Electric socket dilemma?
Question:I have a 1 gang socket box which has been converted to a 2 gang, is it still possible to run a spur from this box(2 cables ot twin and earth are currently connected).
If i want to disconnect a cable do you always have to chase it back from the source or is it possible to cap it off somehow.
I do not want replys telling me i dont know what i am doing or get in a professional.I dont have the money and there is a lot of satisfaction to be gained from a job well done.
Answers:
Ok, if the existing converted socket is on the ring main, then you can spur off it. If you want to disconnect a cable, if you can trace it back to source then obviously this is safest as it means you will not leave a dead end cable, live in the wall, but you can blank it off by using a ceramic connector box, or connector strip and a choc box.
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NOTE To Everyone.
You can have as many sockets on a ring mains circuit as you want, but the max area for a ring mains to cover is 100mtr2
Secondly, STOP using neon screwdrivers as the be all and end all for testing circuits, drop one or bang it and there is every chance it will no longer function. Get a mains voltage tester for twenty quid and remember to test it on a circuit you know to be live to check it, before testing a circuit you want to work on. PLEASE
Ive certainly took a spur from a ring main before.(two cables)and had no problems.The usual safety though, make sure its not live before you start.Disconnecting a cable could be done at the fuse box end?Hope this helps,
Taking a spur off an existing socket box is allowed.
Disconnecting a cable - letting it remain unused within a socket box is perfectly OK provided you ensure the copper wires are properly insulated, and cannot touch each other or otherwise short in some way. Check if working within a steel box to make sure none of the wires are trapped/punctured by the screws holding the front blanking plate/or whatever. Before you start turn off the mains supply
Yes you can take a spur from the socket assuming it is not in a kitchen, bathroom or to be used outside.
Runs are chased in plaster either vertical or horizontal, using the same size cable which should be 2.5mm T & E (twin & earth).
Make sure you switch the circuit off at the consumer unit before you connect it up to your existing socket.
As long as you know what you're doing you should be fine.
Yes it is possible to run a spur from the box.
But is it wise?
There are building codes that limit the total number of sockets per circuit for the very good reason of trying to prevent circuit overloading.
Where I live, the code limits the number of double sockets per circuit to 8. Seems like a small number, but imagine for an instant each duplex socket having a breaker bar of 4 more sockets plugged in. You can get a not illegal loading of 64 sockets worth of items to plug in.
Overloads lead to higher operating temperatures for the wires; plastic and insulation breaks down over time, and fires or short circuit electrocutions become more possible.
For safety, you should always disconnect cable at source.
I recommend you get a book on electric wiring, - and read it.
One more tip?
If you have an insurance event- fire, electrocution, stuff like that?
The insurance adjuster is going to want to inspect the house wiring, and see who installed the - whatever is the problem.
And if there are clear violations - they are going to want to deny or limit coverage.
It does not really matter who does the work, if the stuff was done according to code. But code varies according to where you live, and that is what the electricians are responsible for knowing.
If you have a big job underway, it is a good idea to hire a licensed electrician for 2 jobs.
1, to tell you what is illegal about your plans.
2, to check your work at the end for compliance.
Yes it is possible to run a spur from the 2 gang socket. Before doing anything turn off the circuit breaker for that circuit (usually the 30A or 32A rated one), if your not sure which one it is then just flick the main switch off. If your running a spur then you need 2.5mm twin and earth cable. You only need one cable running from the doube socket to the spurred socket. The general rule for ring mains circuits is that the number of spurs must not exceed the number of sockets on the circuit unless the spur is fused. The area for a ring circuit mus not excedd 100m^2.
Hope this helps!
you seem fairly practical. You may connect a spur but if it is not too difficult make it part of the ring main. I try and take all redundant cables out but you don't have to. You can tape them off but do label what they are and if they are live. I write on the tape.
I understand your para about not getting your local electrician in and my recommendation is for you to do everything to the book and make sure it is as good or even better than he would do. You need a copy of the regulations and this costs fifty quid from the web site of the Institute of Electrical Engineers web site. Finally buy a neon screwdriver from B&Q and test for live every cable even if you have switched it off.
first you should ensure that the original socket is on a ring circuit.This can be done by uncoupling both cables from the socket and testing for power both cables will be live if it is a ring circuit.
You can safely install a spur of a ring main using 2.5 twin &earth .
It is better to isolate a supply at source to cap it off can cause problems to other people working on your electrics and to yourself when you have fogotten what and where you capped it off
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