What cable for adding sockets please??
- Thread starter Puppus
- Start date
It depends what sort of circuit you're connecting to, and how you're connecting. The norm for socket circuits is 2.5mm², but to take a spur off a ring, you can only add one double socket this way. If you want lots of sockets, you'd need to extend the "loop" of the ring to the new sockets.
depends what cable youve got already for the circuit......
99.99% chance though that the cable you need will be twin and earth 2.5mm.
99.99% chance though that the cable you need will be twin and earth 2.5mm.
memo..... must type faster 
Thanks for replying. I did a bit of research and I saw some cable called 'two core and earth' is that the same as twin and earth? Also, can I just keep adding sockets along the line? Example, run a length of cable then add socket, then run another length of cable and another socket etc etc. ?
2 core and earth is the same yes. its the 'flat' grey stuff that you will probably have seen before.
is it a ring circuit that you have? or a radial? what size are the existing cables?
if its a ring you MUST NOT spur off the ring more than once so you cant go on and on as you propose.
you can however fit a switch fuse from the ring and then add as many sockets as you please within reason from this as the 13A fuse in the switch will limit the current.
is it a ring circuit that you have? or a radial? what size are the existing cables?
if its a ring you MUST NOT spur off the ring more than once so you cant go on and on as you propose.
you can however fit a switch fuse from the ring and then add as many sockets as you please within reason from this as the 13A fuse in the switch will limit the current.
'fraid not. Sockets are usually wired in a ring, so the cable leaves the fuse box, goes to every socket in turn, then back to the fuse box.Puppus said:
The rating of a ring main is 32 amps, and is protected by a 32 amp MCB or fuse.
However, the 2.5mm² cable is rated between 20 and 27 amps, so every socket must be on the ring, and any branches from the ring must only serve a maximum of 2 single 13A sockets (26 amps).
You cant go feeding a long branch of 13 amp sockets, because the 2.5mm² cable could potentially burn up before the fuse blows.
Extending the ring main is the way forward, its the neatest way to do things. What exactly are you trying to do? Have you ever done anything electrical before?
(Of course, you might have radial circuits, we dont know. Do you?)
im guessing your not that electrically minded then
no offence meant here but if your not sure then it really is best to get a spark in or at least somebody competent to do the job. its not a difficult job and its not notifiable work either.
better to be safe than burn the house down!
no offence meant here but if your not sure then it really is best to get a spark in or at least somebody competent to do the job. its not a difficult job and its not notifiable work either.
better to be safe than burn the house down!
Puppus said:Hmmm, now your asking? Im not sure what a spur is exactly? Oh dear, I feel so stupid now
NOT stupid just un-informed
Stupid people do not ask first.......
Thanks Crafty. I myself have not done any electrical work but my father has, who will be doing the work in my house, I just want to make sure he is doing the right things. He has added sockets all over his house with no accidents (yet). What I'm trying to do is just increase the amount of sockets I have, (I have a 3 bed house and a grand total of 14 sockets), I am using plug in extensions everywhere and it;s getting me down now.
I appreciate all your replies and I not offended, I am just greatful for any advice you have. I would prefer to get a qualified electrician in but my father assures me he can do the job, I dont doubt him I just like my house too much for any accidents to happen. When you say 'a ring' is that where the cables start at the fuse box and go all around the house and back to the fuse box? Is a spur a plug point with a light on it? Like a cooker would have?
A spur is a "branch" taken off the ring.
http://wiki.diynot.com/electrics:socket_circuits:a1_ring_final_circuit
In the example above, one socket is a spur. It has been done using a junction box. Junction boxes must be accessible. It is more common for the spur to be taken from a socket on the ring, such that the socket then has 3 cables in it.
Every socket can feed one spur - so you CAN have as many spurs as sockets on the ring. But this is frowned upon, and it is better to extend the ring, so all sockets are on the ring.
In the example above, the socket that is a spur on its own, CANNOT feed any other sockets, since one piece of 2.5mm² cable is only good for 26 amps - which is what can potentially be drawn from a double socket.
Cookers MUST be on their own circuit, as must showers, immersion heaters, and any other large electrical loads.
http://wiki.diynot.com/electrics:socket_circuits:a1_ring_final_circuit
In the example above, one socket is a spur. It has been done using a junction box. Junction boxes must be accessible. It is more common for the spur to be taken from a socket on the ring, such that the socket then has 3 cables in it.
Every socket can feed one spur - so you CAN have as many spurs as sockets on the ring. But this is frowned upon, and it is better to extend the ring, so all sockets are on the ring.
In the example above, the socket that is a spur on its own, CANNOT feed any other sockets, since one piece of 2.5mm² cable is only good for 26 amps - which is what can potentially be drawn from a double socket.
Cookers MUST be on their own circuit, as must showers, immersion heaters, and any other large electrical loads.
This shows a ring circuit, with a spur taken from it.
A spur is when you feed a socket with a single cable, which is not part of the ring.
You are only allowed 1 socket on a spur.
<edit> Bugger@crafty!
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