Adding sockets to Ring.

[mrkjd]

I am dividing a room in to two and need to add 3 new sockets. I originally thought to tap in to each side of the existing ring with a Junction Box, daisy chain the 3 sockets from one of these junction boxes and then connect from the final socket to the junction box on the other side of the ring.

However things are not so simple. One side of the ring is accessible but the other is not with no slack in the cable. I read on another thread that I could run a spur of more than one socket if I used 4mm T&E. I always thought a spur was limited to a single socket. Is this viable? I have some 6mm cable I could use and the wire runs across a floor joist so no insulation/heating issues. Since I have one side of the ring accessible this would be the simplest option.

I also have a question re connectors. I've always used Junction Boxes in the past but can I use the maintenance free / lever type connectors in a Waco (or similar) box instead? This would be the first time I have done this so any advice / pointers to suitable products appreciated.

 

[EFLImpudence]

I read on another thread that I could run a spur of more than one socket if I used 4mm T&E. I always thought a spur was limited to a single socket. Is this viable?

Yes that is fine. 4mm² T&E can take 37A so no problem on a 32A circuit.

I have some 6mm cable I could use and the wire runs across a floor joist so no insulation/heating issues. Since I have one side of the ring accessible this would be the simplest option.

6mm² is a bit big and stiff. If you can get two in a terminal, then ok but I would advise getting some 4mm².

I also have a question re connectors. I've always used Junction Boxes in the past but can I use the maintenance free / lever type connectors in a Waco (or similar) box instead? This would be the first time I have done this so any advice / pointers to suitable products appreciated.

Can you not connect the cable to a socket?

Wago connectors are fine but must be in the box with cable clamps to qualify as MF.

Waco is a place where a nutter killed lots of people.

 

[mrkjd]

Thanks EFL. I will be taking the spur from the existing ring socket cable some distance from the actual socket as it disappears thru a foundation wall. I would prefer to keep junction boxes to a minimum but it's not a viable option in this case. Point taken re 6mm inflexibility. I think I might try these connectors and box arrangement instead of a conventional round junction box. Need to look at what's available and fits the circumstances best

 

[EFLImpudence]

I like these - only up to 4mm² though.

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/ASJ803.html

 

[mrkjd]

I just read a guide that says a spur IS limited to a single double socket unless it is fused, in which case the number is "unlimited". So if I use 4mm T&E off a spur for the three daisy chained sockets I need a fuse? This complicates the job as a fuse needs to be accessible so under the floor not ideal.

 

[mrkjd]

Thanks for that link. Just what I'm looking for.

 

[EFLImpudence]

I just read a guide that says a spur IS limited to a single double socket unless it is fused, in which case the number is "unlimited".

Only if you use 1.5 or 2.5mm².

So if I use 4mm T&E off a spur for the three daisy chained sockets I need a fuse?

No. 4mm² can handle 32A (37 actually) so it doesn't need a fuse.

There are 32A radial socket circuits wired with 4mm² cable. What's the difference?

 

[mrkjd]

Fair point. Thanks for the help

 

[Risteard]

Only if you use 1.5 or 2.5mm².


No. 4mm² can handle 32A (37 actually) so it doesn't need a fuse.

There are 32A radial socket circuits wired with 4mm² cable. What's the difference?

You also need to consider the loading on the legs of the ring though, so unlimited points off an unfused spur in 4mm^2 cable is unacceptable and a defect in my view.

 

[EFLImpudence]

So what difference would having the same number of sockets on the ring in the same position make?

 

[winston1]

You also need to consider the loading on the legs of the ring though, so unlimited points off an unfused spur in 4mm^2 cable is unacceptable and a defect in my view.

Only if it is less than around 10% of the total ring length from either end.

 

[John D v2.0]

You also need to consider the loading on the legs of the ring though, so unlimited points off an unfused spur in 4mm^2 cable is unacceptable and a defect in my view.

agree with the first part, the OP should make sure that the spur point isn't within a couple of metres of the CU, but if not then unlimited points would be fine ( or as fine as it ever is!)

 

[flameport]

One side of the ring is accessible but the other is not

There are no sides - it's a ring.

To extend, it's cut at a particular point and then you have two ends - which are extended to the new sockets and joined together at one of them.
Preferably the initial cut and extend is done at an existing socket so the connections are all accessible.