John White wrote:
Phil L wrote:

John White wrote:
Nick wrote:

I have an extension lead (from a 13 amp plug) running out of a
window from the house, over the lawn to the shed , to power a light
/ fridge in the garage and want to improve this (very
unsatisfactory) arrangement. I am not "part P", don't really want
to pay a fortune, and have the following queries.

Is this technically not actually illegal ? Could I run the
outside bit in buried SWA, but still have it "plugged in" via a 13
amp plug in the house, so its unpluggable ? Can I leave as is ?
What should I do to comply with all the current regs ( which I am
unaware of at the moment) ?

Well given that you are asking this question, could I politely
suggest that you call in an electrician and get it done properly.

This group is called uk.d-i-y,

And your point is?

and the last time I checked it wasn't illegal
to carry out wiring or rewiring, whether you are certified or not.

Correct, but it can carry the death penalty if you don't do it
properly. Given the OP's stated level of knowledge regarding the regs
etc. then I politely suggested that he might consider using a
professional electrician to do this.

If he wishes to d-i-y it then good luck to him.

You cannot avoid the requirements of "Part P" by just plugging in
the circuit or appliance.

How do I comply with part P each time I want to mow the lawn then?

You do not have to comply with part P to mow the lawn unless you plan
to install a new fixed circuit each time you do so.

It's an extension lead, plugged into a (protected) socket, the fact that it
stays there for a long time does not mean it's a fixed circuit.


Let me explain my point with an example:

If you install a new central heating boiler then, in England and
Wales, the associated electrical installation always comes under Part
P of the Building regulations.

[See Building Regs Part P, page 9, section n]

Normally you would wire the boiler and its control circuits into a
FCU. Putting a plug on the boiler and plugging it into a convenient
socket does not change the fact that Part P applies.

[See Building Regs Part P, page 9, section h]

Individual BCOs may choose to interpret the regulations differently,
but that's the local version.


I know, but it's a load of ******** isn't it? - your governing body (neciec
or similar) has 'done a corgi' and now fensa have done the same, they are
all based on 'safety' but you know as well as everyone else in this group
that it's got feck all to do with safety and everything to do with
money...I'm not blaming you for trying to protect your interests, nor for
going along with it and making a wad along the way, you'd be an idiot to
turn it down, but please don't try to tell me that a boiler wired directly
into the mains is any safer than one with it's own 13amp fuse and plugged
into a socket.