Fused switch with two feeds but no load?

[alexp]

Hello,

I have a 13A fuse switch in my airing cupboard that has never done anything. I thought maybe years ago it was for an electric shower but there was no wiring in the bathroom when I re fitted it so can't be that. Upon opening the switch there are two sets of wires, 2xred(L), 2xblack(N) and two earth. But the 2 Ls go into the L supply terminal and the 2 Ns in the N supply terminal. So is this acting as a termination block? I checked the Live wires and both definitely have power when switch on so neither is a load wire.

Any input much appreciated

 

[ImpededLoop]

It's likely to be part of a ring circuit (or socket circuit in non electrical talk). The electricity flows both ways around the ring circuit, so both cables are indeed feeds, and they should be supplied from the same fuse or circuit breaker in your consumer unit (fuse box).

 

[alexp]

It's likely to be part of a ring circuit (or socket circuit in non electrical talk). The electricity flows both ways around the ring circuit, so both cables are indeed feeds, but they will be supplied from the same fuse or circuit breaker in your consumer unit (fuse box).

Thanks. Correct, both wires run off of one of two "socket" switches in the consumer unit.

What's the purpose though? Is it simply to have the possibility of running something off it?

 

[ImpededLoop]

What's the purpose though? Is it simply to have the possibility of running something off it?

Yes, possibly an immersion heater, or for a shower pump or even boiler wiring.

 

[alexp]

There are two immersion heater switches as well but they run off their own dedicated switches in the consumer unit. So yeah maybe a shower I guess. Just wanted to be sure when I change the switch to a newer one that the wiring is okay as is. Thanks.

 

[robd]

Probably just got put in and never used.

 

[SJD]

As mentioned, likely to have been put in for something that is no longer there - boiler, shower pump, intruder alarm, something that used to be in the bathroom or loft, etc. Quite common to find redundant FCUs in immersion cupboards.

If it is not being used, not sure why you'd want to change the switch to a newer one - I assume it is not 'on display' and needing to look pretty amongst the drying towels etc.

If not used, the connections could be put into connectors (e.g. Wagos) and a cover plate fitted instead - that would save someone in the future wondering what it is for. If part of the ring for a socket ring final circuit, it is vital you keep the connections as they are, to avoid a break in the ring.

 

[pc1966]

If you simply want rid of it then the cables must be still connected to complete the ring. However, if you simple see no need for it and want a more modern look, etc, then you could replace it with a 13A socket which might have an occasional use.

 

[Petej999]

If you simply want rid of it then the cables must be still connected to complete the ring. However, if you simple see no need for it and want a more modern look, etc, then you could replace it with a 13A socket which might have an occasional use.

Could be that there never has been a load and the cables in the live side of the spur are forming the ring final circuitry