Extending a ring main by replacing a socket with a junction box?

Wabby · 9 Apr 2016

Is this possible?

I have a double socket on a ring main in my garage. This socket is in the wrong place. I want to extend the ring within the garage by adding some further sockets, but wish to not have the current socket where it is at present.

Can I replace the current socket with a junction box and wire the IN side to the junction box, the OUT side to the first socket, and then bring the last socket back into the other side of the junction box to complete the ring?

Taylortwocities · 9 Apr 2016

Yes. But, if you think about it, you will need six separate terminals.

You''ll have one set of Live Neutral and E and earth to which you will connect one cable, then you will have a second set of LN&E to connect for the second cable.

You cna get six terminal 20amp terminal boxes, but it will be very tight with 2.5mm² cable. Easier for you to use two 30amp junction boxes.
Also make sure the boxes remain accessible.

EDIT: there are other methods, using a larger enclosure (a 35m plastic box for instance) and WAGO connectors, but you'd need a specialist supplier for the connectors. You'd be able to get the 30A JBs at any DIY shed.

Wabby · 9 Apr 2016

Would 30A rating terminals be OK on a 32A circuit?

I can get a 30A 6 terminal single socket blank box type connector box rated to 30A ... Might be just the job.

Taylortwocities · 9 Apr 2016

Wabby said:
Would 30A rating terminals be OK on a 32A circuit?

I can get a 30A 6 terminal single socket blank box type connector box rated to 30A ... Might be just the job.

Yes no problems.

Wabby · 9 Apr 2016

Cheers

All sorted so will now just get to wiring this afternoon

Many thanks.

ban-all-sheds · 10 Apr 2016

Taylortwocities said:
Easier for you to use two 30amp junction boxes.

Even easier to leave the socket there and extend from it.

Wabby · 11 Apr 2016

ban-all-sheds said:
Taylortwocities said:

Easier for you to use two 30amp junction boxes.

Click to expand...

Even easier to leave the socket there and extend from it.

This was the original idea, however, I genuinely no longer need a socket anywhere in the vicinity since I am overhauling the layout of the garage.
I could still put another socket back up should I require one, as I have just gone for a standard patress with solid front on, and 30A connection blocks.

Jackrae · 11 Apr 2016

You might not need it today, but next year could be different

ericmark · 11 Apr 2016

I have a socket behind a radiator originally put there as was going to use a Myson it just sits there as a junction box and looks neater. Need to move radiator every 5 years to test but same true of a JB. If you want to look neater use a fused connection unit.

Jackrae · 11 Apr 2016

If it's a ring main socket you probably run a greater risk of causing a fault by pulling it away from the box and refitting it than simply leaving it in place and testing the ring impedance from the consumer unit. Then there is the possibility of causing problems with your heating system. "Let sleeping dogs lie" comes to mind.

ban-all-sheds · 11 Apr 2016

Wabby said:
This was the original idea, however, I genuinely no longer need a socket anywhere in the vicinity since I am overhauling the layout of the garage.

But it was doing no harm, and leaving it would have been simpler.

Oh well - it's done now.

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Extending a ring main by replacing a socket with a junction box?

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