One electrician, who quoted a fortune for the work! He was also proposing to move the CU onto the distribution board. I wasn't happy with his quote or suggestions.
Is it a good idea to have all the kitchen outlets on the same ring?
Separate ring, or separate circuit?
I've got myself going round in circles here.
(or is that rings
)
I had previously decided to use the old 2.5mm² immersion heater radial for 2 sockets under the counter, with an isolation switch in place of the original immersion heater switch. That would provide an accessible isolation switch for inaccessible sockets.
While I was pulling out the redundant 3C+E immersion heater cable, I had a mad moment and thought of incorporating the radial into a ring. However, I'd probably have to change from a single isolation switch on the radial for the under-counter sockets to 2 separate switched spurs off a ring, with a single socket on each spur and 2 isolation switches above the counter. Actually, that doesn't sound too bad.
It then seems to make more sense to put new fused spur outlets for the boiler and cooker hood, all in the same corner, on that ring. Fortunately, I don't want any wall units in that corner, as it is difficult to avoid the safe zones.
I was originally going to create a whole new ring off a spare slot in the CU. The main reason was to get a socket on the opposite party wall in the kitchen, so I could run a large fridge/freezer. I was also going to add more sockets to the party wall in other rooms, as that side of the house is currently only served by one double socket. However, by incorporating the old immersion heater radial into the new ring, I don't even have to use another CU slot. (I'm going to change the 6-way fuse box anyway, but it needs to be under 230mm wide to fit in the cupboard.)
