Is it a Ring Main?

[B6 7BU]

Is it a Ring Main or Ring Final Circuit?


[video=youtube;l5Mmz1OnCR8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5Mmz1OnCR8[/video]

 

[Sparky Ninja]

In appendix 15 it's called a Ring Final Circuit Arrangement.

 

[1shortcircuit]

In appendix 15 it's called a Ring Final Circuit Arrangement.

Yep, in the BS7671 it definitely states RING FINAL CIRCUIT (reg 433.1.5)

The wording on page 363 is amusing though if you have an edition that includes the error

Mine is now corrected after receiving the corrigendum but here is how some of yours may read

RADIAL FINAL CIRCUIT

A radial final circuit start and finishes at the distribution board where it is connected to a 30A or 32A overcurrent protective device

lol:eek

 

[Adam W]

They're talking about ring final circuits.
Ring mains form part of the distribution network, which is wired in a ring so parts can be shut down for maintenance without isolating the whole lot.

 

[B6 7BU]

So why do sparkies call them Ring Mains?

 

[1shortcircuit]

So why do spakies call them Ring Mains?

Same reason they just say Bonding instead of "equipotential bonding"?

 

[Sparky Ninja]

I just call it a ring. I'm extra lazy.

 

[Guest123]

We had a bit of a fat chewin over this here......

http://www.electriciansforums.net/electrical-wiring-theories-electrical-regulations/23903-spurs.html

 

[Adam W]

So why do sparkies call them Ring Mains?

Because they've been doing it for 40 years?
Personally I call them ring finals - if we called them 'ring mains' at college the teacher would ask why we were trying to install 11kV sockets.
I suppose a bit like calling lamps 'light bulbs'.

 

[pushrod]

Same reason they just say Bonding instead of "equipotential bonding"?

or even protective equipotential bonding, or even supplementary protective bonding conductor

 

[thewetspark]

I think the common name for things is just how it's built up over the years.
It's not that long since there was electric power in every house, so sockets were on the "mains". Ring circuits were developed after the 2nd World War to save on copper when it was in short supply. Hence "ring main"!
Things are now very technical so we have to have some differentiation, "ring final circuit" describes exactly what it is. Just used for power but could be used to supply any type of multiple outlets.

I like the design and combined with our fused plugs is pretty safe. I'd just like to see EVERY appliance with a "13A" type plug have to have a fuse in it. Loads of house fires started by small transformer (chargers) or motors (time switches) shorting and becoming minature heaters.
Sorry, I digress.

 

[dixon9]

Well "Ring main" is a generic term.

"Ring Final Circuit" defines the "end user" circuit.

(Really...both are correct, it´s just that "Ring Final Circuit is more specific).

 

[Kamikaze]

I love that video...lol
We call them rings because if an apprentice has wired them, then there might be no main. Just the ring!

 

[telectrix]

when every sparks in the land discovers the advantages of a 4mm radial, rings will then be relegated to what the girlfriend cons us into paying exorbitant prices for. ring mains will become extinct, like Ratners

 

[B6 7BU]

I love that video...lol

Did you see the Elf and Safety one?