Plug Point

[alanbjames]

Is it possible to run a second plug point from an existing plugpoint?

Im in need of more plugs because i have been given a CPAP machine to help with sleep for sleep apnea and i dont wish to run the power lead across the room as it would be a tripping hazard.

Also i dont wish to use a 4 or 6 bar as the lead would be exposed and look awful.

[Kymmy]

As long as the total current is less than 13amp then there should not be a problem

[Taf]

You could insert another socket into the ring or add a spur. If you are at all unsure, get a pro in, or at least someone who does know what they are doing.

[raging bull]

Is the existing power point 'surface mounted'? [Rather than buried into a wall]
Replacing a 'single socket' with a 'double socket' is easy once the power is turned off.

Originally Posted by alanbjames

Is it possible to run a second plug point from an existing plugpoint?

The answer is a qualified 'yes'. Provided the socket you want to run your new cabling from is part of a 32 amp ring main, and is not already an extension (calleded a 'spur') from another socket, you should be able to safely add another socket to it as a spur.

Red or brown is live, blue or black is neutral, green, or green/yellow, (or, if the job has been bodged, naked copper) is earth. Your new live goes in with the existing live wires, neutral goes with neutral, earth goes with earth. The existing socket should already have two of each colour in the back of it. If there is only one of each, your existing socket is a spur. If there are three, it is already sending to a spur elsewhere. Proceed no further if this is the case.

The wiring is not complex but it can be fiddly if space is tight in the back box. If you are in any way unsure, pay an electrician to do it. It is safer all round.

Im in need of more plugs because i have been given a CPAP machine to help with sleep for sleep apnea and i dont wish to run the power lead across the room as it would be a tripping hazard.

Also i dont wish to use a 4 or 6 bar as the lead would be exposed and look awful.

All fair comments, but do be aware that hiding the cabling from the existing socket to the new spur will either involve digging a channel in your wall (if it's solid) or sufficient holes to facilitate pulling the cable through a hollow partition wall, or lifting the carpet and the floorboards to run it below.

[alanbjames]

Well im gonna get an electrician in to do it, the reason i was asking was i didnt want trunking running in all directions on the wall if they can just run another socket from an existing.

[zoombini]

You can get the socket replaced with a triple socket - or even just another one fitted beside it.

Originally Posted by alanbjames

Well im gonna get an electrician in to do it, the reason i was asking was i didnt want trunking running in all directions on the wall if they can just run another socket from an existing.

They can run another socket off an existing one, but unless you are prepared to have them dig tracks in your wall, or lift your floorboards, you are going to end up with trunking running across the surface of your wall in any case.

[Kymmy]

To save a lot of hassle if you only need a couple of extra sockets and you don;t want a trailing wire then what about these which are very cheap and great for temp fixes

I think he wants the extra socket to be elsewhere in the room, hence the concern over trailing wires.