Correcting a mixed spur

Chector · May 7, 2015

Hi, I'm faced with an un-fused spur that goes to numerous sockets and light fittings, (they are mixed up i.e. socket, light, socket, socket, light, light). The spur is on a socket ring obviously. I would be grateful for advice on which of the following options other people would recommend or any other solution.
1. Put a 13amp fuse on the spur and remove all the light fittings. Create a new circuit for the lights.
2. Put a 5amp fuse on the spur and remove all the sockets. Create a new circuit for the sockets.
3. Put a 13amp fuse on the spur and connect all the sockets off the last socket t a 5 amp fuse an connect all the lights.

I think option 1 is the way to go, but I would value any advice. DIY electricians don't you just love their work!

Darkwood · May 7, 2015

TBH it scenario dependent and whichever option is most cost effective or least disruptive dependent on customers position on these points.

Your job is to present the best option for your cutomers requirements as well as staying within regulation.

Chector · May 7, 2015

Well the spur runs from their conservatory into their garage and shed. It looks one big mess. I'm thinking that its might be better to run a new circuit rather than try and de tangle it.

telectrix · May 7, 2015

its might be better to run a new circuit.

sometimes that's the better option. beats time farting around trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

HappyHippyDad · May 7, 2015

That does sound a right mess Chector!

I would give the customers the options you have stated PLUS a complete rewire of those circuits (which I 'think' would i would advise - although impossible to say without actually seeing it).

As long as all of your options stay within the regs then I guess you could go with one of them if it works out much cheaper than 2 new circuits, but again, work out the costs, give your professional opinion and then let the customer decide.

Just as an afterthought.. If the DIY work is that bad then the rest of it may be pretty awful so that could push you towards 2 new circuits!

uksparks · May 7, 2015

I have been known to just change the first one in the chain to a 13A FCU and then at least you know its limited to that, but obviously make sure the cable is or the correct size etc down stream so thats its protected adequately.

Its not the best solution, but sometimes its a good work around.

shanky887614 · May 7, 2015

you do realise that quite often conservatory lights and sockets are fed off the ring through a fcu then to a lightswitch (usually ring extended and light's off outgoing)

besides 1.5 twin can take more than 13amps and it will never pull more than a couple anyway so as long as its not looped from that to a socket it will never cause the 1.5 to get even slightly warm

VoltzElectrical · May 7, 2015

shanky887614 said:
you do realise that quite often conservatory lights and sockets are fed off the ring through a fcu then to a lightswitch (usually ring extended and light's off outgoing)

besides 1.5 twin can take more than 13amps and it will never pull more than a couple anyway so as long as its not looped from that to a socket it will never cause the 1.5 to get even slightly warm

Along the lines I was thinking. 1.5mm2 clipped direct good for 19 amps, so fuse the lot down and rely on diversity.