Running power to shed

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

I'm assuming something like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/E7ECPRO4YU-Christmas-Extension-Indicator-Enclosure/dp/B0BK5D5V2R/

isn't safe for a permanent set up?

If it isn't, can I simply run a length of armoured cable from a spare slot in the fuse board into a plug socket such as this:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-ip66-13a-2-gang-sp-weatherproof-outdoor-switched-passive-rcd-socket/91095

If so can the cable be pinned to the house for part of the run to save digging up the entire run to bury the cable?

House and shed are situated similar to the below. 



If it can be pinned to the house, once going in the ground how far down should it be buried and which cable would be needed please?

I'd get an electrician in to wire it up but don't fancy paying them to dig up the path and garden to bury the cable. 

Thanks in advance for any pointers. 

Keep_pedalling

A perminant connection is notifiable work so would need a qualified electrician, but nothing to stop you doing all the digging work. 

FreeBear

A minimum of 450mm is generally regarded as "best practice", and it needs to be SWA cable. I'd suggest putting it in conduit so that it can be replaced/upgraded should the need every arise.

moneysaver1978

Just curious why do you need power in the shed?

CliveOfIndia

Keep_pedalling said:

A perminant connection is notifiable work so would need a qualified electrician, but nothing to stop you doing all the digging work. 

I'd second this advice - if you do want a "proper" permanent installation then get an electrician to do it (this will also remove the risk of any issues arising if/when you ever sell the house), but by all means do the donkey-work yourself to minimise costs.

But do you need a permanent installation?  I guess if you're going to set it up as a workshop that you'll be using a lot, then it makes sense - or if you want mains-powered lighting.  But if you're just wanting to use a power tool on the very odd occasion then it'd be far cheaper to just use an ordinary extension lead.

TELLIT01

Could the cable be run through conduit at higher level along the wall and across to the shed?

Eldi_Dos

If you are only wanting occasional power in the shed would a small generator suit your needs. It would be handy in case of power cuts, or for camping.

mexican_dave

Don't disagree with the alternatives offered, so how about this, doesn't need digging: an overhead cable on a support wire. Still needs correct installation by an electrician, but looks like less effort.

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

Thanks for the all replies

mexican_dave said:

doesn't need digging: an overhead cable on a support wire. 

I did wonder about this but I think I'd feel better if it was in the ground, can't blow away in the ground! 

Eldi_Dos said:

small generator suit your needs.

I don't really fancy going down the road of generators, it would only take a day to get the donkey work for the cable sorted and the electrician is needed for a few other small jobs anyway. 

CliveOfIndia said:But if you're just wanting to use a power tool on the very odd occasion then it'd be far cheaper to just use an ordinary extension lead.

That's what I'm doing at the moment but it's a bind to keep reeling in and out, especially when it's raining which seems to be most of the time. 

moneysaver1978 said:

Just curious why do you need power in the shed?

Gotten to the point the house is nice enough to not want dust and mess everywhere, shed probably under sells it a bit, it's a fair sized out building with a decent work bench. 

FreeBear said:

A minimum of 450mm is generally regarded as "best practice", and it needs to be SWA cable. I'd suggest putting it in conduit so that it can be replaced/upgraded should the need every arise.

Thanks @FreeBear

When you say conduit I assume you mean for the part in the ground so the cable can just be pulled out and threaded back through without digging again if ever needed, something like this?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/deta-corrugated-conduit-20mm-x-10m-black/234PV

In terms of cable Screwfix has this:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/prysmian-6943x-black-3-core-2-5mm-armoured-cable-25m-coil/38769

Tools have been working fine of normal plugs running of the usual 2.5mm twin and earth so I assume the 2.5mm SWA is sufficient, 6mm seems overkill for a few standard power tools? I assume the 3 core is suitable for connecting at both ends?

I don't really fancy any conduit or boxing running on the outside of the house, is it safe to simply pin to the wall just under the soffit? 

Many thanks again  

FreeBear

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head said:

FreeBear said:

A minimum of 450mm is generally regarded as "best practice", and it needs to be SWA cable. I'd suggest putting it in conduit so that it can be replaced/upgraded should the need every arise.

Thanks @FreeBear

When you say conduit I assume you mean for the part in the ground so the cable can just be pulled out and threaded back through without digging again if ever needed, something like this?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/deta-corrugated-conduit-20mm-x-10m-black/234PV

I've used some corrugated conduit in the past for data cables - It is a pig to pull cable through as stuff gets snagged on the ridges.. 20mm would be too small for SWA. I'd go for something like this - https://www.screwfix.com/p/floplast-solvent-weld-waste-pipe-black-40mm-x-3m/23406 - Use solvent weld connectors where needed, and just use the pipe for the below ground run. If you think 6mm² is too much, drop down to 4mm² and you'll still be able to use the bigger toys tools. I have a chop saw that will trip a 16A MCB (which is the limit for 2.5mm²)...

Eldi_Dos

If turning the outbuilding into a workshop look into ABB industrial range of sockets and plugs. These are robust  and easy to handle if your hands are a bit mucky and will last better if outbuilding is unheated.