Difference between revisions of "Adding sockets"
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===Extending ring circuits=== | ===Extending ring circuits=== | ||
| − | New sockets can be added as part of the ring, or as a spur. | + | New sockets can be added as part of the ring, or as a spur. Its very much recommended to add them as part of the ring where this is practical. This means breaking the existing ring, and often adding a bit more cable. |
A relatively easy way to add new sockets as part of a ring is to cut the existing cable run and fit 2 new sockets, one to each end of the cable, then link the 2 with a new piece of cable. | A relatively easy way to add new sockets as part of a ring is to cut the existing cable run and fit 2 new sockets, one to each end of the cable, then link the 2 with a new piece of cable. | ||
Revision as of 23:19, 14 July 2010
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(this is a draft outline - feel free to add topics you would like to see covered)
This article covers the ways in which you can safely extend existing socket circuits to provide more outlets.
Background
How many sockets?
You the user decide this. Just bear in mind that numerous socket additions have been made, only to find later that more are wanted. The amount of domestic electronics in use is continuing to increase, so what's adequate today probably won't be later.
Extending radial circuits
Radials can be extended from any point in the radial circuit. See cable size section.
Extending ring circuits
New sockets can be added as part of the ring, or as a spur. Its very much recommended to add them as part of the ring where this is practical. This means breaking the existing ring, and often adding a bit more cable.
A relatively easy way to add new sockets as part of a ring is to cut the existing cable run and fit 2 new sockets, one to each end of the cable, then link the 2 with a new piece of cable.
Spurs
Sometimes running a single piece of cable from an existing point in the ciruit to a new socket is the only practical option. This is called a spur, and is subject to some limitations.
- an unfused spur should only feed one single socket
- a fused spur can feed an unlimited number of sockets. Many multi-way sockets have a fuse built in to provide the needed fusing.
Many single spurred sockets have been replaced with a double socket. This is not regs compliant, but is common.
Cable Choice
2.5 mm^2 the most popular socket circuit cable. Its sufficiently rated for 30/32A ring circuits as long as its not buried in 100mm or more of insulation. Its also good for 20A fused radials as long as its not buried in 100mm or more of insulation.
4 mm^2 is used for 30/32A radial circuits, and 30/32A ring circuits where the cable will be buried in insulation.
1.5 mm^2 cable is sometimes used on radial circuit where the circuit is fused at 15A and the cable won't be buried in 100mm or more of insulation. Where the cable is buried, 1.5 mm^2 can only be fused up to 10A. 1.5 mm^2 is typically used where an old immersion heater feed is reused to supply sockets.
Socket Positions
Cable Routes
- describe allowable zones
RCD Protection
New sockets circuits normally require an RCD, though there are exceptions. Adding sockets to existing sockets does not require fitting an RCD.
Implementation
Circuit joins
Joins in a circuit can be of 2 types:
- accessible, meaning it can be reached readily using a tool
- inaccessible, eg buried under tiling
Accessible joints are usually made using screw connections, either in the socket itself, or a junction box, or screwblock strip contained within an electrical backbox (for fire protection.)
Inaccessible joints may not use screw connections, as they can come loose in time. Permitted connection methods are:
- crimping
- welding/brazing
- soldering
Of these, crimping is by far the simplest and the least prone to problems resulting from inexperienced users.
The other approach to cable joins is to fit a new piece of cable that's long enough. Sometimes this is practical.