Ring and Radial Sockets

[RomRobi]

Sometime ago I had my 15yr old, wanting to know the advantages and disadvantages of a ring to a radial sockets, and all I could think of was, you dont have to worry about volt drop in a ring and how much costly it could be, then I realised :banghead: I had been in the trade for while and felt like a mug I can't even managed enough solid reasons. I would appreciate any more contribution so I can go back and tell him, with head high, chest busting and he thinks old man is a genius.:smilewinkgrin:

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Not trying to get into a bun fight, i just get annoyed at the amount of young sparks that condemn the FRC with no valid reason apart from the radial is easier to install and test than a FRC. That is not a valid reason as far as i'm conserned.

Look, if you can argue a case for the extra expense and larger cables, bigger CU, and time, your all Radial installation will cost your client, then fair do's go, ...for it!!

One more thing, on a 4mm radial, there is no chance of a spur, accessories only have 10mm cable termination facility these days, (it used to be 12mm) ....unless of course you force a 2.5mm into the accessory terminals...

Good point here 54....you could get some folk even trimming cores down in order to pick up a spur from an accessory...which definetly wouldn`t comply with naff all....

 

[platty1005]

OK guys its getting late I think more 20A radials is better than one or two RFC's see my last post

 

[Engineer54]

engineer 54 I have been a spark for over 35 years I am not advising 4.00mm radials I am saying more 20A radials in 2.5mm is the future
Easy to install
Easy to extend
Easy to test
less hassle if there is a fault

Sorry i wasn't specifically saying that you were a young spark, i was talking generally, as it's normally the young sparks that that trumpet the perceived advantages of using radials for every small power circuit.. But i still think your misguided in thinking that radials are the answer to all small power requirements, they are not!! As i have stated many times on this argument, you design and install any circuit, based purely on the the needs/requirements of that circuit. Not on how easy the circuit is going to be to install and test!!!

 

[GLENNSPARK]

One more thing not yet mentioned here: Dont forget that 4mm flat t&e has only a 1.5mm cpc so you have to watch your Zs n all.........

 

[Engineer54]

OK guys its getting late I think more 20A radials is better than one or two RFC's see my last post

Only to those that are misguided in solely thinking in those terms...

 

[RomRobi]

Good one mate Markiesparkie, interesting debate and comments taken onboard, no disrespect to the radialist, absolutely still prefer being a ringalist, not because of it's complexity which I noticed some elctricians seems to avoid it but, due to the advantages which seems to me, to carry more weights compared to radial.

Nice one Guys

 

[platty1005]

Ok 1 x RFC = 32A 2 x radial @20A = max load 40A properly designed and installed the only extra cost is a an extra MCB or at best an extra RCBO Traditional install RFC one up one down who needs a 32A RFC upstairs these days
I concede the RFC is not dead but think outside the box it is not the only option.
Perhaps we can agree it depends on the installation requirements

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Ok 1 x RFC = 32A 2 x radial @20A = max load 40A properly designed and installed the only extra cost is a an extra MCB or at best an extra RCBO Traditional install RFC one up one down who needs a 32A RFC upstairs these days
I concede the RFC is not dead but think outside the box it is not the only option.
Perhaps we can agree it depends on the installation requirements

Seems like were winning you round then hmm......

 

[Engineer54]

Good one mate Markiesparkie, interesting debate and comments taken onboard, no disrespect to the radialist, absolutely still prefer being a ringalist, not because of it's complexity which I noticed some elctricians seems to avoid it but, due to the advantages which seems to me, to carry more weights compared to radial.

Nice one Guys

Radials have there place the same as FRC have, that's what i'm trying to get over here!! We shouldn't have any preference, circuits should only be designed chosen and installed to suit the requirement of the installation needs. And not for any personal preference reasons!!

 

[platty1005]

Nice one RomRobi I think I am actually a Radiaringulist if there is such a thing

PS sure beats facebook
Intelligent debate with people who know what they are talking about wish we were all in the PUB

 

[GLENNSPARK]

When you go to survey a job/install you look and then decide (with the client) the best course of action as regards final circuits etc which is why sole traders have to offer a project management service as well as install, inspection and test services. The single signiture form helps in this matter n all........

 

[RomRobi]

Engineers54 I quite agree with you.

 

[RomRobi]

Platty1005 we leave in a loopy world why not ringalist.

 

[platty1005]

I like to be Radiacal (radical)

 

[Engineer54]

I'm going out to do my shopping now, should of gone out earlier, 10am and over 30c already.... Oh for a bit of rain...lol!!!!