Convert light fixture into power outlet

Owain_Moneysaver

You can use a fused connection unit either at the supply end of your 1.5mm cable, or at the terrace end, and wire your xmas lights permanently into the fused connection unit, with a 3 amp fuse. (This assumes your xmas lights are less than 100 watts total. If they are more than 100 watts you need to consider the total load already on the lighting circuit, which was reckoned at 100 watts per point or actual load if greater.)

You must not connect a 13 amp socket to a lighting circuit without fusing down. There is always the possibility it will be used for higher loads which would overload the circuit.

Using a 13 amp socket on a <13 amp circuit, even with fusing down as I think you suggest, is deprecated as the circuit, although partially protected, is not able to carry the full load of the socket. A long-term moderate overload will not blow a fuse, but will overload and possibly overheat the cable.

Also, all new socket outlets must be RCD protected. If the circuit is not already RCD protected you must use an RCD socket.

must means 'required by IET Wiring Regulations, guidance or current good practice'

FreeBear

Owain_Moneysaver wrote: »

You must not connect a 13 amp socket to a lighting circuit without fusing down. There is always the possibility it will be used for higher loads which would overload the circuit.

All well and good until some numpty comes along and fits a 13A fuse (or worse). As others have said, this is clearly a job for a qualified electrician, and not a job that the OP should undertake.

Owain_Moneysaver

FreeBear wrote: »

All well and good until some numpty comes along and fits a 13A fuse (or worse).

Yes, which is why it's deprecated, but someone changing part of the fixed wiring, including the fuse within the FCU takes responsibility for what they're doing.

With so much stuff having plug-top power supplies it can be difficult to avoid providing a 13A socket sometimes, even though wired in would be better / safer / more compliant.

Risteard

There is no prohibition on feeding a socket outlet from a circuit with a lower rating of protective deivice. However it is mandatory that the socket outlet be RCD protected and installef by a sklled (competent) person.

Therefore the OP must not do this job - he simply hasn't a clue what he is doing.