Ring main extension or spur

asheyash · May 12, 2022

I have one double socket in my living room I need to add 3 double sockets plus a socket for the tv which is now wall mounted. i plan on cutting the plug off the tv and wiring direct to an FCU (same amp as current plug for the tv) this hiding the cable from sight. if i spurred off my one socket would using a 13amp fcu for this run of the sockets and tv be ok. If I was to add a 2nd wire from the new sockets back to the original socket would it add it to the current ring main I have no under floor access and the roof is not accessible either plus walls are all masonry i have channelled out most of it already these will power tv sky pc and ps4/xbox and probably at some point an iron

[ElectriciansForums.net] Ring main extension or spur

Mike Johnson · May 12, 2022

Read this: Part P of the Building Regulations Explained | Electrical Safety First - https://www.----------------------------/find-an-electrician/part-p/#:~:text=Part%20P%20states%20that%20anyone,parts%20that%20have%20been%20rewired.

telectrix · May 12, 2022

cut 1 of the legs off so you have a radial. replace 32A MCB with a 20A. then add as much as you want ( loads permitting).

pc1966 · May 12, 2022

Are all the sockets going it the same basic place for your TV/sky/etc?

If so you could just get a decent quality power strip for them such as these:

UK 13A Archives - Olson Direct

olsondirect.co.uk

However, if you can just extend the ring around to include the new double sockets it is better in my view.

littlespark · May 12, 2022

The OP mentions possibility of an iron on the extended part of the circuit, so not just tv equipment.

If you’ve got room in the chase, then extend the ring, or fused spur off the ring and all extension sockets off the fuse.
Only the op knows what would be most suitable here.

asheyash · May 12, 2022

thx everyone some good ideas never really considered cutting a leg off that would be a more simpler solution. I will probably go with a 13a fused spur option as i have 1 of those already and after seeing how much 2.5mm I have left would be the cheapest option and ive never had any issues with an extension lead before with the stuff i intend to plug in.

ipf · May 12, 2022

telectrix said:
cut 1 of the legs off so you have a radial. replace 32A MCB with a 20A. then add as much as you want ( loads permitting).

..and then do a 'bang test'..... ? Sounds like a diy amputation.
It's OK for someone in the trade but there are too many unknowns to be giving advice to a diy'er.

What chance of upstairs, downstairs and kitchen on the radial.

It's the old story. Qualified and experienced help is required for sure.

asheyash · May 12, 2022

kitchen is on its own separate ring, upstairs and downstairs however is all on one ring with a total of 2 sockets down and 5 or 6 upstairs

pc1966 · May 13, 2022

I agree with @ipf about that, for me it is better to preserve the ring continuity for various reasons.

Obviously it is better still to be able to properly test it, at least IR check instead of BANG! on faults, and to check then end-end resistance values (r1, r2, rN).

Intoelectrics · May 13, 2022

asheyash said:
thx everyone some good ideas never really considered cutting a leg off that would be a more simpler solution. I will probably go with a 13a fused spur option as i have 1 of those already and after seeing how much 2.5mm I have left would be the cheapest option and ive never had any issues with an extension lead before with the stuff i intend to plug in.

If you cannot afford a qualified spark to do the works my advice would be to see if you can ask one who is willing to let you do all the install (Following their requirements and supervision) and then he/she can complete or check the final connections and do an inspection and test accordingly. Though it maybe all straight forward on the face of it, there could be problems that may not be obvious which may then require a change to the new additional circuit design to ensure it is done properly so as not to affect the functionality and safety of the existing installation.