I am going to add a few extra sockets to a ring main and would like to confirm the correct method of doing this before commencing.
I currently have a study, which has only 1 double socket in it. One socket feeds a RCD extension lead to which appliances are plugged into and the other feeds another RCD extension lead to which appliances are plugged into via a passthrough homeplug.
I've had this setup for many years but am unhappy with the use of extension leads full stop.
I have 11 appliances to connect, consisting of: -
1 screen, 2 PCs, 2 Servers, 1 router, 1 switch, 1 Vodafone Sure Signal box, a cordless telephone and another homeplug in the extension (soon to be removed).
My main problem is that I wish to avoid the Servers undergoing an uncontrolled shutdown due to a power cut. In order to achieve this I was planning to add a UPS purely for the 2 Servers to allow them to shutdown in a controlled manner if a power cut occurs.
However, as everyone knows the UPS would need to go direct into a mains socket, not an extension and consequently I would then be left with no alternative but to use an extension into the other mains socket followed by an extension lead off this extension lead and I'm not going to do that!
Currently the existing socket is directly under the Consumer unit, so presumably is the first socket on the ring.
I was planning on connecting as follows: -
Assuming a feed from the consumer unit direct to the first socket (cable A) and a feed from the socket to the next socket in the ring (cable B) and knowing that the next existing socket in the ring is not in the same room which is the best way to connect into the ring?
Would I take cable B and wire into a JB (30Amp) and connect the new sockets (in series ) into that and then connect the last socket to another JB (30Amp) along with cable B?
Also, as these sockets are on an outside wall what is the best way to create the hole for the back plates? I know you can drill around the outside and chisel out but is there an easier method? Can I hire a tool for the job?
I am sure I can run the cables horizontally from socket to socket, can anyone confirm?
Any help appreciated
Steve
I currently have a study, which has only 1 double socket in it. One socket feeds a RCD extension lead to which appliances are plugged into and the other feeds another RCD extension lead to which appliances are plugged into via a passthrough homeplug.
I've had this setup for many years but am unhappy with the use of extension leads full stop.
I have 11 appliances to connect, consisting of: -
1 screen, 2 PCs, 2 Servers, 1 router, 1 switch, 1 Vodafone Sure Signal box, a cordless telephone and another homeplug in the extension (soon to be removed).
My main problem is that I wish to avoid the Servers undergoing an uncontrolled shutdown due to a power cut. In order to achieve this I was planning to add a UPS purely for the 2 Servers to allow them to shutdown in a controlled manner if a power cut occurs.
However, as everyone knows the UPS would need to go direct into a mains socket, not an extension and consequently I would then be left with no alternative but to use an extension into the other mains socket followed by an extension lead off this extension lead and I'm not going to do that!
Currently the existing socket is directly under the Consumer unit, so presumably is the first socket on the ring.
I was planning on connecting as follows: -
Assuming a feed from the consumer unit direct to the first socket (cable A) and a feed from the socket to the next socket in the ring (cable B) and knowing that the next existing socket in the ring is not in the same room which is the best way to connect into the ring?
Would I take cable B and wire into a JB (30Amp) and connect the new sockets (in series ) into that and then connect the last socket to another JB (30Amp) along with cable B?
Also, as these sockets are on an outside wall what is the best way to create the hole for the back plates? I know you can drill around the outside and chisel out but is there an easier method? Can I hire a tool for the job?
I am sure I can run the cables horizontally from socket to socket, can anyone confirm?
Any help appreciated
Steve