There are two ways of extending a ring circuit, either by adding junction
boxes or by using existing sockets. When extending a ring circuit, planning
is essential, as much of the new part of the circuit should be installed before breaking
into the existing ring circuit (allowing use of power for lights/tools while you work). See also
Extending a ring circuit using junction boxes.
SWITCH OFF ELECTRICITY AT THE MAINS
Before carrying out any work on existing parts of the circuit switch off the mains and
ensure that power has been cut before starting. You will need a length of 2.5mm2
cable to extend the ring circuit.
On the existing ring circuit to be extended, find the two sockets adjacent to the area
you wish to extend the circuit into. Plan the
route of the new part of the circuit based on the positions of these two points, i.e. it will start at one of
the existing sockets, go round the room and end at the adjacent socket therefore
preserving the ring. The length of wire between the two existing
sockets can be reused between one of the existing sockets and one of the new sockets.
The digram on the left is an example of an existing ring circuit, and the diagram on the
right shows the new part of the ring circuit in orange joined to the old ring circuit at an existing socket and a new socket.
Before switching off the mains supply, the new part of the circuit can be completed and
installed without connecting to the mains. Plan the location of the new sockets and run the
new cable round from the first new socket leaving generous loops of cable at each new socket outlet.
Once you reach the last new socket continue the cable on to the other existing socket.
Install all the various sockets around the new stretch without touching the existing cable.
If you want to test the ring circuit at this stage, simply install the first
socket. See Installing a power socket for details on how to do this.
SWITCH OFF ELECTRICITY AT THE MAINS
Now switch off the mains supply at the consumer unit and ensure that the power is off.
Undo one of the chosen existing sockets and remove the cable
which runs to the other chosen adjacent socket. Replace this cable with the prepared new cable,
twisting the matching conductors together (red-red, black-black, green/yellow to green/yellow).
Fix them in the appropriate screw terminals i.e. red to Live (L), black to Neutral (N) and
green/yellow to Earth (E or 
). This socket
can now be screwed back in place.
At the other join, you are left with a length of old cable coming from the adjacent existing socket.
Use this length of cable to run to the last of the new sockets added to the ring. Connect
the new socket up, by twisting the wires together the same way as before i.e. red-red,
black-black, green/yellow to green/yellow. Finally, fix them in the appropriate screw
terminals i.e. red to Live (L), black to Neutral (N) and green/yellow to Earth (E or
) and then the socket can be screwed back in
place.
Everything should now be connected. If you chose not to install all of the new sockets
during the installation there will be loops of cable at the desired locations. These can be
connected at a later stage once testing of the new circuit is complete. See
Installing a power socket for details.
Finally, restore the power and test the original power sockets on the ring circuit and
then test the new sockets to ensure they work.
