Using FCU as Fused Spur

[victorm]

Hi, long time lurker...I normally find what I'm looking for but I think I may just be searching badly.

I have a double socket on a domestic ring main and I want to add a fused connection unit (flex outlet) next to it to hardwire an appliance. Will it be ok to use a standard FCU as a spur off this socket?

 

[JohnW2]

I have a double socket on a domestic ring main and I want to add a fused connection unit (flex outlet) next to it to hardwire an appliance. Will it be ok to use a standard FCU as a spur off this socket?

In principle, yes. As an alternative to spurring off the socket, you could insert the FCU into the ring.

There are a number of things that need to be considered. How large a load does this appliance represent? How heavily loaded is the ring already? Is the ring circuit in question RCD protected?

Kind Regards, John

 

[victorm]

I just want to avoid recabling or splicing into the main as it's a recently replastered wall. The socket is surface mount so I was going to butt the FCU next to it for ease...

The CU is due to be replaced as we have trips and a single RCD and so I'll be getting a spark in to sort that as soon as funds allow.

The appliance is a 1KW dishwasher - the ring is the whole of downstairs, I count 6 double sockets currently plus a fused spur with another 2. After the new CU is in a few more will be added I should think, but I'm thinking the spark will suggest we will split downstairs into more circuits at the same time?

 

[Taylortwocities]

I'm thinking the spark will suggest we will split downstairs into more circuits at the same time?

Bear in mind that doing this may well mean chopping in to your re-plastered walls, lifting flooring etc etc

The usual method is to do major re-engineering works (plumbing, electrics etc) BEFORE you do decoration, lay solid and laminate floors.

Please note that the requirement of RCDs on concealed wiring and sockets is not something you can do "at some time in the future" it is a requirement of new electrical work. Time to adjust your priorities, methinks.

 

[JohnW2]

Please note that the requirement of RCDs on concealed wiring and sockets is not something you can do "at some time in the future" it is a requirement of new electrical work. Time to adjust your priorities, methinks.

That's why I asked about RCDs. I took the OP's response to be saying that the entire installation currently is RCD protected, albeit by a single RCD....

The CU is due to be replaced as we have trips and a single RCD and so I'll be getting a spark in to sort that as soon as funds allow.

Kind Regards, John

 

[ban-all-sheds]

IThe socket is surface mount so I was going to butt the FCU next to it for ease

And that socket is on the ring, not a spur itself?

 

[victorm]

The socket is on the ring itself, yes. The existing spur is for a couple of sockets added when the conservatory was built long time previous to my buying a few months back...but not connected with this problem, just mentioning it for background.

There have been no new circuits or major work - I have replaced old sockets, light switches and pendants for new ones, that is all. However, I plan to wire up an outhouse and the spark that came to look warned me I would need a new CU when that work is done, before he can sign off, so that is on the to-do list anyway. But no, I'm not shelling out just yet as there is no need until major work is done (or so he tells me). Splitting the ring(s) should be easy enough as everything is under the floor upstairs and reasonably easily accessible. Up/downstairs rings are separate already, so it should just mean separating the kitchen (I hope!)

Meanwhile I am fitting a dishwasher into a slot that a washing machine once was and rather than have a trailing flex and use up a precious socket, I thought an FCU would be better and safer. I know I should get sign off for absolutely anything in the kitchen, but I'll risk a surprise visit from building control between now and when I can get him to take the cover off and sign off my new 3" bit of 2.5mm cabling.

(edited for clarity)

 

[victorm]

And yes, there is an RCD for the whole house but not (as I understand it, a new requirement) separate ones for kitchen, main ring, and light ring. The spark tells me I need a newfangled CU with several RCDs but I'm not personally up on the regs or the detail - I'll just let him do what he says is needed at the time and check out my new FCU.

I guess the simple question is - is there any safety issue with an FCU as a spur from an existing ring socket? The ring (including this socket cabling) is all 2.5mm from what I've seen.