running power into the loft

Traveller1981

Hi guys,

Does anyone know what is involved with getting power into the loft. I have seem I have power cables for the upstairs lights, en-suite extractor fan etc in the loft, but i am unsure how I go about splitting this off so that I can wire in a plug socket in the loft and also a light.

Is it just a case of cutting the cable and feeding into a junction box? If so, can anyone point me in the right direction for the type of box needed or a guide on how to do this please?

Many thanks
Kyle

adaze

You can't attach a socket to a lighting circuit, thats a definite no-no. To take a light into the loft you can just take a spur out of one of your existing ceiling roses, or go down the junction box route. Similarly if you want power up there for a socket you need to take a spur from a socket on the floor below. Basically light = easy not much work, socket = lot more work and possible mess/ making good in the room below.

P.s. make sure you use the right spec cable, as a rule of thumb your lights will probably be 1 or 1.5mm and the ring main (sockets) 2.5mm

adaze

Also, I wouldn't take anything off the extractor fan for a light I would go back to a celing rose.

maninthestreet

Surely this work would need to be performed by a qualified eletrician - it's required Part P certification, doesn't it??

latecomer

I believe you are allowed add a spur to the ring main but whether that extends to something like this I dont know.

To the OP, sounds like you dont have any idea about electrics given you were considering tapping into the lighting circuit. Perhaps it might best get in a pro.

madjay

latecomer wrote: »

I believe you are allowed add a spur to the ring main but whether that extends to something like this I dont know.

To the OP, sounds like you dont have any idea about electrics given you were considering tapping into the lighting circuit. Perhaps it might best get in a pro.

You are only allowed to change lighting and power accessories like for like or different manufacturer and replace damaged cables. you are not allow to add to lighting or power circuits.

So I suggest you get an sparky to do the work.

A little information in the wrong hands is dangerous!!!!

Electricity Kills - so get it done right!!!

latecomer

madjay wrote: »

You are only allowed to change lighting and power accessories like for like or different manufacturer and replace damaged cables. you are not allow to add to lighting or power circuits.

Sorry but thats wrong. there are certain places where you are not allowed to do any work unless you are certified such as bathrooms and kitchens.

ripped from Eastleigh councils website (first good result on google)

There are certain exceptions to the above and outlined below are the types of electrical works which may be carried out by someone other than a "competent person" and without formal notification to the Building Control Unit. However, it is still recommended that the completed installation be tested by an appropriately qualified person in accordance with British Standard 7671.

Work consisting of:

• replacing accessories such as socket-outlets, control switches and ceiling roses
• replacing the cable for a single circuit only, where damaged, for example by fire, rodent or impact
• re-fixing or replacing the enclosures of existing installation components
• providing mechanical protection to existing fixed installations

Work that is not in a kitchen or special location and does not involve a special installation and consists of:

• adding lighting points (light fittings and switches) to an existing circuit
• adding socket-outlets and fused spurs to an existing ring or radial circuit
• installing or upgrading main or supplementary equipotential bonding

Special locations and installations are defined as:

• locations containing a bath tub or shower basin
• swimming pools or paddling pools
• hot air saunas
• electric floor or ceiling heating systems
• garden lighting or power installations
• solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply systems
• small scale generators such as microchip units
• extra-low voltage lighting installations, other than pre-assembled, CE-marked lighting sets

madjay

A little information in the wrong hands is dangerous!!!!

If you had to google it then you no nothing about the subject.

Some of us do it for a living .....DO NOT ADVISE IF YOU DO NO KNOW!!!!

espresso

madjay wrote: »

A little information in the wrong hands is dangerous!!!!

So why do you post then? He Googled to prove your post was wrong!

:rolleyes:

Traveller1981

Thanks for all the replies.

So from the above post, being in a loft, I am allowed to add a socket and a light fitting?

espresso

Traveller1981 wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies.

So from the above post, being in a loft, I am allowed to add a socket and a light fitting?

Yes allowed by Part p regs. providing that you know what you are doing.