ᐅ Extending electrical outlets in the kitchen and relocating a ceiling light fixture in a concrete ceiling
Created on: 17 Feb 2022 01:21
H
HubiTrubi40
Hello everyone,
I’m currently working on some electrical installations. I want to increase the number of power outlets in the kitchen or replace some single outlets with doubles, or doubles with triples. We would also like to split the living room ceiling light (center of the room) into two lights, each connected from this point and offset by about 2 meters (6.5 feet) (I’ve attached a sketch with arrows showing where the new light connections should go). The painter advised us to take the opportunity to do this flush-mounted before wallpapering. I’ve contacted an electrician who said he could do it. However, this is pushing my budget a bit, so I’m thinking about saving some costs by doing part of the work myself. A friend of mine has experience installing outlets and said we could at least do the preparatory work (drilling holes for outlets, chasing the walls). He connected all the outlets in his own house, so he has some experience. Would it be sufficient to then have a licensed electrician inspect and do an electrical safety check? Otherwise, I could have a friend who is an electrician connect the outlets (would that be sufficient for insurance purposes?).
The electrical company also suggested protecting the circuits with several RCDs (residual current devices), which is important to me. Currently, only the bathroom and partly the upper floor are protected. But that should be possible to do independently of the installation work mentioned above, right?
Another concern I have is chasing the concrete ceiling. Could this be a critical issue? I initially planned to do it myself with an angle grinder, but I read that you really need to be careful because of the reinforcement. I assume the electrician who offered the job knows what he’s doing, right? Are there any alternatives to chasing the concrete? Surface-mounted cable ducts probably don’t look as neat but would be easier to install by myself and likely much cheaper. Otherwise, there’s also wireless solutions, but over such a distance? Each run is about 2 meters (6.5 feet).
Looking forward to your input. Thanks in advance.
I’m currently working on some electrical installations. I want to increase the number of power outlets in the kitchen or replace some single outlets with doubles, or doubles with triples. We would also like to split the living room ceiling light (center of the room) into two lights, each connected from this point and offset by about 2 meters (6.5 feet) (I’ve attached a sketch with arrows showing where the new light connections should go). The painter advised us to take the opportunity to do this flush-mounted before wallpapering. I’ve contacted an electrician who said he could do it. However, this is pushing my budget a bit, so I’m thinking about saving some costs by doing part of the work myself. A friend of mine has experience installing outlets and said we could at least do the preparatory work (drilling holes for outlets, chasing the walls). He connected all the outlets in his own house, so he has some experience. Would it be sufficient to then have a licensed electrician inspect and do an electrical safety check? Otherwise, I could have a friend who is an electrician connect the outlets (would that be sufficient for insurance purposes?).
The electrical company also suggested protecting the circuits with several RCDs (residual current devices), which is important to me. Currently, only the bathroom and partly the upper floor are protected. But that should be possible to do independently of the installation work mentioned above, right?
Another concern I have is chasing the concrete ceiling. Could this be a critical issue? I initially planned to do it myself with an angle grinder, but I read that you really need to be careful because of the reinforcement. I assume the electrician who offered the job knows what he’s doing, right? Are there any alternatives to chasing the concrete? Surface-mounted cable ducts probably don’t look as neat but would be easier to install by myself and likely much cheaper. Otherwise, there’s also wireless solutions, but over such a distance? Each run is about 2 meters (6.5 feet).
Looking forward to your input. Thanks in advance.
RCDs (residual current devices) have been mandatory in Germany since May 1, 1984, for rooms with bathtubs or showers, but only in new buildings. Additionally, since October 1, 2018, all socket outlet circuits with a rated current up to 32 A and lighting circuits in residential units must be equipped with RCDs in new constructions. There is no general obligation for existing buildings, but installing RCDs is recommended because they can save lives.
HubiTrubi40 schrieb:
Is it actually a regulation that if you add an additional outlet to an electrical circuit, you have to install an RCD (residual current device) in that circuit if it wasn’t protected before? That’s what the electrician said. This is the first time I’ve heard of it. Thanks to everyone!Your electrician is absolutely right!