Difference between revisions of "Adding sockets"
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==Ring & Radial Circuits== | ==Ring & Radial Circuits== | ||
| − | British socket circuits are always ring or radial. A ring circuit makes a complete loop from CU (fusebox) to each socket and back to the CU. A radial only has a single run of cable from CU to the sockets, no return cable. | + | British socket circuits are always ring or radial. A ring circuit makes a complete loop from [[CU]] (fusebox) to each socket and back to the [[CU]]. A radial only has a single run of [[cable]] from CU to the sockets, no return [[cable]]. |
===Extending radial circuits=== | ===Extending radial circuits=== | ||
| Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
===Extending ring circuits=== | ===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. | + | 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. |
====Spurs==== | ====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. | 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 | * 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. | + | * 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. | Many single spurred sockets have been replaced with a double socket. This is not regs compliant, but is common. | ||
===Splitting a ring=== | ===Splitting a ring=== | ||
| − | Occasionally it can be worthwhile to split a ring circuit. By breaking the circuit at some point, the one circuit then becomes 2x radial circuits. At the fusebox the 2 tails | + | Occasionally it can be worthwhile to split a ring circuit. By breaking the circuit at some point, the one circuit then becomes 2x radial circuits. At the [[CU|fusebox]] the 2 tails are separated, each getting its own [[fuse]]. Splitting the circuit like this changes the fuse rating permissible for each half, in most cases this makes it not worthwhile, but where a ring was run in 4 mm^2 you can get more total ampacity by splitting it into 2 radials. |
==Cable Choice== | ==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 | + | 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 [[fuse]]d 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. Trying to get 3x 4 mm^2 wires into socket terminals can be a challenge! | + | 4 mm^2 is used for 30/32A radial circuits, and 30/32A ring circuits where the [[cable]] will be buried in [[insulation]]. Trying to get 3x 4 mm^2 wires into socket terminals can be a challenge! |
| − | 1.5 mm^2 cable is sometimes used on radial circuit where the circuit is | + | 1.5 mm^2 cable is sometimes used on radial circuit where the circuit is [[fuse]]d 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 Heaters|immersion heater]] feed is reused to supply sockets. |
| − | Its ok to use larger cable than required if its able to fit into the terminals of the accessories in use. | + | Its ok to use larger [[cable]] than required if its able to fit into the terminals of the accessories in use. |
==Socket Positions== | ==Socket Positions== | ||
==Cable Routes== | ==Cable Routes== | ||
| − | + | describe allowable zones | |
==RCD Protection== | ==RCD Protection== | ||
| − | New sockets circuits normally require an [[RCD]], though there are exceptions. Adding sockets to existing sockets does not require fitting an [[RCD]]. The [[RCD]] goes in the CU or fusebox - but some old fuseboxes can't accommodate an RCD. | + | New sockets circuits normally require an [[RCD]], though there are exceptions. Adding sockets to existing sockets does not require fitting an [[RCD]]. The [[RCD]] goes in the [[CU]] or fusebox - but some old fuseboxes can't accommodate an RCD. |
| − | |||
==Circuit joins== | ==Circuit joins== | ||
Cable joins in a circuit can be of 2 types: | Cable joins in a circuit can be of 2 types: | ||
* accessible, meaning it can be reached readily using a tool | * accessible, meaning it can be reached readily using a tool | ||
| − | * inaccessible, eg buried under tiling | + | * inaccessible, eg buried under [[:Category:Tiling|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.) | + | Accessible joints are usually made using screw connections, either in the socket itself, or a junction box, or screwblock strip contained within an [[Pattress|electrical backbox]] (for fire protection.) |
Inaccessible joints may not use screw connections, as they can come loose in time. Permitted connection methods are: | Inaccessible joints may not use screw connections, as they can come loose in time. Permitted connection methods are: | ||
| − | * crimping | + | * [[Cable crimping|crimping]] |
* welding/brazing | * welding/brazing | ||
* soldering | * soldering | ||
| − | Of these, crimping is by far the simplest and the least prone to problems in inexperienced hands. | + | Of these, [[Cable crimping|crimping]] is by far the simplest and the least prone to problems in inexperienced hands. |
The other approach to cable joins is to replace it with a new piece of cable that's long enough. Sometimes this is practical. | The other approach to cable joins is to replace it with a new piece of cable that's long enough. Sometimes this is practical. | ||
Revision as of 23:49, 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.
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.
Ring & Radial Circuits
British socket circuits are always ring or radial. A ring circuit makes a complete loop from CU (fusebox) to each socket and back to the CU. A radial only has a single run of cable from CU to the sockets, no return cable.
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.
Splitting a ring
Occasionally it can be worthwhile to split a ring circuit. By breaking the circuit at some point, the one circuit then becomes 2x radial circuits. At the fusebox the 2 tails are separated, each getting its own fuse. Splitting the circuit like this changes the fuse rating permissible for each half, in most cases this makes it not worthwhile, but where a ring was run in 4 mm^2 you can get more total ampacity by splitting it into 2 radials.
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. Trying to get 3x 4 mm^2 wires into socket terminals can be a challenge!
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.
Its ok to use larger cable than required if its able to fit into the terminals of the accessories in use.
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. The RCD goes in the CU or fusebox - but some old fuseboxes can't accommodate an RCD.
Circuit joins
Cable 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 in inexperienced hands.
The other approach to cable joins is to replace it with a new piece of cable that's long enough. Sometimes this is practical.