Having been asked to fit a new weatherproof external socket to a domestic property, it's not feasible to fit the easy way, back-to-back, but perfectly possible and, I would expect, acceptable to fit it at the end of a 2m horizontal length of PVC conduit. HOWEVER, the client would also like a new internal socket back-to-back from this position. Is it considered acceptable to extend the ring circuit through the conduit to this new location - OK, I'd upgrade to galv steel - whilst keeping the external socket as a fused spur? Location is adjacent to the path from gate to front door. All other requirements (RCD etc) are satisactory.
You may wish to extend the ring, but need to bear one or two things in mind.
1. The ring must be 30mA RCD protected, or if you wish just the outside socket, but the whole ring would bring it to the latest regs.
2. It would be better to use plastic conduit as there will then not be an external exposed conductive part, which presents some risk under fault conditions (which is not removed by the RCD).
3. Only one single or one double socket is permitted on a spur. You do not need to fuse it, but an internal switch would prevent others from stealing your electricity without your knowledge.
4.The above regulations mean that you must run the ring around the new internal socket and the switch, and just the external socket is the spur. A suitably rated switch must be used. I suggest you use a switch with a neon indicator so that you remember to turn the outside socket off when not in use.
You may wish to extend the ring, but need to bear one or two things in mind.
1. The ring must be 30mA RCD protected, or if you wish just the outside socket, but the whole ring would bring it to the latest regs.
2. It would be better to use plastic conduit as there will then not be an external exposed conductive part, which presents some risk under fault conditions (which is not removed by the RCD).
3. Only one single or one double socket is permitted on a spur. You do not need to fuse it, but an internal switch would prevent others from stealing your electricity without your knowledge.
4.The above regulations mean that you must run the ring around the new internal socket and the switch, and just the external socket is the spur. A suitably rated switch must be used. I suggest you use a switch with a neon indicator so that you remember to turn the outside socket off when not in use.
