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"Lobster" wrote in message
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I think the time has finally come when I may get to convert the "storage
room" at the end of the garage into a "workshop" as was intended when the
building was erected about 10 years ago. With that in mind I need to wire
up the electrics (there's already a CU there, currently supplying lighting
and a single socket for the garage).

Given the 'workshop' element, I want to fit one ring of surface-mounted
metal-clad sockets (probably these: http://preview.tinyurl.com/2vda3wg)
and was going to use surface-mounted PVC conduit (it's a single-thickness
block-building). Thing is, although I've done plenty of wiring before I've
never used conduit and am not entirely sure how to go about it: I could
really use an on-line how-to-do-it guide but can't find one - is there
such a resource around?

To be honest I have no intention of taking this to Building Control but
still want the work to be up to standard. Is PVC conduit considered
acceptable in this sort of environment? (We're talking a very low-key,
domestic, end-of-garage-type workshop, not one with lots of massive
machine tools etc).

Do you have to use single-core wires; ie, will two 2.5mm2 T&E cables not
fit down a standard 20mm PVC conduit? And/or does that present potential
overheating problems? I'd rather not have to use single-core stuff if I
can help it, as I've got plenty of T&E, and you can only buy the singles
in 100m lengths AFAICS.

How do the couplers, male and female adaptors etc work in connecting up
conduit boxes and socket boxes etc? Probably be obvious when I've got
them in my hands, but I'm putting together an on-line shopping list...

As I say - a simple Noddy guide is probably what I need!


If you areny going to be pulling huge amounts of current why not use
suitable armoured cable and surface mount it using the proper clips ?
Might look a little less pretty, but the end result will be the same if you
aren't taking it that far.
Otherwise pop into a local "shed" and have a play with the conduit and
connectors, all will be revealed once you get to handling it.
T & E through conduit is a bit overkill on the mechanical protection front
and can be quite challenging at corners/bends when pushing it through, but
for shortish runs (Say under 3m to a join) then I have done it with some
success using a squirt of silicon spray (NOT WD40!) to help it through.
Boxes and CUs willl need to have the corect size holes in preferably with
push out blanks ot alternatively the relevant size hole saw to make the
apertures.