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!!
consumer unit and 30 amp fuse
- Thread starter gedantic
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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
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
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.
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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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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It will be a struggle fitting 4 x 2.5mm² conductors into one terminal, even more so if the conductors are 7/.029...
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