Mapping existing ring main

[DB73]

Hi, I am a first time DIY poster - hoping to navigate the tricky line between getting a bit of a steer in the right direction and not requesting step by step instruction.

I am hoping to DIY the electrics on my extension, and in advance of the project I am trying to map the order of outlets on the existing ring mains. I am aware of the area of work R1 + R2 / 4 etc etc testing for faults and reckon this is DIYable (once a professional has repaced my old fuses with a CU, and added a big off switch just past the meter). My question is can anyone point me in the right direction for establishing in which order the outlets on the ring main run. I can think of a painstaking route of disconnecting two at a time so that anything else dead is then known to be inbetween the two, and if nothing else is dead then they must be adjacent, always keeping a look out for extra wiring suggesting a spur - am I on the right lines or is there a better method, perhaps with a multi-meter?

Incidently I am undertaking 20 days City and Guilds training in May (yes, am aware of the limitations and that this might make me an enhanced DIYer, but certainly not a sparks). I am super cautious on all isolaton matters - hence new isolation switch for whole house.

Sincere thanks to all the eperienced posters who are willing to share their expertise.

 

[Octopus]

If you are planning on doing your extension wiring, best you discuss this with your local building control if you want them to issue a completion certificate .....

 

[littlespark]

Duplicate thread from earlier this week?

 

[Octopus]

Duplicate thread from earlier this week?

Earlier today ...

 

[DB73]

Yes, but was on wrong forum earlier today, so have made my farewells there and moved this to DIY forum

 

[Octopus]

Yes, but was on wrong forum earlier today, so have made my farewells there and moved this to DIY forum

You won't get step by step guides in here either

 

[DB73]

No, and that is a fair enough rule. I did not think that is what I am asking for - (I was hoping for a couple of sentences to point in the right direction)... but apologies if that is clearly what I am doing and I am sure I will get the hang of what is acceptable by keeping quiet and reading others' posts for a bit.

 

[Cid]

Well you are the King of your castle. Nothing wrong with wanting to find out out what lurks beneath the surface.

I would invest in a bosch wall scanner. Very handy in locating live cables in the wall. Lift floors if necessary. With a bit of common sense it's not that difficult to find out.

 

[GMES]

@DB73 I have closed your other thread, can you please stick to one thread please to save confusion.
Here is a llink to the closed thread for any members interested, obviously you wont be able to reply in it.

2 questions - Existing ring main mapping, and rules on spurs - https://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/2-questions-existing-ring-main-mapping-and-rules-on-spurs.170974/

 

[telectrix]

@OP.a bit late, but.... you could ( if competent) , after isolation take readings R1+R2 from each socket. as you move from CU round rfc, readings will increase.

 

[DB73]

Thanks for the replies - penny has dropped. Christ that was simple and am feeling a bit foolish now! I was focussed on R1 + R2 remaining constant as proof of connections, and forgetting the fact that one will increase and the other decrease, as you work your way around - this is what comes of reading, but not yet physically doing it. Will crack on now - thanks again.

 

[farmer]

Hi, I am a first time DIY poster - hoping to navigate the tricky line between getting a bit of a steer in the right direction and not requesting step by step instruction.

I am hoping to DIY the electrics on my extension, and in advance of the project I am trying to map the order of outlets on the existing ring mains. I am aware of the area of work R1 + R2 / 4 etc etc testing for faults and reckon this is DIYable (once a professional has repaced my old fuses with a CU, and added a big off switch just past the meter). My question is can anyone point me in the right direction for establishing in which order the outlets on the ring main run. I can think of a painstaking route of disconnecting two at a time so that anything else dead is then known to be inbetween the two, and if nothing else is dead then they must be adjacent, always keeping a look out for extra wiring suggesting a spur - am I on the right lines or is there a better method, perhaps with a multi-meter?

Incidently I am undertaking 20 days City and Guilds training in May (yes, am aware of the limitations and that this might make me an enhanced DIYer, but certainly not a sparks). I am super cautious on all isolaton matters - hence new isolation switch for whole house.

Sincere thanks to all the eperienced posters who are willing to share their expertise.

Go way amd get an electrician

 

[DefyG]

@OP.a bit late, but.... you could ( if competent) , after isolation take readings R1+R2 from each socket. as you move from CU round rfc, readings will increase.

I thought it was a ring circuit!
R1+R2 should be the same wherever its is measured on the ring, not increase or decrease!

 

[chris gray]

As a rfc the readings should remain constant. However if you link out l&e on one of the legs and make it into a radial, the readings will adjust according to circuit length

 

[DefyG]

Of course but didn't think we were supposed to give step by step instructions!
The OP doesn't really say why he needs to know?