Can you extend ring cabling with terminal strip inside socket back box?

[haggis999]

My boiler is currently plugged into a double 13A socket in my utility room. I want to move this connection to an FCU and add an extra double socket. As a general rule, I try to incorporate additional sockets and FCUs into the ring rather than via spurs, but the cabling that feeds the existing double socket is not long enough and replacing this cabling would require major disruption to the room above.

If I replace the existing socket back box with a deeper version, is there any issue with extending one of the ring cables via a 3-conductor terminal strip in the rear of the box?

Alternatively, is it OK to run a spur cable to the new FCU and then run a spur cable from the FCU to the new double socket?

 

[Pete999]

My boiler is currently plugged into a double 13A socket in my utility room. I want to move this connection to an FCU and add an extra double socket. As a general rule, I try to incorporate additional sockets and FCUs into the ring rather than via spurs, but the cabling that feeds the existing double socket is not long enough and replacing this cabling would require major disruption to the room above. If I understand your proposal correctly.

If I replace the existing socket back box with a deeper version, is there any issue with extending one of the ring cables via a 3-conductor terminal strip in the rear of the box?

Alternatively, is it OK to run a spur cable to the new FCU and then run a spur cable from the FCU to the new double socket?

Providing the double socket you intend spurring from is part of the RFC and not a spur, of course the new 13Amp twin socket will be limited by the fact that the FCU will have a maximum 13 Amp cartridge fuse.

 

[westward10]

I would incorporate them into the ring final but would use Wagos as opposed to unfixed block connectors.

 

[Jim90]

I would split the ring, one leg to the socket and the other to the spur, through crimp if necessary and install some 2.5 between the two outlets to maintain the ring.

 

[haggis999]

Providing the double socket you intend spurring from is part of the RFC and not a spur, of course the new 13Amp twin socket will be limited by the fact that the FCU will have a maximum 13 Amp cartridge fuse.

What I meant was adding a spur to the new socket from the input side of the FCU. The fuse in the FCU would thus only protect the feed to the boiler.

I know you can't daisy chain multiple sockets via a spur, but I wasn't sure if you could do this with an FCU and a socket.

 

[haggis999]

I would split the ring, one leg to the socket and the other to the spur, through crimp if necessary and install some 2.5 between the two outlets to maintain the ring.

Westward10 has suggested using Wagos connectors, but I don't understand exactly what you mean by "through crimp".

 

[Pete999]

What I meant was adding a spur to the new socket from the input side of the FCU. The fuse in the FCU would thus only protect the feed to the boiler.

I know you can't daisy chain multiple sockets via a spur, but I wasn't sure if you could do this with an FCU and a socket.

Then No that would not be compliant

 

[Pete999]

Westward10 has suggested using Wagos connectors, but I don't understand exactly what you mean by "through crimp".

Insulated Crimp Red Butt Pack of 100 - https://www.screwfix.com/p/insulated-crimp-red-butt-pack-of-100/94616?kpid=94616&ds_rl=1245250&gclid=CjwKCAiA0IXQBRA2EiwAMODil719xAXNBgP5EdndUm8EBnGDCm7_nxxBLUg-DNb6ditRb6P5HcFXnxoC4gcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CJmJnuq6rNcCFSmN7QodkfMLZg

 

[haggis999]

Insulated Crimp Red Butt Pack of 100 - https://www.screwfix.com/p/insulated-crimp-red-butt-pack-of-100/94616?kpid=94616&ds_rl=1245250&gclid=CjwKCAiA0IXQBRA2EiwAMODil719xAXNBgP5EdndUm8EBnGDCm7_nxxBLUg-DNb6ditRb6P5HcFXnxoC4gcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CJmJnuq6rNcCFSmN7QodkfMLZg

That looks like quite a neat solution. I note that you have linked to a crimp that only takes 1.5mm2 wire and has a 19A rating (voltage rating is not quoted), but I guess that more suitable crimps are readily available.

 

[Pete999]

That looks like quite a neat solution. I note that you have linked to a crimp that only takes 1.5mm2 wire and has a 19A rating (voltage rating is not quoted), but I guess that more suitable crimps are readily available.

Yes there are various types and sizes suggest you Google "electrical crimps " to view the range, please do not do as you suggested with the FSU and the twin socket outlet, which I described as non compliant.

 

[westward10]

I personally would not use crimps on solid conductors.

 

[haggis999]

Yes there are various types and sizes suggest you Google "electrical crimps " to view the range, please do not do as you suggested with the FSU and the twin socket outlet, which I described as non compliant.

My preference was always to incorporate the FCU and new socket into the ring, so I'm pleased that no one has an issue with extending the cable. The spur idea is now dead.

 

[telectrix]

use push-in wagos or ideal butt connectors for your connection.

wago...

ideal butt connector.....

 

[haggis999]

use push-in wagos or ideal butt connectors for your connection.

Those do look like much better solutions than my original idea of using a terminal block, so many thanks for those suggestions. I shall pay a visit to Screwfix tomorrow.

 

[haggis999]

I got a packet of Ideal SpliceLine In-Line Wire Connectors from SF today and they appear to do a very good job. It's certainly a much more convenient alternative to traditional terminal strips.

Many thanks for that suggestion from telectrix