adding ains sockets

[southdownswolf]

Hi all, I am just starting to construct a cabinet for my av gear and surround for my newly mounted plasma. However, I would like to add several sockets behind the new cabinet rather than run an extension plug from 3m away. The mains ring goes underneath where I want to have the sockets added, can I have two separate spurs coming off the ring between two sockets? Or will I have to have the ring extended? If it needs to be extended, then I presume that the existing cable between the two sockets will need to be replaced with a longer cable to add the two extra sockets into the ring, rather than simply being able to add two junction boxes at either end of the two new sockets?

[RSMarco]

Hi mate,
If your ring main runs under the area you want to add additional sockets then first of all, check it is a ring main and not a spur.

The best way to add additional sockets would be to break the ring at this point alowing enough of the cable to reach your first socket. Then run a new cable to the other socket then rejoin the old cable into the last socket. This is if you can make the old cable reach your sockets. This way you won't have to add a junction box and the sockets are part of the main loop.

Position your sockets first, add the new wiring and last of all, isolate the circuit and then make the joins as this way your power will be off for the least amount of time.

Also, check the electrical regs to make sure you are entitled to do this yourself and only attemp something like this if you know what you are doing..!

[southdownswolf]

Originally Posted by RSMarco

Hi mate,
If your ring main runs under the area you want to add additional sockets then first of all, check it is a ring main and not a spur.

The best way to add additional sockets would be to break the ring at this point alowing enough of the cable to reach your first socket. Then run a new cable to the other socket then rejoin the old cable into the last socket. This is if you can make the old cable reach your sockets. This way you won't have to add a junction box and the sockets are part of the main loop.

Position your sockets first, add the new wiring and last of all, isolate the circuit and then make the joins as this way your power will be off for the least amount of time.

Also, check the electrical regs to make sure you are entitled to do this yourself and only attemp something like this if you know what you are doing..!

thanks for the quick response

I have a guy at work who is Part P qualified, however he is on holiday at the moment. I wanted to see how much work will need to be done, as I don't want to construct everything only to find that it all needs to be ripped apart when he fits the sockets!


Ideally then I need to be able to pull approx 1m of cable through to add the sockets at 45cm high? (half either end) I can't get him to extend the ring by adding junction boxes?

[RSMarco]

Your mate who is part p will do it fine.

If I was doing it I would try and not use a junction box. If you can cut the main loop and then run this cable to your new socket and from there run a new cable to your second socket and then run the other half of the old cable to the last socket this way you have extended the mains but not added a junction box. IMO it's just a better way of doing it so you don't end up with loads of connections in a small area.

I am no sparky though but know a few. Always get the opinion of a qualified sparky as it's not worth the risk of fires etc..!

[RichardK]

Originally Posted by southdownswolf

thanks for the quick response

I have a guy at work who is Part P qualified, however he is on holiday at the moment. I wanted to see how much work will need to be done, as I don't want to construct everything only to find that it all needs to be ripped apart when he fits the sockets!


Ideally then I need to be able to pull approx 1m of cable through to add the sockets at 45cm high? (half either end) I can't get him to extend the ring by adding junction boxes?

Using JBs is OK, and I don't think you'll have any choice as I'd be surprised if there's enough slack on the existing cable to reach the sockets.

IMO the work you want to do wouldn't need to be part P approved as it is minor works.

[southdownswolf]

Originally Posted by RichardK

Using JBs is OK, and I don't think you'll have any choice as I'd be surprised if there's enough slack on the existing cable to reach the sockets.

IMO the work you want to do wouldn't need to be part P approved as it is minor works.

I doubt that there is, and presume there shouldn't be, enough slack either. Will be having a look properly tomorrow and may run the cabling myself ready for our maintenance guy to check it.

Cheers guys.

[MarkP80]

If the ring main runs under where you want the new sockets, you'd be best off trying to trace one end of this. Disconnect it here, and take the end of the cable to your new sockets. Then from the new sockets, run a cable to the existing socket where you originally disconnected.

This makes the new sockets part of the ringmain. If you use junction boxes, they are supposed to be accessible under wiring regs.
Note, adding a spur to an existing ringmain is not covered by PartP. Extending an existing ringmain IS covered under PartP (ie what you are talking about doing here)

Regards,
MarkP

[ZippyCat]

Originally Posted by MarkP80

Note, adding a spur to an existing ringmain is not covered by PartP. Extending an existing ringmain IS covered under PartP (ie what you are talking about doing here)

Regards,
MarkP

Hi Mark,

Providing the work does not involve a special location, the addition of extra sockets to an existing ring final circuit does not need to be notified to Building Control under Part P.