Changing a single socket to double - how much DIY allowed?

tvc15

Simple enough, in my garage, have a single socket that would be much more useful as a double. Can I legally swap it out myself? It has unshielded earth which I can pop a green and yellow sleeve over. I've plenty of experience but can't find exactly the line I cannot cross without getting an electrician involved, not that I'd have a hope of interesting a qualified electrician to do such a piddly job

Deagol

tvc15 wrote: »

Simple enough, in my garage, have a single socket that would be much more useful as a double. Can I legally swap it out myself? It has unshielded earth which I can pop a green and yellow sleeve over. I've plenty of experience but can't find exactly the line I cannot cross without getting an electrician involved, not that I'd have a hope of interesting a qualified electrician to do such a piddly job

Maybe think about one of these? https://www.ideas4lighting.com/shop-by-type-c1/electrical-supplies-c33/switches-and-sockets-c108/robus-single-double-to-three-gang-socket-converter-p5175/s5977?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=led-robus-robus-single-double-to-three-gang-socket-converter-rkc3s&utm_campaign=product%2Blisting%2Bads&cid=EUR&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqYfWBRDPARIsABjQRYw9G2kfN-BdJAANkaGUDsMRZHpnFHcblyD9JbMi9hyGIOpUE3mpllQaArCLEALw_wcB

Have used them several times for older houses with single sockets. Less work / less risk.

tvc15

It's surface mounted and the box has a tab removed on tge side which I don't like exposing wires so its not much hassle to change the box, I was more looking at the line I can and cannot cross myself. For instance could I move the unit? Daisy chain another socket beside it?

thecribber

The work you are describing is "minor" electrical works and need not be carried out by a REC (Registered Electrical Contractor)
See https://safeelectric.ie/help-advice/controlled-restricted-electrical-works/

Minor electrical works which include very small works such as like-for-like replacements (e.g. switches), moving light fittings without affecting the circuit and adding a socket to an existing circuit

I would suggest that you simply add a twin socket to the existing circuit because adding one socket to a radial circuit is clearly allowed.