Electrical query

[spunko 25,885]

My old shower, before it was replaced, had one of those weird switches (similar to a light switch but with a little red light on it) that I think you used to have to turn ON before you used the old electric shower. I never used it, because I had the shower/bathroom refitted as soon as I moved in (fucking filthy and 'orrible it was...). What are they used for? It has a sticker saying 'Shower' on it. 

My current shower definitely doesn't it because it's been off for years.

I want to get rid of the horrible old socket/switch (cap it off), because it's ugly, but I don't know if it's worth leaving it up. The fusebox has a dedicated switch for "SHOWER" which as far as I can tell only powers this disused switch.

Does it make sense to cap it off and is there a way to tell if it's being used by something else other than the previous shower still? (Besides manual testing)

Cant be bothered to get an electrician in who'll charge me half a day.

[The XYY Man 23,571]

21 minutes ago, spunko said:

I never used it, because I had the shower/bathroom refitted as soon as I moved in (fucking filthy and 'orrible it was...). What are they used for? It has a sticker saying 'Shower' on it. 

My current shower definitely doesn't it because it's been off for years.

If you operate the switch a few times, does the red light turn off and on with it, or is it constantly on...?

 

XYY

[Bobthebuilder 2,156]

It's a dedicated 6 mm 30amp shower radial circuit for fucks sake man, get a grip.

[spunko 25,885]

14 minutes ago, Bobthebuilder said:

It's a dedicated 6 mm 30amp shower radial circuit for fucks sake man, get a grip.

So can I cap it off or is there any reason not to? 

2 hours ago, The XYY Man said:

If you operate the switch a few times, does the red light turn off and on with it, or is it constantly on...?

 

XYY

Red light comes on if I turn the switch on, only.

[spunko 25,885]

What I mean is, if for example I wanted to spur off it in future, if what you're saying @Bobthebuilder is true then I can't do that. Since it's on its own dedicated fuse - seems strange.

[The XYY Man 23,571]

17 minutes ago, spunko said:

Red light comes on if I turn the switch on, only.

OK, does your shower work regardless of the switch position, or whether the red light is on or off...?

 

XYY

 

Edited November 30, 2020 by The XYY Man

[MrPin 19,632]

7 hours ago, spunko said:

What I mean is, if for example I wanted to spur off it in future, if what you're saying @Bobthebuilder is true then I can't do that. Since it's on its own dedicated fuse - seems strange.

If all you want is a socket, why not? but replace the 30 Amp breaker with a smaller one. And don't install a socket in a bathroom.

[Green Devil 4,591]

8 hours ago, spunko said:

What I mean is, if for example I wanted to spur off it in future, if what you're saying @Bobthebuilder is true then I can't do that. Since it's on its own dedicated fuse - seems strange.

 

22 minutes ago, MrPin said:

If all you want is a socket, why not? but replace the 30 Amp breaker with a smaller one. And don't install a socket in a bathroom.

Yep, you cant put sockets in bathrooms. Radial circuits are use for a single item (like a shower) on a dedicated breaker. So yes, you could turn of the breaker at the fuseboard, confirm the circuit is dead (using a tester), then move the cable to the landing for use as a socket. Cant see why you'd want to do this as its probably got more value as existing wiring to the bathroom,  if you or someone else wants to fit an elect shower later. If its unsightly, cap it with a plastic cover. If you arent using it, or its covered, it should be turned off at the breaker.

[MrPin 19,632]

4 minutes ago, Green Devil said:

Cant see why you'd want to do this as its probably got more value as existing wiring to the bathroom,  if you or someone else wants to fit an elect shower later.

Yes, when I had my kitchen "done" I had a cooker circuit installed, even though I have a gas cooker.

[spunko 25,885]

30 minutes ago, Green Devil said:

 

Yep, you cant put sockets in bathrooms. Radial circuits are use for a single item (like a shower) on a dedicated breaker. So yes, you could turn of the breaker at the fuseboard, confirm the circuit is dead (using a tester), then move the cable to the landing for use as a socket. Cant see why you'd want to do this as its probably got more value as existing wiring to the bathroom,  if you or someone else wants to fit an elect shower later. If its unsightly, cap it with a plastic cover. If you arent using it, or its covered, it should be turned off at the breaker.

Thanks, this is what I needed to know.

 

@The XYY Man doesn't matter if the red light is on or off, my shower still works. Current shower isn't electric.

Socket isn't in the bathroom it's just outside the bathroom door.

[spunko 25,885]

My next question - can I use any type of terminal connector blocks for this? Or must they be over 30A or whatever?

I'm assuming something like this: https://www.screwfix.com/p/30a-terminal-strips-pack-of-10/30134

[Chewing Grass 21,703]

4 minutes ago, spunko said:

My next question - can I use any type of terminal connector blocks for this? Or must they be over 30A or whatever?

I'm assuming something like this: https://www.screwfix.com/p/30a-terminal-strips-pack-of-10/30134

You can use whatever you want as long as it rated for the current drawn, the 30A will cover all bases but for a single socket 15A would be OK. Make sure you change the fuse on the board down from 30A to 15A.

[spunko 25,885]

12 minutes ago, Chewing Grass said:

You can use whatever you want as long as it rated for the current drawn, the 30A will cover all bases but for a single socket 15A would be OK. Make sure you change the fuse on the board down from 30A to 15A.

Ah, getting a bit technical now. Is there a way to know if the fuse is definitely 30A?

[Chewing Grass 21,703]

Just now, spunko said:

Ah, getting a bit technical now. Is there a way to know if the fuse is definitely 30A?

Fuse carrier should say what it is or have a coloured spot on it if it is wired.

White = 5A

Blue = 15A

Red = 30A

[Green Devil 4,591]

24 minutes ago, spunko said:

My next question - can I use any type of terminal connector blocks for this? Or must they be over 30A or whatever?

I'm assuming something like this: https://www.screwfix.com/p/30a-terminal-strips-pack-of-10/30134

Personally id use a junction box. Old connector strips are usually what cause fires...

[spunko 25,885]

1 minute ago, Green Devil said:

Personally id use a junction box. Old connector strips are usually what cause fires...

Is it safe to get the rebated ones and then fill it in with filler? I don't want anything showing.

I think I'll just get an electrician in as I have a few other small jobs I was going to attempt like fitting some downlights but not sure I can be bothered with it all. Not very DOSBODS I know

[Green Devil 4,591]

4 minutes ago, Chewing Grass said:

Fuse carrier should say what it is or have a coloured spot on it if it is wired.

White = 5A

Blue = 15A

Red = 30A

If you are running a fuse box, id have replacement high on the list. Get a spark in to install a mains isolator, then a new consumer unit. Its not worth messing about with old ceramic shite.

[Green Devil 4,591]

8 minutes ago, spunko said:

Is it safe to get the rebated ones and then fill it in with filler? I don't want anything showing.

I think I'll just get an electrician in as I have a few other small jobs I was going to attempt like fitting some downlights but not sure I can be bothered with it all. Not very DOSBODS I know

Is it brick/plaster? 

If you want to plaster over it, just remove the cable in the fuse box and mark it as being disconnected and the location of the end of the cable, then you could use your connector blocks and plaster over it. Id wrap both ends in insulating tape as well. Cables are perfectly safe as long as they are disconnected from the supply and labelled.

Edited November 30, 2020 by Green Devil

[The XYY Man 23,571]

1 hour ago, spunko said:

Thanks, this is what I needed to know.

 

@The XYY Man doesn't matter if the red light is on or off, my shower still works. Current shower isn't electric.

Socket isn't in the bathroom it's just outside the bathroom door.

Oh, well in that case just get rid of it. The advice given by others while I've been asleep is sound.

 

XYY

 

[onlyme 11,424]

Could be useful in the future so would be tempted to keep the wiring in place but either disconnect and mark up accordingly at the consumer unit or pull fuse - install running fuses then would also recommend upgrading to MCB / RCBO consumer unit change. 

Most compliant way of removing visible switch but keep the feed in place formatter use is to replace with a back box - most likely plastic surface mount. terminate and single blank faceplate over the top.  You shouldn't really bury in the ceiling / upstairs floor / whatever and hide by plastering over as all connection points should be serviceable, however if the circuit is not being used then if disconnected at the CU then not a problem, still terminate it properly though- one of the old style round junction boxes would suffice.

@Green DevilRadial / Single circuits do not just feed single appliances, they are just not a ring circuit. In many circumstances  you can have more flexibility with running sockets off a single circuit than a ring -running multiple unfused  spurs off a single cable as long as the cable rating  is high enough.  Also you can use down, run smaller cable and run whole lighting circuits off the single feed you want.  Lighting circuits themselves are singles and not ring circuits. See link.

https://the-regs.co.uk/blog/?p=255

[Bobthebuilder 2,156]

32 minutes ago, onlyme said:

Could be useful in the future so would be tempted to keep the wiring in place but either disconnect and mark up accordingly at the consumer unit or pull fuse - install running fuses then would also recommend upgrading to MCB / RCBO consumer unit change. 

Most compliant way of removing visible switch but keep the feed in place formatter use is to replace with a back box - most likely plastic surface mount. terminate and single blank faceplate over the top.  You shouldn't really bury in the ceiling / upstairs floor / whatever and hide by plastering over as all connection points should be serviceable, however if the circuit is not being used then if disconnected at the CU then not a problem, still terminate it properly though- one of the old style round junction boxes would suffice.

@Green DevilRadial / Single circuits do not just feed single appliances, they are just not a ring circuit. In many circumstances  you can have more flexibility with running sockets off a single circuit than a ring -running multiple unfused  spurs off a single cable as long as the cable rating  is high enough.  Also you can use down, run smaller cable and run whole lighting circuits off the single feed you want.  Lighting circuits themselves are singles and not ring circuits. See link.

https://the-regs.co.uk/blog/?p=255

A bit off topic, but can you still run a ring main off a 6mm 30amp radial? You used to be able to do that in kitchen upgrades. These days you have to upgrade the consumer unit to rcd with a new kitchen so not a lot of point anymore.

[onlyme 11,424]

53 minutes ago, Bobthebuilder said:

A bit off topic, but can you still run a ring main off a 6mm 30amp radial? You used to be able to do that in kitchen upgrades. These days you have to upgrade the consumer unit to rcd with a new kitchen so not a lot of point anymore.

It would be compliant electrically in terms of loading, unfused, if 2.5mm run were used (which is what you would want to do for easier cable install. Don't recall ever seeing this in aninstall or mentioned in regs.  End of the day you need sign off by inspection level qualified electrician (ignoring Part P ones), pretty sure they would fail it on the basis that non-obvious install and likely to cause inspection / test issues further down the line even if electrically/thermally safe thing to do and all cable adequately protected.  

If anything I think there is a trend away from ring circuits. The argument for having them was balancing load optimally along the two legs and being able to deliver high current on more easily installed cable. Problem is as testing has become more complex they are more effort to test, more effort to install in some cases and one bog downside if the ring is ever broken  -  the protection for each arm is deficient.  Best practice nowadays seems to be any high load - Cooker - separate feed, same as with showers and then use radials for the rest of the sockets, enabled by having CU's nowadays with lots more ways than the old fuse boxes.

[spunko 25,885]

@onlyme

Ok cheers. I am a bit confused now, just wanted to clarify. I want to put a face plate on, like this:https://www.electrical2go.co.uk/define-1-gang-brushed-steel-blank-plate-fpbs.html

So:

1. Turn off at fusebox and update label to make sure it's blank/unused

2. Install plastic backbox

3. Put all wires inside into terminal blocks, at 30A each.

4. Wrap insulation tape round them each

5. Attach face plate...

Edited November 30, 2020 by spunko

[Bobthebuilder 2,156]

6. get a sparky in mate. I would.

[spunko 25,885]

8 hours ago, Bobthebuilder said:

6. get a sparky in mate. I would.

I've got a few boxy light switches that need to be dug out the wall and replaced with a recessed back box and flush face, need to find an electrician who will do that and not just ask me to gauge the wall out myself then he'll 'come back and finish it' we both know won't happen 

What's a good price for half a day electrician in SE?

[onlyme 11,424]

2 hours ago, spunko said:

I've got a few boxy light switches that need to be dug out the wall and replaced with a recessed back box and flush face, need to find an electrician who will do that and not just ask me to gauge the wall out myself then he'll 'come back and finish it' we both know won't happen 

What's a good price for half a day electrician in SE?

Electricians generally don't make good decorators. The time and effort really is all in the prep / finishing and not the electrics themselves. Speed and number of connections made is where they make their money and clever routing of cables which can be a royal PITA, replacing switch gear and sockets is easy.

What is the wall construction - stone / brick, render then plaster? There's a lot of ways to prep this with fairly basic tools - make a small pattern with 4 rows of holes drilled in a square, fix to wall where you want to place the buried mattress and re-drill with a masonry drill, finish off with small bolster chisel and good to go. Setting the mattress with plugs/screws can be fiddly - glueing them in place (ct1 works a treat) is simple.  grommets in the right knockouts, re-wire and good to go with minimal edge decoration to redo.