Consumer unit MCB question

[J whizz]

Hi all

Just got back from mums for christmas and was having a nose round her consumer unit after a light popped and tripped the circuit. I noticed on the board (rcd protected) the lighting mcb had 2 circuits on it and the breaker for the sockets (32a) had two rings in it ie 4 red cables. Should she be worried about this, are there any immediate dangers ? I dont want to see her frazzled !

Cheers

Jay

 

[lockhes]

well sometimes you see 2 lighting circuits in 1 if theres a light in that cupboard so add it to an existing breaker

you need to know what cable does what and if the total of both circuits come to more than 6a then id be moving 1 to another mcb

the ring ciruits seem odd iv come across 3 cables in 1 but never 4 again 3 usualy means a socket close to cupboard this is only like sparing off the ring

but 4 seems wrong and are you sure there both rings id be looking at them again in more detail if i was you

 

[patricklondon]

sounds like a periodic test and inspection wouldn't hurt. as before its not unusual to join 2 lighting circuits into one if its safe to do so. its also fine to spur off the ring main at the db but that would only have 3 cable at the breaker the fourth sounds suspect and potentially dangerous.

 

[kung]

Agreed ! How long ago was the CU replaced ? also any documentation regarding the install to shed some light on whats what ? also any spare ways ?
Hello and welcome Jay.

 

[High Tower]

sounds like someone has been grouping cables to make room

 

[oldtimer]

You need to check if there is any spare ways on the CU. Also I have seen 4 reds in a 32A ring main circuit in the past why well I served my time on the 14th edition and as you were allowed 2 spurs from "any" point on the ring this meant that yoy could spur off the socket you were going to fit in the cupboard and then later someone else would add another spur. Why well it was easier to break into the ring at the CU than out in the field where damaging the decor was not an option.

You may find a spare way in the CU but it may have a 6 amp CB fitted so it should be no big deal to move the spurs to and upgrade the CB

 

[J whizz]

Thanks for all your replys, much appreciated !
Mum says it was replaced about 6-8 years ago...there are no spare ways on the board, there is stickers on the board to indicate lighting/sockets/water heater/etc. but no schedule/paperwork for the install. The 2 rings on one breaker scenario was just a guess on my part as the twin and earth seemed to be grouped in pairs as it entered the unit, but it could be spurs as suggested. (would a simple continuity test show up the ring (s) ?
Ive got to say it looked like a very neat job so i didnt think it was a total bodge, but i will certainly advise her to get a periodic test done to put her (and my !) mind at ease.

Once again thanks to everyone youve been a great help

 

[kung]

(would a simple continuity test show up the ring (s) ?

Yes this would or remove the cables and connect main ring ( your find this with an end to end continuity test) then see what sockets are running on that and what isnt then connect another t/e (provided they arnt 2 rings so check) if radial/spurs then see what non working sockets now work and id that cable by tag if need be then do same with remaining t/e that should make things clearer.

 

[J whizz]

Brilliant cheers !