Add extra sockets to garage

[TheAngryDog]

My garage currently has 4 double electrical sockets in the garage and 2 light switches, all on the same side. I'd like to add 4 more double sockets and a light switch on the other side of the garage, so I'd have 2 double sockets on each side wall and 4 double sockets along the back wall, plus a light switch on the other side as well.

Will I need to get an electrician in for this? I believe the current wiring is in serial and not on a ring.

Thanks.

[Mr Pointy]

You don't HAVE to get an electrian to do it if you think it's within your capabilites.

[RichB]

TheAngryDog said:

Will I need to get an electrician in for this? I believe the current wiring is in serial and not on a ring...

Are you asking from a legal standpoint or complexity?

[TheAngryDog]

RichB said:

TheAngryDog said:

Will I need to get an electrician in for this? I believe the current wiring is in serial and not on a ring...

Are you asking from a legal standpoint or complexity?

Both

[RichB]

TheAngryDog said:

RichB said:

TheAngryDog said:

Will I need to get an electrician in for this? I believe the current wiring is in serial and not on a ring...

Are you asking from a legal standpoint or complexity?

Both

Google provides lots of information with regard to the requirements which in summary is that you can do it yourself but should get it checked by a qualified electrician.
In practical terms adding a ring is very simple however from what you've said the wiring in your garage sounds very basic so to begin I would ensure you have a modern consumer unit which will provide safety in the garage separately from the house. With that you can then run whatever you want from there.

[eliot]

RichB said:

In practical terms adding a ring is very simple

Anf assuming he does the ring final test:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UesYHVsZD-E
or a slightly less "school teacher" but more drole presentation from John Ward:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKyK0-_v5xc

(not a spark before the pile-on)

[Sheepshanks]

TheAngryDog said:

I believe the current wiring is in serial and not on a ring.

Do you know the cable size? Is the garage on its own circuit breaker, and what is the rating of that breaker?

If the cabling is 2.5mm twin and earth then the max you'd want to be putting though it is 20A and it should probably be protected by a 16A circuit breaker - even though you know the circuits limitations, someone else may overload it.

On the lighting, if you want all three switches to control the lighting then you'll need to add an intermediate switch.

[RichB]

Sheepshanks said:

<clip> On the lighting, if you want all three switches to control the lighting then you'll need to add an intermediate switch.

And they require a bit of getting your head around.

[RichB]

Sheepshanks said:

<clip> If the cabling is 2.5mm twin and earth then the max you'd want to be putting though it is 20A and it should probably be protected by a 16A circuit breaker ...

Although when used in a ring you can double that.

[Sheepshanks]

RichB said:

Although when used in a ring you can double that.

OK.