Adding a spur

brittas2009 · 23 Jul 2010

Hi

I need to add a spur for a single socket to the downstairs ring main. I know that the proper way to do this is to feed a cable into the one of the existing sockets and connect to the ring main that way but that would mean chasing out the brick wall and therefore a redecoration job.

Under the regulations, am I allowed to cut the ring main cable under the floor and join a spur to it in a junction box or is that a complete no, no?

Many thank

Brittas

Taylortwocities · 23 Jul 2010

If you use a junction box with screwed connections then it must be accessible so that would not work.

You would have to use one of the permanent connection methods - eg proper insulated crimps, oversleeved with heatshrink sleeving - but that means specialised tools.

sparkwright · 23 Jul 2010

You will struggle doing a three-way crimp joint, so extend the ring so the new socket is directly on the ring.

You will then only have to join two cables togther at each joint, as opposed to three.

If you add more sockets, then you may not have to do any joints under the floor - if you extend the ring.

ericmark · 23 Jul 2010

There are

Ashley maintenance free junction boxes click on picture for more info. These can be used in dry areas instead of crimping and use spring clips to hold the wires in place plus have cable grips so they can't be pulled out.

It has be found that under floor vibration can cause screwed connections to become loose and this was the answer. Not sure I like the idea and I would prefer to use crimps but the manufactures say they will do the job so until proved wrong we have to accept their word.

Taylortwocities · 23 Jul 2010

sparkwright said:
You will struggle doing a three-way crimp joint,

Not if you use these

skenk · 23 Jul 2010

Won't you need to chase the wall anyway for the spur cable?

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Adding a spur

brittas2009

Taylortwocities

sparkwright

ericmark

Taylortwocities

skenk

DIYnot Local

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