Adding additonal sockets

pledgeX

I'd like to add a couple of extra sockets around the house, but am not sure if it can be done without ripping up a lot of the floors/ceiling/walls.

We're semi detached and there's not a single power point on the joining wall upstairs or downstairs. This is not a problem upstairs as it's a bathroom, stairs, and luckily the way we've positioned the bedroom doesn't require power.

However, in the hallway, and the living room, there's only sockets on one side of the room. The hall has nice tiles on the floor and the living room has laminate, so we can't just peel back the carpet and lift up the floorboards. The only thing on that side of the wall is the incoming phone socket, and a light switch. I'm presuming that it's not possible to tack on some sockets to the cables in this area?

If not, then is there any other option than ripping up the floor? We'll probably end up re-doing the rooms in a couple of years, but wondered if there's anything we can do in the mean time. Obviously we'd get an electrician in to do any work. Just wanted to get an idea of feasibility.

keystone

pledgeX wrote: »

The only thing on that side of the wall is the incoming phone socket, and a light switch. I'm presuming that it's not possible to tack on some sockets to the cables in this area?

You can't run a 13A socket off the lighting circuit!

If not, then is there any other option than ripping up the floor? We'll probably end up re-doing the rooms in a couple of years, but wondered if there's anything we can do in the mean time. Obviously we'd get an electrician in to do any work. Just wanted to get an idea of feasibility.

Surface mount (cables in trunking and sockets on patresses). You electrician will advise if he needs to run a new circuit from the consumer unit to do this.

Cheers

Ainsley1

I presume you have a reasonably modern house with a ring main for the sockets and underfloor access for cable runs is possible (not a solid concrete floor).

The work need to be done in accordance with current wiring regs ( and this means by a competent person!) and any competent electrician would wish to break into and extend the ring main. This means either running new cables under the floor (the most common method) to get the cables extended to the far side of your room. It is unlikely that the ring main runs close to the wall you mention. That means lifting and replacing some of your laminate. It may also mean that your consumer unit should be upgraded too. They will then need to inspect & test the installation (really ought to test the original too initially) and this may identify other work that needs correcting as well. They are obliged to fix this as well if undertaking the work as they cannot leave the job in a dangerous state - even if the new bit is OK by itself.

The new work is not a big job but a bit messy! Unless faults found then parts are very cheap but there will be a substantial amount of labour time required, especially for reinstatement of flooring, plasterwork on masonry wall, redecoration etc.

You say "I'm presuming that it's not possible to tack on some sockets to the cables in this area?" which sockets do you mean. Certainly cannot be done from the phone socket or lighting. Temporary 'trailing' cables plugged into existing sockets are possible but not a great idea but could possibly be installed by you or your electrician in mini trunking running round the skirting board for cosmetic reasons and reducing trip hazards. You need to be careful then how much current you try and supply from the socket [13A max] [ as per Keystones response]

If not a modern ring main ignore the above (apart from the extension and mess aspect!!]

You might just be best getting a qualified electrician or two to come along and give you advice/quote. That will put it all in perspective!

keystone

Ainsley - did you actually read the lead post?

Cheers

pledgeX

Thanks folks. No easy solution then! There's no urgent need for the new sockets, so I'll just wait until we redecorate and get it done at the same time.

GlynD

pledgeX wrote: »

Thanks folks. No easy solution then! There's no urgent need for the new sockets, so I'll just wait until we redecorate and get it done at the same time.

If you have stud walls life is a lot easier. Do you have stud walls?

pledgeX

GlynD wrote: »

If you have stud walls life is a lot easier. Do you have stud walls?

Yes, but as the existing plugs/cable are on the other side of the room, I imagine you'll have to go up the wall, above the ceiling, and back down the other side which I can't see how you can do without ripping up most of the wall.

GlynD

pledgeX wrote: »

Yes, but as the existing plugs/cable are on the other side of the room, I imagine you'll have to go up the wall, above the ceiling, and back down the other side which I can't see how you can do without ripping up most of the wall.

Well I'm no expert but it stands to reason that stud walls can be cut much easier than tracking brick or block. That cuts down on installation costs.