FCU 's in Ring Main - advice.

[chrisgc]

Just wondered then if this is ok?

 

[Octopus]

What you should consider is the visual impact of having so many sockets & FCU's on "show".

I tend to use the 2G + 1G metal boxes, where possible so that FCU's are directly adjacent to a socket so will not look to "busy". In such set ups the FCU and the socket are still on the ring.

 

[chrisgc]

What you should consider is the visual impact of having so many sockets & FCU's on "show".

I tend to use the 2G + 1G metal boxes, where possible so that FCU's are directly adjacent to a socket so will not look to "busy". In such set ups the FCU and the socket are still on the ring.

The sockets will be behind or to the side of appliance so out of view but obviously the FCU's or DP switchs will be visible so as to be accessable.

Just trying to get some ideas but I do know what you mean about considering the visual impact especially as its a kitchen with granite work tops and back drops etc.

Any solutions please fellows??

 

[Guitarist]

Just wondered then if this is ok?

Nothing wrong with that mate.

 

[chrisgc]

Nothing wrong with that mate.

Thanks for that, I know its a bit basic and visually not the best but dont really know much about those grid switches.

Thinking visually it would be nicer to have the washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher on a 3 gang switch plate to cut down on the DP switches.

How are these grid switch plates wired in regards to my diagram???

 

[Octopus]

The sockets will be behind or to the side of appliance so out of view but obviously the FCU's or DP switchs will be visible so as to be accessable.

Just trying to get some ideas but I do know what you mean about considering the visual impact especially as its a kitchen with granite work tops and back drops etc.

Any solutions please fellows??

What I meant was if you have a 2G socket above the worktop, use the 2G + 1G box so that the FCU or double pole switch is immediately next to the existing socket. I wasn't meaning have the FCU and the socket for the applicance above the worktop!

 

[chrisgc]

Thinking visually it would be nicer to have the washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher on a 3 gang switch plate to cut down on the DP switches.

How are these grid switch plates wired in regards to my diagram???

 

[shocking_eg]

dont forget to think about loadings.

had a call out the other day, home owner was tripping her 32A mcb, tumble fridge, washing machine and kettle where on together ! lol

i would use the grid for the appliances and run a seperate 2.5mm ring for the grid switch / appliance circuits.

 

[Guitarist]

Tbh, many houses are wired on one RFC and never have any problems. I think you need to educate her on spreading her chores...

 

[shocking_eg]

Tbh, many houses are wired on one RFC and never have any problems. I think you need to educate her on spreading her chores...

haha tell me about it !

usually diversity takes it course - not in this case !!

 

[chrisgc]

So am I taking it that grid switches is not the way to go?

 

[shocking_eg]

So am I taking it that grid switches is not the way to go?

why not ?

its your choice, easier in my opinion - just chase in a deep box

 

[chrisgc]

why not ?

its your choice, easier in my opinion - just chase in a deep box

How are the grid switches wired in then in comparison to my original diagram as have not used these?

 

[shocking_eg]

just run power into the box where the grid switches will be mounted into, either off the ring main or by a dedicated circuit. then from the grid box run a 2.5mm radial to each of your three appliances.

and terminate the radials into each of the three 20A grid switches and link across your supply cable between the 3 switches.

just think of it as a 1 way light switch that the switch line / loop in is made within the switch itself.

simples really

 

[chrisgc]

Does the grid switches create a heavy load in one particular area?