Scrap the Ring final circuit

[paul291277]

Not a fan of RFC's, the only advantage I see is saving space in the CU; disadvantages include the obvious dangerous one where a broken leg creates two 2.5mm2 radials on a 32a MCB that is undetectable until something serious happens , more awkward to test, more awkward to create alterations, more awkward to fault find. Two 20a 2.5mm radials use less cable than a RFC and are much more versatile IMO

 

[paul291277]

Andy made a good point about reference methods that I failed to mention but you would take that into account before planning; just saying that I'm not a fan of RFC's

 

[JK-Electrical]

A good summary of the arguments for and against RFCs can be perused via the link below:

https://gadsolutions.biz/electrical-services/ring-main-good-bad

Roger Lovegrove makes a strong case against RFCs with which I agree.

 

[davesparks]

I've encountered many radial circuits for both lighting and power which have been rendered non compliant or dangerous by diyers.
So by the logic posted above in this thread should we ban radial circuits because incompetent people can get them wrong?

 

[paul291277]

Most common thing a DIYer will do is spur off of something, less of a risk on a radial in my opinion. True, we are not required by BS7671 to cater for future incompetence and cowboy interference, but it's another (albeit) small victory for radials

 

[sparkdog]

I prefer to do a 4mm radial if its a kitchen.

 

[paul291277]

Have never considered a point from the link that JK posted; voltage drop when covering a large distance from DB.....this argument is not going to go away is it?

 

[davesparks]

Most common thing a DIYer will do is spur off of something, less of a risk on a radial in my opinion. True, we are not required by BS7671 to cater for future incompetence and cowboy interference, but it's another (albeit) small victory for radials

My experience when I was doing domestic work is that the biggest issue with diyers is that they use the incorrect size cable and don't make terminations securely.
This affects any type if circuit

 

[paul291277]

Totally agree Dave, was trying to point out specific issues regarding RFC vs radial

 

[Octopus]

Found this on Friday:



This was revealed when a fireplace surround was removed ... all cables terminated nicely into separate terminals - and on a 32A MCB

Ignorance by the DIYer or builder that did this.

 

[Midwest]

This was my little discovery, installed circa 1960's, revealed 2015.

 

[Cadgey123]

View attachment 36907

This was my little discovery, installed circa 1960's, revealed 2015.

The installer will still be trying to find continuity 50 years on haha......

 

[Andy78]

It's quite simple really. If you feel that a RFC is not appropriate to your install for whatever reason, then don't use one. If you find them awkward or confusing to install and test, don't use them.
But to call for the banning of them because they are dangerous when altered or misused by incompetent people is sheer nonsense. Should we ban cars ? They probably kill a lot more people than RFCs when altered and misused by incompetent people.

 

[Marvo]

Surely the ring final circuit is just a tool in the box of the circuit designer? Use it where it's advantageous, don't use it, it's just an option. If we stop using circuit layouts just because cowboys screw them up then there's going to be no electrical installation whatsoever.

 

[Ian1981]

If bs7671 is followed as close as reasonably practical then there is no issue with any type of circuits installed past,future and present