In the process of laying a concrete base for a 16x8 workshop which I will be
ordering soon. Base consists of 50mm type1 sub-base and 100mm ready mixed
concrete. I now want to sort out electrics to the workshop and stumbled
across this website

http://popularmechanics.com/home_imp...er/print.phtml

I'm aware that this is an American site but just wondered if it is accurate
enough to follow for my own project (apart from the obvious power
differences etc). My objective is to do as much as possible, e.g. sourcing
all required materials, parts etc and laying the armoured cable etc - then
contacting a qualified electrician to actually connect the circuit. Despite
being technically minded and well skilled in IT - I am not confident enough
to touch electrics and besides, I am unqualified anyway!. I intend to have a
strip light and perhaps 4 double sockets for power tools etc.

Thanks
John

In article ,
"pmakesp" writes:
In the process of laying a concrete base for a 16x8 workshop which I will be
ordering soon. Base consists of 50mm type1 sub-base and 100mm ready mixed
concrete. I now want to sort out electrics to the workshop and stumbled
across this website

http://popularmechanics.com/home_imp...er/print.phtml

I'm aware that this is an American site but just wondered if it is accurate
enough to follow for my own project (apart from the obvious power
differences etc).

It looks like something you might find in a pre WW-II book in the UK.
No, we don't do it like that anymore.

There have been lots of threads in this newsgroup over the years on
connecting up garages/sheds/greenhouses/etc to an electricity supply.
Search back over them.

My objective is to do as much as possible, e.g. sourcing
all required materials, parts etc and laying the armoured cable etc - then
contacting a qualified electrician to actually connect the circuit. Despite

I would leave sourcing the parts to the electrician if you are
not wiring it yourself. You could deg the trench in preparation.

being technically minded and well skilled in IT - I am not confident enough
to touch electrics and besides, I am unqualified anyway!. I intend to have a
strip light and perhaps 4 double sockets for power tools etc.

--
Andrew Gabriel

I'm aware that this is an American site but just wondered if it is
accurate
enough to follow for my own project (apart from the obvious power
differences etc).

You are joking! US electrics are about as safe as attaching electrodes to
your genitals.

In the UK, current practices are entirely different in almost every aspect.

I intend to have a strip light and perhaps 4 double sockets for power
tools etc.

Personally, I'd wire this up with a "garage" consumer unit, such as

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/...06156&id=63138.

This would be connected to the house via armoured cable, the size of which
depends on the length your cable run, which you don't state. If using a
cable size calculator, remember to ensure that you still have some voltage
drop left to run the circuits. Either do a proper calculation, or go one
size bigger. The house end would run to an appropriate MCB fitted into a
spare way on the consumer unit.

The 6A runs the lighting circuit. The 16A, which can be uprated to as much
as 32A, if desired, runs the sockets. I'd stick a weatherproof socket
outside as well, to run the lawnmower. Inside, use metal clad sockets and
conduit. It will look nicer and be much tougher against inevitable dings
whilst working. Up to 20A, you can use 2.5mm T&E PVC cable inside the
conduit. Any more and you need 4mm or even 6mm, unless you run in a ring. A
radial may be easier in conduit, though.

Earthing will probably be TT via an earthing rod. You can let the
electrician you are planning to hire test this to ensure an adequete earth.
However, there's nothing stopping you driving it in before he/she arrives.

Christian.

"Christian McArdle" wrote in message
. net...

You are joking! US electrics are about as safe as attaching electrodes to
your genitals.

In the UK, current practices are entirely different in almost every
aspect.

Personally, I'd wire this up with a "garage" consumer unit, such as

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/...06156&id=63138.

This would be connected to the house via armoured cable, the size of which
depends on the length your cable run, which you don't state. If using a
cable size calculator, remember to ensure that you still have some voltage
drop left to run the circuits. Either do a proper calculation, or go one
size bigger. The house end would run to an appropriate MCB fitted into a
spare way on the consumer unit.

The 6A runs the lighting circuit. The 16A, which can be uprated to as much
as 32A, if desired, runs the sockets. I'd stick a weatherproof socket
outside as well, to run the lawnmower. Inside, use metal clad sockets and
conduit. It will look nicer and be much tougher against inevitable dings
whilst working. Up to 20A, you can use 2.5mm T&E PVC cable inside the
conduit. Any more and you need 4mm or even 6mm, unless you run in a ring.
A
radial may be easier in conduit, though.

Earthing will probably be TT via an earthing rod. You can let the
electrician you are planning to hire test this to ensure an adequete
earth.
However, there's nothing stopping you driving it in before he/she arrives.

Christian.

Thanks Christian. Didn't realise that american site was so 'off the mark'!!

The info you've provided is top class, and the link to the actual product on
screwfix is the icing on the cake!!. Thanks alot.

"Christian McArdle" wrote in message
. net...
I'm aware that this is an American site but just wondered if it is
accurate
enough to follow for my own project (apart from the obvious power
differences etc).

You are joking! US electrics are about as safe as attaching electrodes to
your genitals.



Don't knock it - some people pay good money for that!

snip (no pun intended)

--
Richard Sampson

email me at
richard at olifant d-ot co do-t uk

In article ,
pmakesp wrote:
I'm aware that this is an American site but just wondered if it is
accurate enough to follow for my own project (apart from the obvious
power differences etc).

Couldn't be bothered reading it all - I stopped at the bit about burying
plastic conduit to take the cable.

--
*He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn