Any sparks knocking about...

trevoriv · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Karma :

I'm attempting to diy split my garage in 2 to create a gym room with heat, light and power. I have no trade skills but I reckon I can do the stud wall and boarding without too much trouble, the finish doesn't have to be immaculate but would like it to look decent.

The problem I have is that I cant get my head round the electrics. We have power in the garage run directly from the house CU to the detached garage that goes into an mcb with a 5/6a fuse that is wired to a light and a 15a fuse that runs to a socket with a built in rcd.

What I'm looking to do is run a couple of double sockets from this set up and probably replace the ceiling rose light with 4 spotlights. The lights I reckon should be easier but I'm puzzled about how to run the sockets.

I know the correct answer is get a pro in but I wouldn't mind giving it a go or at least trying to understand it before I admit defeat.

And I have browsed numerous diy and electrical forums but they all seemed to be full of wankers trying to make you feel stupid for asking, baffling you with acronyms and ultimately telling you to get a pro in.
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Past: '96 Thundercat, '02 ZX636R (A1P), '58 KTM 690 SM LC4 Current: '06 ZX636R (C6F)
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Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

The reason so many people say get a pro is because if you fcuk up and anything happens (fire) the insurance will have great joy saying f off, you weren't qualified.

However if you want to do it, it's easy enough.

Firstly get a new consumer unit with an RCD and mini breakers for your garage like this one from toolstation and replace what you have there. This will also give you a future spare breaker.

https://cdn.aws.toolstation.com/images/141020-UK/800/36399.jpg

Then wire your sockets in a ring off the 16amp breaker and your lights in a ring off the six amp breaker.

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oWl3PgmXEV8/maxresdefault.jpg

https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/project_images/ringmain/ring_main.jpg

You can use 2.5mm CSA cable for your sockets if off a 16 amp breaker.

On your own head be it. Thumbs Up

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thx1138 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Karma :

just have a gym with a motorbike parking space, problem solved

trevoriv · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Karma :

Thanks for that.

If it was just running cable and fitting new sockets then I would give that a go. Fitting a new consumer unit is probably something I would get a pro in for.
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Past: '96 Thundercat, '02 ZX636R (A1P), '58 KTM 690 SM LC4 Current: '06 ZX636R (C6F)
Mudskipper wrote: Someone just has to sig that...

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Wiring a consumer unit is easier than wiring a plug on account of the wires being bigger and less fiddly.
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myvision · Scooby Slapper Joined: 26 May 2016 Karma :

The consumer unit is easy enough just turn it off in the house first.
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Riejufixing · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Jun 2018 Karma :

trevoriv · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Karma :

C16 mcb at the cu in the house, I was expecting / assuming 32a for some reason but with a total of 100a at the cu after the cooker and shower there's not much to go round the rest of the house!
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Past: '96 Thundercat, '02 ZX636R (A1P), '58 KTM 690 SM LC4 Current: '06 ZX636R (C6F)
Mudskipper wrote: Someone just has to sig that...