Sockets & switches

Adding or moving sockets is one of the most common small electrical jobs, and one of the most frequently done badly. An overloaded ring main, a poorly rated fused spur, or sockets in prohibited zones all create problems that appear on EICRs and cause issues during property sales. We do this work correctly from the start.

When adding a socket requires a new circuit

A standard domestic ring final circuit can serve a floor area of up to 100 square metres, and should not have more than two non-fused spurs added to it. If the ring is already at capacity, or if you need sockets in a location that the ring cannot reasonably reach, a new circuit is the right answer.

We always check the existing ring before adding to it. Adding a spur to an already-overloaded ring is something we will not do.

Kitchen and bathroom requirements

Kitchens and bathrooms have specific rules about socket and switch placement under BS 7671. In a bathroom, only shaver sockets conforming to BS EN 61558-2-5 are permitted within the main zone. All socket circuits in kitchens that could serve appliances near a sink require RCD protection. We know the zones and the rules, and work within them.

USB outlets, data points, and specialist fittings

We install USB-A and USB-C outlets, Cat6 data points, TV aerial sockets, and satellite connection points. For home office setups, we can run dedicated socket circuits with appropriate surge protection. We source fittings from quality brands rather than own-label imports.

What a properly installed fused spur looks like

A fused spur should be wired from the ring, not from a socket outlet. The fuse in the spur should be rated correctly for the load it is serving. A spur feeding a single appliance rated up to 3A should have a 3A fuse, not a 13A one. We see incorrectly rated spurs frequently on EICRs, and they are straightforward to fix properly.

Outdoor socket specification

Sockets intended for outdoor use, or positioned in locations where they may be exposed to weather, must carry an appropriate IP rating. A socket fitted under a canopy may need to be IP44. A socket on an external wall exposed to rain should be IP65 or better. We will advise on the right specification for the location.

All outdoor socket circuits require RCD protection and the installation is notifiable under the Building Regulations. We certify this as part of the job.