Why does the ring main run in a ring?

[HappyHippyDad]

Hello,

This is the start of the silly questions that I will be asking!

I'll be starting my domestic installers course in february and have lots of questions. Some will sound silly but at least I will learn.

Why does the ring main run from and back to the consumer unit, whereas the lighting circuit doesn't and all other circuits dont? I'm assuming it must allow more load to be taken from it, but I cant see how it could do that? How can the electricity flow both ways, doesn't it bump into itself!!!

Thanks, Steve

 

[Specialist]

Speak for yersel' bonny lad !!! :grinningelf:

Now come no Geordie, we've gotta be grown up sometimes:joker:.

 

[Engineer54]

This shows what is called an “Open Ring”. Basically a ring main but fed via two protection devices. Switches shown in RED are ON. The ring is never a closed loop because the protection becomes unstable, as would a RFC in a house if fed by two 16A MCB’s.
You can see that the system is very flexible if there is a cable fault between two tee switch transformer units.
View attachment 9924
View attachment 9925

Thanks, i was hoping you would come up with a drawing...lol!!

You can actually have a closed ring if the two ends are fed from the same source, but the control and protection set-up, needs to be suitable for that configuration. Works on a similar principle to dual bus bar main Switchboards....

 

[Deleted member 3072]

it originates from the copper crisis in rhodesia

The reason we use ring mains was started due to a copper shortage in the 70s. Before that we wired everything in radial circuits

 

[Engineer54]

The reason we use ring mains was started due to a copper shortage in the 70s. Before that we wired everything in radial circuits

ONE of the reasons, it wasn't by any means the only reason!! This is an ongoing Myth that's done the rounds!! lol!!

And ring circuits have been around a dam sight longer than the 70's, but they were still singing the same tune about copper shortages ...lol!!!

 

[CrazyScozzese]

I heard the Yanks have oval circuits ...

 

[telectrix]

I heard the Yanks have oval circuits ...

only for horse racing. they have diamond shaped ones for baseball and square ones for american football (to match the players heads, i think)

 

[CrazyScozzese]

Well one day it will be plasma conduits instead of cable and gel pack relays for JBs, I saw it on Star Trek 20 years ago and they proficised most things correctly. We already have hand held communicators, ipads, memory sticks, and transparent aluminium (the one with the whales).

Oh yes, one bottle of rioja and I reveal how sad I really am! Who said "in vino veritas??"

 

[gottahugenoggin]

Dont forget the automatic doors! Although they dont sound as cool as they do on the enterprise