Do I need a plug socket in my porch?

[ISeeTrouble]

Just that really... Need to let the electrician know! I thought it might be useful if hoovering the car but can't think of any other need for it? If it's going to cost more because of the wiring then i'd rather not have it, extension is costing enough already

[pipistrell]

Christmas lights.

[ApplesTheHare]

We've never needed one. What has been really help is an led battery powered lamp that comes on automatically when we come in before we get to the light switches, which are in the hallway.

[PestoSwimissimos]

Lawnmower, strummer, water feature, leaf blower....

[PestoSwimissimos]

Strimmer

[BenLui]

Yes! Christmas lights, outdoor DIY, grass cutting, strimming etc.

We have outdoor sockets front and back and they are extremely useful.

[slimyslitheryslug]

You can never have too many sockets! I'd suggest getting an external one fitted at the same time.

[NannyR]

If it's only going to be used infrequently, you could run an extension cord outside for vacuuming the car.

Just thought of another potential use for a porch plug though - fairy lights/christmas lights, if you go in for that sort of thing!

[NannyR]

Cross post! Lots of suggestions for Christmas lights whilst I was typing!

[ISeeTrouble]

Forgot about lawn mower! Ok, I'm sold. What's another hundred quid anyway?!

[DramaAlpaca]

I really regret not putting a socket in our porch so I say do it.

I'd love Christmas lights in there but I can't.

[starzig]

As kids we used to play in the porch so if you have kids it may be useful

[Sallylondon]

Much easier to do it now, than not and live to regret it. I’d definitely get one.

[nemno]

We have one outside front and back. Yes to all the things already mentioned but also we seem to have tradesmen around a lot and then you don't need to have a door open all the time so they can charge their spare tool batteries, plaster or concrete mixer etc. And an outdoor kettle station means they can make their own hot drinks.

[PigletJohn]

if you're rewiring, now is a good time to do it.

Christmas lights, yes, but also car battery charger, garden tools, inspection lamp

It must be RCD protected but I expect you already have that.

How will you get the flex outdoors though, if there is a door on the porch?

There are varying qualities of outdoor weatherproof socket. I like the Crabtree (you can shut the lid with a plug inserted), otherwise MK Masterseal. A double, switched socket is better than a single.

I prefer outdoor sockets up high, shoulder or face height, away from children, pets and weeing dogs.

[internetCrazies]

I've just had the electrician out to repair mine a few days ago. They're VERY handy. Last use was the Halloween floodlights. You can't have too many sockets!

[OldWitch00]

Are there no building codes? Where I live they are required on all sides of the home.

[PigletJohn]

Yes, there are Building Regulations, and there are Electrical Regulations.

External sockets are permitted, but are not obligatory.

The Electrical Regulations specify safe methods of installation.

[TeamRick]

I’ve always wanted a porch for the sole reason of putting fairy lights in it!

You definitely need a socket! 😄