Unused Immersion Switch

[Paul2208]

Hi guys need some advice, ive had a new combi boiler fitted in and got rid of the old boiler and immersion heater the immersion heater was in a airing cupboard with a switch, which was fed from the fusebox with a 16amp rcb which is currently turned off, could i extend this wiring and add some sockets into loft? what would be the best way to do this cheers paul

 

[Sidewinder]

Welcome to the forum.

On the face of it, what you suggest is feasible, but there is a little more that needs to be considered.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

The best way would be to use cable. Cable thats big enough for the situation taking into account the length of run, load & thermal effects

 

[Manator]

As above, the cable size could be a problem. We would need to know the approximate length and size of cable to make an educated guess.

 

[Paul2208]

Thanks for the quick reply, the cable feed to the immersion switch is 2.5 t&e, and if i could extend it it would be roughly 8metres, i only would be using the socket for a tv

 

[Andy™]

saying it will be extended by 8mtr is no use. it may already be at its limits, and extending a further 8 mtr may not be possible

there are many factors which need to be considered

 

[Paul2208]

Thanks will get a electrician in over the next few days, let him have a look and advise from there

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

Recheck your breaker, its not a 16A rcb.

 

[Sidewinder]

Well spotted Slips, I read rcb as MCB!

 

[Paul2208]

Sorry for any confusion, just had a look a the trip switch its a B16

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

Do you have any RCD protection at your board ?

 

[Paul2208]

Yes i have one

Trying to post a pic up of main fusebox, having no luck

 

[Doc Hudson]

Welcome to the forum, On the balance of probabilities what you suggest will be perfectly feasible. However we do not know the age or the condition of the existing cable. With it previously being used for an immersion heater, which can be a significant load running regularly, it could have caused some natural deterioration of the cable insulation. I would want to double check the continuity of all conductors and the insulation resistance of the cable and the fuse box and earthing. I would think that a competent electrician could verify all of this in less than half and hour. Also please note that in most cases, to comply with current wiring regulations, the new socket should have RCD shock protection as well as overload protection.

Doc H.