Electrical advice - new projector

[steveg]

We're going to have some new projectors installed as part of a new build, and at the moment I need to specify what sockets etc the new rooms have.

 

With regards to power for a projector, am I right in thinking if I request a switched fused connection unit to be installed, then when the projector is mounted, a flex can be run from the FCU directly to the projector? - The flex would be terminated to an IEC C13 (kettle lead plug) at the projector end.

 

I assume there is no requirement for the projector to actually be plugged in, as I would be able to isolate it with the switch on the FCU?

 

I wont be doing any of the electrical work, I just need to list what we require now.

 

Thanks

 

Steve

[powdarrmonkey]

Correct. Then the switched spur needs a formal test and inspect at four year intervals, and the fly lead needs a PAT (if that's your school's policy, and at the intervals they specify).

[steveg]

I was hoping it would be that easy! Not sure how it would be PAT tested though, as it would be wired in at one end? I assume it would just get a visual inspection?

 

Steve

[stitch]

Most of our installations have a double 13A socket instead of a fused connection unit. The reason we specified a socket was if we ever had to change the projector, we found that some projectors now use a iec320 c5 connector and we could easiliy change the lead ourselves, instead of having to get an electrician in.

[jamesreedersmith]

Double socket - much easier to monitor and maintain.

[plexer]

For a projector most of ours now have a single/double socket not sure if they are switched or unswitched. High level of course.

 

Ben

[powdarrmonkey]

Don't have it wired in, just get a socket fitted.

[steveg]

Is there much advantage of having a socket vs wiring it in? On the wall with the whiteboard will be dado trunking up to where the whiteboard will go, so if the socket is in the end of this, it will look a little messy being plugged in, and if the socket is on the wall (going to be wall mounted ultra short throw proj) then this will add to the cost of the install.

 

I know it would make it easier if we ever changed the projector, but we could easily re-terminate the cable if it needed a different connector.

 

Steve

[plexer]

I know it would make it easier if we ever changed the projector, but we could easily re-terminate the cable if it needed a different connector.

Steve

 

Is that allowable under electrical safety?

 

Ben

[steveg]

Ok, that should read a qualified electrician can re-terminate the cable!

 

Steve

[Spitfire]

If it has a plug going into the projector it has to be a socket on the wall or the power link, you can't have it hard wired, this could lead to a live lead hanging about. no qualified electrician would do it that way as it breaks health and safety rules

[mjs_mjs]

Is that allowable under electrical safety?

 

Ben

 

yes you are allowed to make minor alterations, IF you are electrically compitent.

[mjs_mjs]

Go for the socket close to the projector, it's just easier. No re termination cables, no worries about right or wrong connectors, easyier to pat test, safer, easier to troubleshoot, can also be used for WAP if you need to (we use them for this also).

[powdarrmonkey]

If it has a plug going into the projector it has to be a socket on the wall or the power link, you can't have it hard wired, this could lead to a live lead hanging about. no qualified electrician would do it that way as it breaks health and safety rules

 

You can still leave a live lead hanging around if it's got a plug on the end...

[laserblazer]

The County Infrastructure Service has just installed some for us. They used to use switched spurs but they told me that is no longer allowed. They have fitted a fused spur and a 13A socket to that. The projectors plug into the 13 A socket using the supplied kettle lead.

[steveg]

Ok, thanks for the advice everyone, I'll request a socket next to where each projector is going.

 

Steve

[powdarrmonkey]

The County Infrastructure Service has just installed some for us. They used to use switched spurs but they told me that is no longer allowed. They have fitted a fused spur and a 13A socket to that. The projectors plug into the 13 A socket using the supplied kettle lead.

 

IIRC that's because there's a testing gap: the spur has to have a T&I, and a pluggable lead gets a PAT but there is no formal test for a spur with a flying lead (or hard-wired devices on a spur).

[buzzard]

I always specify that the feed to the projector is a fish key switched fused spur to stop staff from "turning off" the projector this then feeds a single unswitched socket on the ceiling that we can plug anything into, obviously if you need to swap a projector and it uses a different plug then ther's no issue with calling a sparky out.