This is a bit of a theoretical one - I've been reading around, picking bits of info here and there and have been wondering about the advice on extending ring mains?
Most rings are in 2.5 mm cable which is rated at 32A (?) - but is this not in open air. Hence rating drops if cable is enclosed - and drops significantly. There can be very few installations where cables aren't buried in walls etc so the cable could be rated as low as 20 A or lower - which isn't a lot on 1 ring! Then someone extends the ring! I have a vague idea of the concepts of voltage drops etc and the recommended maximum cable lengths - it doesn't take much to have 50 m of cable on a ring.
I'm not an expert but it strikes me that extending a ring in this case must be a BAD THING - and in liklihood will be in most situations?
Any thoughts/explanations on this appreciated - not because I'm going to extend a ring ( I'm not sure I want to take that chance on my single ring supply my house!) - it has convinced me the best way forward is to put in extra circuits! I'd just like to know what the experts opinions etc are on this.
Thanks again
Towman
Most rings are in 2.5 mm cable which is rated at 32A (?) - but is this not in open air. Hence rating drops if cable is enclosed - and drops significantly. There can be very few installations where cables aren't buried in walls etc so the cable could be rated as low as 20 A or lower - which isn't a lot on 1 ring! Then someone extends the ring! I have a vague idea of the concepts of voltage drops etc and the recommended maximum cable lengths - it doesn't take much to have 50 m of cable on a ring.
I'm not an expert but it strikes me that extending a ring in this case must be a BAD THING - and in liklihood will be in most situations?
Any thoughts/explanations on this appreciated - not because I'm going to extend a ring ( I'm not sure I want to take that chance on my single ring supply my house!) - it has convinced me the best way forward is to put in extra circuits! I'd just like to know what the experts opinions etc are on this.
Thanks again
Towman