Joined: 02 Jan 2006 Posts: 13 Location: Yorkshire, United Kingdom Thanked: 0 times
Posted: Sat Jun 16, 2007 3:48 pm Post Subject:
consumer unit and 30 amp fuse
Recently discovered ring main downstairs terminated in old 30 amp fuse box,as would be expected!However there is another live cable clamped in this fuse(ie 3 in total).I traced this to sockets upstairs,a connection between 2 double sockets and a spur off each of these,but obviously no ring!!The problem I have is that I need another 3 double sockets upstairs.Can I link the existing with the proposed to make a separate ring for upstairs? Bearing in mind that this would mean cramming another live cable in at the fusebox,and I don`t think its designed to cramp 4!!If you get my drift!!
Joined: 14 Sep 2006 Posts: 3485 Location: Gloucestershire, United Kingdom Thanked: 19 times
Posted: Sat Jun 16, 2007 4:22 pm Post Subject:
Not a good idea - one circuit/one fuse.
The only options you have are to wire a new ring totally with it's own protective device or extend the existing ring encompassing any sockets that are incorrectly wired
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Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 4931 Location: Oxfordshire, United Kingdom Thanked: 63 times
Posted: Sat Jun 16, 2007 5:08 pm Post Subject:
Or remove the wire feeding those extra sockets and put in a new fuse rated at 20A or 16A. That makes it a legal radial, but you'll be restricted on current draw - should be ok if no heavy loads upstairs.
__________________ TTC
When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. - F.D.R.
Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 6930 Location: United Kingdom Thanked: 15 times
Posted: Sat Jun 16, 2007 6:41 pm Post Subject:
If it were me i'd put two rings on one fuse, its not entirely clear if it complies with BS7671 but its not dangerous and if you have and old fusewire CU it probablly doesn't comply with current regs anyway.
Replacing a CU isn't generally a DIY job, Its notifiable under part P, generaly requires someone to pull the service fuse (really the supplier should do it but many electricians do it themselves) and if its done without proper testing its easy to end up with a RCD that always trips.
Best option IMO is to turn the upstairs into a ring, stick it on the same fuse for now but mark the cables somehow so you know which ones belong to which ring. Then fix any other faults you know of then get an electrican to replace the consumer unit with a modern one.
Joined: 02 Jan 2006 Posts: 13 Location: Yorkshire, United Kingdom Thanked: 0 times
Posted: Sat Jun 16, 2007 7:26 pm Post Subject:
Many thanks,its more or less the reply I was hoping for!!Incidently when I get the CU replaced there will be old colours and new colours(wiring),if I put a new ring in,that is.Will the electrician still approve it?
Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 4931 Location: Oxfordshire, United Kingdom Thanked: 63 times
Posted: Sat Jun 16, 2007 11:10 pm Post Subject:
The electrician will probably not approve work you have done. Most are only able (and prepared) to certify and notify work that they have done themselves.
Mixing old & new wiring colours in an installation is acceptable but certain warning notices have to be posted. yous electrician will know what to do.
__________________ TTC
When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. - F.D.R.
Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 6930 Location: United Kingdom Thanked: 15 times
Posted: Sat Jun 16, 2007 11:17 pm Post Subject:
the electrican would only be certifying the work he did and possiblly record the general state of the installation. Its not his buisness to care who did the existing wiring or when.
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