Moving A Power Point.

[10ClarionSt]

I want to move a power point in my front bedroom. Can I do this myself or do I have to get a qualified electrician to do it?

[bhg481]

You can do simple things like that yourself.

[TonyV]

Hi Clarion would not advise you to do it yourself. Get a spark in so it will be safe and to spec

[Cloverjo]

I would not do it myself. I know bhg481 has said it's simple, but he obviously knows what he's doing. Most of us don't.

I tried to fix my tumble dryer following 'simple' instructions on YouTube, but kept blowing the fuses in the whole house. You could do worse trying to move a socket.

Get an electrician.

[bhg481]

I think Clarion was asking whether or not it was legal for him to do it himself after the changes in regulations some years ago. The answer is "yes", for "simple" jobs. Whether or not he feels competent is down to him.

[waterboatman]

You could just plug an extension lead into the existing socket and it's job done.

[TonyV]

Meant to ask Clarion if you own or rent property but not something to do if you not qualified looks simple but can be very dangerous - get it done buy a pro

[TonyV]

Bhg no it's not legal for Clarion to to do it himself

[bhg481]

Yes it is - it's classed as a simple job and the rules were changed some time ago to allow it. No references, I'm afraid but there was a question on here some time ago and someone in the know supplied information on the current regulations.

[TonyV]

Bhg without looking for regs think it's says "competent person"

[Old_Geezer]

Depends on how competent you are; and how confident. If you know how to wire the socket, or can work it out by looking at one and taking notes, or reading instructions from a book or Internet, then it's not difficult.

You'd probably want to lift floorboard to run the new cable. And possibly chisel out a hole in the wall for a metal box for the new socket. That can be a pain.

[bhg481]

Let's put it this way TonyV, I've done lots of such jobs in the past in the days when there was no regulations forbidding anyone doing it. When the restrictive regulations first came along I was dismayed that I wouldn't be able to add/move sockets any more but wasn't overly bothered as I had no plans to do any more work on my house. A few months ago there was a post on here, with references, which made it clear (to me) that it would be permitted for me to make simple changes. I still have no plans to make any changes but I would certainly feel happy to do any jobs without fear of breaking the law.

[TonyV]

I agree bhg I do most of mine myself but it's comes to wether you are spuring of a spur & if OP does'nt know what that is then it can be dangerous but as OLd geezer says lots of info on interweb

[Prudie]

How will you move the cable? don't they have to run vertically?

[bhg481]

I've found a reference:

http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guides-and-advice/building-regulations/england/

To simplify, from April 2013, if the job is nowhere near water and you can show that it meets part P of the Building Regulations, the work is NOT notifiable.

[alavahalf]

I'm sure you will find it is something you 'Can do' if you are capable. But I know for a fact it is illegal. As soon as you want to add to, or extend a circuit, I know you will need an electrician.
When the rules changed a few years ago all my mates who are builders were giving away any materials they had in stock for doing small electrical works.
All they do now is get an electrician in to do even the smallest of jobs. Even though they are all cpable ... they know they are not qualified.

[TonyV]

Prudie they should run verically or horizontally - depends on where feed is

[HansUrbancka]

alavahalf's reply is spot on and waterboatman's suggestion could be the solution in this instance.

Hans.

[vulcan42]

alavahalf, you say you know for a fact that it's illegal which contradicts bhg481's link and summary. Have you another link that proves what you allege please?

[TonyV]

Vulcan this is the one I think applies
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/third-party-certification-schemes-for-domestic-electrical-work