I never install ring circuits, the potential for danger is unacceptable

[ZEDEZ]

I’d like to know if anyone else here refuses to install ring circuits in domestic premises.

For me it’s either a 20a radial / tree circuit with 2.5mm, or a 32 radial / tree circuit with 4.0mm.

Frankly I’m tired of finding broken ring circuits on 32a CB’s, as well as mismatches on end to end tests. It drives me nuts on jobs that should be simple.

I wish we would get rid of this ridiculous practice here in the UK.

I know some of you will say there’s nothing wrong with it when it’s properly installed and tested, but inevitably at some point in the future someone will come along and disconnect a conductor unknowingly while changing outlets on the circuit.

Testing is more complicated, and diagnosing faults on a ring also.

 

[telectrix]

the ring is dead.... long live the ring.

 

[Carl S]

A “tree circuit”, the Americans refer to them as a MWBC (Multi Wire Branch Circuit). Most electricians hate them, but they are a throwback to the past.

Another comparison is the UK Octopus wiring system, something I’ve installed myself for lighting but it can be used for power. It’s a good system so long as you have easy access to the central JB, fault finding is easy.

As for RFC’s, I’m in the fellowship of the ring (sorry Mr Tolkien).

 

[telectrix]

i wouls say that a "tre" circuit is one where there is a radial off the OCPD, which then branches into several branches, each feeding 1 or 2 outlets. ifthe junction is either MF or accessible, as long as it's installed properly and the feed from the OCPD is rated according to the total load, then it will comply. still not a good departure from a RFC. many a RFC insyakked 50 years AGO WITHOUT SOME NUMPTY MESSING WITH IT, IS STILL FIT FOR CONTINUED USE.

AND... thE bloody caps lock next to the "A", FAT FINGERS. ARRRRGHHH.

 

[Dave OCD]

Just to add another little angle, anyone done 4mm rings where insulation or circuit length is a bit of a concern ? I did it in a large kitchen a year or so ago. If anything [with 35mm boxes] I think the stranded 4mm is just as easy to terminate.

 

[orrell electrics]

I've heard it all now

Rings are dangerous lol

I always remember talking to a builder from Hungary who was slating the way we build houses in the UK

He really disliked building control.....

(Edited by staff, please respect forum rules, expletive removed).

 

[Squid]

I've heard it all now

Rings are dangerous lol

I always remember talking to a builder from Hungary who was slating the way we build houses in the UK

He really disliked building control.....

(Edited by staff, please respect forum rules, expletive removed).

You should have told him to F Off back home if its so perfect back in Hungary.

 

[Tony Reidy]

That is exactly my point. The moment you walk out of the door, someone will mess with that ring circuit in time

We're leaving Europe and their radials long live the ring

 

[snowhead]

We're leaving Europe and their radials long live the ring

Unless you propose floating the U.K of into the Atlantic a few thousand miles, we won't be leaving Europe.

There is however a good chance we will be leaving the E.U.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Unless you propose floating the U.K of into the Atlantic a few thousand miles, we won't be leaving Europe.

There is however a good next to no chance we will be leaving the E.U.

corrected that for you mate.

 

[Charlie_]

Just to add another little angle, anyone done 4mm rings where insulation or circuit length is a bit of a concern ? I did it in a large kitchen a year or so ago. If anything [with 35mm boxes] I think the stranded 4mm is just as easy to terminate.

Done this many many times, in very large houses it is a necessity..
Also wired many rings where the 1st and last sockets have been 4mm and the rest in 2.5...
Surprised no suckers have mentioned the good old lollipop jobs

 

[Norah Nabino]

Absolutely nothing wrong with a ring circuit. I would never install a 'tree's circuit for sockets. Ever.

What is a tree circuit? ??

 

[Torsas]

Here in Spain it is the norm to do Spider wiring !! Each socket goes back to a large box where there is a large Chocolate Block ! (even lighting circuits) This Mickey Mouse system is used around Europe, The U.K. has the BEST system in the world ! I have seen so many Melted sockets here where someone has tried to do a radial (Ryanair sparks?) Ring Circuit, Superior !

 

[Pete999]

Here in Spain it is the norm to do Spider wiring !! Each socket goes back to a large box where there is a large Chocolate Block ! (even lighting circuits) This Mickey Mouse system is used around Europe, The U.K. has the BEST system in the world ! I have seen so many Melted sockets here where someone has tried to do a radial (Ryanair sparks?) Ring Circuit, Superior !

Dark or Milk, Chocolate block? Question, what's a Ryanair Sparks?

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Dark or Milk, Chocolate block? Question, what's a Ryanair Sparks?

Mint Chocolate. Thought you were well travelled lol

 

[Pete999]

Mint Chocolate. Thought you were well travelled lol

I did but never the cheapo airlines, anyway what's that got to do with my question, trying to win some points?