I need to get some power in my new shed, but I havn't got a clue when it comes to electrickery 
we recon about 6 (or maybe 8) strip lights and about 6 double 13A sockets should be enough
there is 3 phase power next door (not that I'll need that) so the plan would be to run an armoured cable across for starters
but then I havn't got a clue what I'd need to get or what it should cost - any thoughts ??
cheers
-Robert
If you genuinely havent got a clue then call in a qualified electrician.
Its not just a basic 'wiring a new socket' that most compentant DIYers would be happy doing, even if they should get a qualified electrician
to do it (or sign it off). Your talking something fairly major that should be done to a high standard.
[Edited on 16/2/12 by loggyboy]
As well as that you need to consider if there will be lots of current hungry machines running at once - eg welder and compressor. 32A usually suffices
for a ring main but its worth pondering if you might need a couple of dedicated feeds for anything else.
Either way, a 6mm 3 core armoured cable off a 40A breaker will give you some leeway, but the length of the run might mean you are limited to 32A for a
6mm cable.
I have to say, if you really have no clue, it might require someone coming to do it for you! Armoured cable isnt fun to work with.
don't worry I don't intend to do it myself, well not wihtout help anyway
but an idea of the costs before hand would be good...
This will require Building Regulations approval, or a registered Part P electrician..
But, if you're doing it yourself (with help) have a look here -
link
Wyn
[Edited on 16/2/12 by lsdweb]
Just spotted you're in Scotland! The legislation is probably different (and far more sensible :-) )
Legislation is different in Scotland. You can replace your consumer unit yourself quite happily up here (in most cases) 
no building reg's for this one anyway - managed to keep it exempt
[Edited on 16/2/2012 by mcerd1]
Well, id run the aforementioned 3 core armoured cable, to a 6 way mini board (id go for a metal one for durability), with an rcd main switch, a 32a
socket ring, 6 lights, with a couple spare for later - maybe outside lights, a heater, new equiptment or an alarm etc. Id also sink an earth rod at
the shed to ensure a local earth of some form. Run the cables in conduit inside the shed.
Main expense is the supply cable, and you'd need to work out what its connecting to, and how. A photo of the existing board or service head would
help with suggestions.
For the stuff in the shed, look on screwfix for ball park prices.
I've got a small garage consumer unit you can have for a few quid. I'll dig it out and let you know whats in it etc if you want....
I would grab the 3 phase! Machinery at a fraction or the price and smooth as silk motors....can I move into your shed??? My other half and I have his and her sheds - she is a potter and has a 7.5KW kiln and I have a machine shop at the end of a 60' garden - my first attempt to cable this up would melt the snow......
I've got a load of 6mm SWA (XPLE IIRC) in the garage of you're interested, there's quite a bit there probably 30-40m, but as Joel said
you'll be on a 32A trip for 27 metres ish and a 40A for about 22 metres.
But I disagree that working with armoured is not fun, personally I like it! I "threw" up 40m of 150mm plus an earth, 400A DB & 4 x 25mm
feeders last week and looking up at it gives a sense of satisfaction having made it off all neat and that. 
PS I would have 3 phase too if I had the choice. Even if you don't neccessarily need it now one day you might.
ATB
Stott
quote:
Originally posted by Stott
But I disagree that working with armoured is not fun, personally I like it! I "threw" up 40m of 150mm plus an earth, 400A DB & 4 x 25mm feeders last week and looking up at it gives a sense of satisfaction having made it off all neat and that.
Yeah I've done a fair few now. You still get the odd crappy cable though. The 25mm I had last week was murder to strip the inner insulation off.
Took AGES. Whereas the insulation on the 150mm 'fell' off.
I guess if you've had to do it with crappy cable then you wouldn't like it all that much!