Power to shed via extension cable

4legsbetter

I have checked with my local building inspector who says that if I do the above, then regulations do not apply because it would be classed as a temporary supply.

So this is what I plan to do - any comments would be very much appreciated:

I have a 25m outdoor camping type cable, (just about the right length) one with with the blue 3 pin connectors designed to plug into a caravan socket, and at the other end, a socket to connect to a camping power supply.

I would remove these and fit a normal 3 pin 13 amp plug on one end, and a standard socket on the other.

In the shed, I would fix a double socket to the wall, with a cable and 13 amp plug which would connect to the socket on the extension cable.

A spur from this socket would then connect to a light switch fitted with a 3 amp fuse, and wired to 2 flourescent lights in the ceiling.

In other words, power from the house via a 13 amp socket, connected to the 13amp plug on the extension cable.
The socket on the end of the extension cable connected to the plug on the cable attached to the double socket in the shed.
A short cable out of this socket attaches to a fused light switch, which supplies power via lighting cable to 2 flourescent lights.

What do you think . . .

By the way, I have got a single socket fiited with an RCD which I could use, but as the house electrics are protected with RCD's in the consumer unit, is there any point in having another?

littleboo

I would use armoured cable between the house and the shed, terminating it in a weather proof junction box at either end. Then I'd have a short flex tail at the house end going through external wall with a 13A plug on the end. I wouldnt like to use regular flex for long term outdoor use.

Gloomendoom

^^^^^ That's what I'd do too. I currently have an extension lead (with an RCD) feeding power to my garage. It's been there a couple of years without a problem but I worry about it. It's only turned on when I need it.

DVardysShadow

abakewelltart wrote: »

I have checked with my local building inspector who says that if I do the above, then regulations do not apply because it would be classed as a temporary supply.

Beggars belief.

Do the safe thing which complies with the wiring regs. Please yourself whether you go through the full building regs process.

always_skint

Armoured cable for the exterior link is the way to go.

I have it between my house consumer unit (utilising the spare cooker MCB) and the shed then terminating in another consumer unit with built in RCD in it with separate suitably rated MCB's to power the lighting, sockets, and fixed powered units.

Owain_Moneysaver

abakewelltart wrote: »

I have checked with my local building inspector who says that if I do the above, then regulations do not apply because it would be classed as a temporary supply.

Which is rubbish because

(a) Temporary supplies are subject to the same Wiring Regulations, and
(b) Temporary supplies have additional requirements for periodic inspection and testing.

Depending on the earthing system your house uses it may not be possible, or even dangerous, to earth the shed through the house earth, and the shed may have to be separately earthed. This is a job for an electrician with the appropriate test instruments.