running power to garage

[seppe]

I currently have an old type rewireable fuse unit & I wish to run power to my garage to supply a light and some sockets. The cables will be run inside the house as the garage is attached but aprox 10m away from fuse board. I’ve had 4 people come and look at the job each have told me a different thing which is right or are they all right? What would you recommend?

1) Run a cable from the existing main switch to a new fuse board in the garage.
2) I need to have my old fuse board change as it is an old type and that way I would also have a spare fuse to run the new circuit.
3) Spur off a socket & run it in to the garage
4) Run a cable from an already used fuse to a new fuse board in the garage, but might need to up rate the fuse wire due to the extra load

[kkynaston]

1) Run a cable from the existing main switch to a new fuse board in the garage.

Not a good idea as the new cable running to the board will then only be protected by the suppliers fuse. You need to fuse down.

2) I need to have my old fuse board change as it is an old type and that way I would also have a spare fuse to run the new circuit.

If you are still using rewirable fuses then it might be a good idea to get an inspection on the installation anyway. Also it is a very good idea to have RCD protection, at least on sockets if you haven't already.

3) Spur off a socket & run it in to the garage

Not the best idea, once you get power in your garage you will probably start to draw quite a bit of power once you put in a chest freezer, tumble drier, pressure washer, hoover etc, etc.

4) Run a cable from an already used fuse to a new fuse board in the garage, but might need to up rate the fuse wire due to the extra load

Definitely not a good idea. If you uprate the fuse of an existing circuit, will the existing circuit cable be sufficiently protected under fault conditions.

The best way forward would be to get your existing installation checked out and have your board upgraded. A sparky can then run power to the garage. It can then all be certified at the same time.
If the purse strings are a bit tight. You can get an electrician to split your meter tails and install a switch fuse feeding a fuseboard in the garage.

When selecting an electrician, make sure that they are a member of a self certification scheme such as NICEIC, Elecsa, NAPIT.
check out http://www.competentperson.co.uk and search in your postcode area as any work of this type requires notification to your buildings officer which a registered electrician will take care of for you.

If you post a picture of your current fuseboard and meter I might be able to give you some more pointers or help if you are unsure of what the electrician is going to do.