticker on it 'Conservatory, 5amp max'.
brightspark
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why didnt you rewire it on to the downstairs ringSomeone ran the conservatory power from a lighting ring in our old house. I remember plugging a lawnmower into one of the sockets and it almost immediately lost power. Tortuous tracing of the supply lead me to a fuse in the airing cupboard, that had a 5 amp fuse in it, with 1mm wire leading to the conservatory. The other end lead to the front bedroom light circuit.
For the life of me I can't imagine why it was done that way.
I put a little Dymo sticker on it 'Conservatory, 5amp max'.
