Hi,

Please does anyone know how to change a single switch into a socket? The reason being because I currently have a convector heater which has no plug, but is wired into a switch. Now I have just bought one of those hang on the wall electric fires which you just plug into a socket. I'd like to know how to do it, or whether I'm going to have to call out an electrician.
Many thanks to anyone who can help me with this.

Debbie, November 2008

I cant belive you even suggested doing this. If you are wiring a heater into a lighting switch then you need shooting.

1, a lighting circuit will be wired in 1 or 1.5mm which is not big enough to supply a 13a socket,
2, the mcb protecting this circuit will be rated at 20a or less, most proabably 5 or 6a this will trip as soon as you turn the heater on.
3, if your house has been wired properley you will not find a neutral in your switch!

Get an electrician for god sake

Life Saver, December 2008

just a quick msg for mr T,

under the new 17th Regs.....you CAN install a 13amp socket in a bathroom as long as it is Rcd/Rcbo protected!!!

;)

hope you got this sorted

Mr S

Mr S, November 2008

Hi Debbie

No, double sockets are no good

You could do as T suggests and this is to cut the plug off your new heater and wire this into the switch the same way as you existing heater. This way you already have everything you need

remember - turn off the electricity before you do anything

Let us know how you get on

Mr Handy Andy, November 2008

Not as easy as it appears, It may be a lighting circuit in which case the cable is not up to the task or it may be a dedicated heating circuit in which case it may be rated to high at the fuse / breaker end. I'm an electrician and the simplest answer for electrics is that unless you are really sure you know what you are doing, don't do it. It may invalidate your house insurance if you have a problem arising from non professional work. Hope you get it sorted.

kickaha, November 2008

However someone should have asked you if the 'switch' is in the bathroom. If it is ON NO ACCOUNT should you install a standard 13A socket there. Second it is illegal in the UK for you to DIY electrics in there.

Finally if it is not in the bathroom what you should really do is cut off the plug and 'hard wire' it into the 'switch'.

T, November 2008

Thank you Handy Andy, I am going to have to get a single socket tomorrow, as I've only got a couple of doubles, which is no good is it? If I get stuck tomorrew, is it okay if I contact you again?

Debbie, November 2008

Thanks very much for your reply. The convector heater in question is to be removed and replaced by this new hang on the wall fire.

Debbie, November 2008

Peccavi - where does it say it's installed on a lighting circuit?

She has probably got a fused spur switch connected to the mains ring.

Mr Handy Andy, November 2008

You need to buy a 13A socket from B&Q and then wire as follows

Red or Brown to the L (live)
Black or Blue to the N (Neutral)
Yellow and Green to the E (Earth)

You may see two of each colour, this is fine but you need to ensure all the wires are connected to the correct places.

Ensure you turn off the electricy before doing this and checking that it is off to the sockets before taking the switch face plate off.

Mr Handy Andy, November 2008

Debbie, lighting needs low current and the house wiring for it is thin - power wiring needs more current and the wiring much fatter. Your convector heater installation is very probably illegal in the UK and other countries too I suspect.

To add a second heater to your lighting circuit will at best cause the fuse to blow and at worst start a house fire as the wiring melts. You need an electrician to install a socket for each of your fires - neither should be on your lighting circuit.

Peccavi, November 2008