One for the electricians

[vmaximus]

I am in the process of having a new bedroom suite fitted shortly and while some of the floor boarding is up there is access to some of the wiring. My question is, can I cut and break into the existing ring main circuit and couple the wiring for 1 double socket using joint boxes and extend the circuit this way.

 

[Seadog]

 

[angellonewolf]

I am in the process of having a new bedroom suite fitted shortly and while some of the floor boarding is up there is access to some of the wiring. My question is, can I cut and break into the existing ring main circuit and couple the wiring for 1 double socket using joint boxes and extend the circuit this way.

you should be allowed a spur out of the ring main to a double socket or was dont know if the regs have changed up till now

i dont know where splitting the main to add in a few sockets puts you as you are then changing the circuit

there are a sparkys on here that can give better info so better wait for them

@brightspark is one jumps to mind

 

[My Old Landy]

Part P regulations:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/441872/BR_PDF_AD_P_2013.pdf

Section 2.7 deals with additions etc.
I will not comment on the method however, I will leave that to @brightspark

 

[brightspark]

I am in the process of having a new bedroom suite fitted shortly and while some of the floor boarding is up there is access to some of the wiring. My question is, can I cut and break into the existing ring main circuit and couple the wiring for 1 double socket using joint boxes and extend the circuit this way.

yes you can take of the ring main using a joint box to spur off to a socket or you can take of the back of a socket to a spur . if there is 6 sockets on a ring you can spur 6 sockets off it. only one per spur though adding a few exra sockets in a room you would just cut and extend the ring main

 

[vmaximus]

Thanks brightspark, all I wanted to know is if I could cut and extend the ring main and what do you use to couple the new cable to the original cable, do you use a joint box and what type.

 

[cheb]

I'd use two sockets to extend the ring main, one at either end of the new piece of wire.

 

[brightspark]

30 amp 3 terminal same as this or similar 30A 3-Terminal Junction Box White | Junction Boxes | Screwfix.com . i generaly use hager

 

[Dave-sparks]

Thanks brightspark, all I wanted to know is if I could cut and extend the ring main and what do you use to couple the new cable to the original cable, do you use a joint box and what type.

Personally I would extend the ring to the new socket rather than taking a spur wherever possible.

For a joint box I prefer wago boxes with wago connectors in, this can comply with the requirements for being maintainence free if fitted in accordance with the instructions.
You can also get dedicated maintainence free joint boxes for this kind of job.

I would avoid any joint which uses screw terminals as they don't comply with the requirements for a maintainence free joint.

 

[Dave-sparks]

30 amp 3 terminal same as this or similar 30A 3-Terminal Junction Box White | Junction Boxes | Screwfix.com . i generaly use hager

With the variety of maintainence free options available these days I wouldn't consider using one of those.

 

[brightspark]

With the variety of maintainence free options available these days I wouldn't consider using one of those.

everyone to there own ok if there accessible

 

[dobbslc]

If the joint is going to be in a non accessible place you should use "maintenance free connectors", Wago are quick and easy and comply with the regs.
Or as mentioned above just spur off the nearest socket.
It was obviously installed before you moved in so won't need any form of building control involvement

 

[Dave-sparks]

everyone to there own

Do you consider a joint box under a floor to be accessible?
And do you think those screw terminal type make a better connection than the available maintainence free options?

 

[Dave-sparks]

If the joint is going to be in a non accessible place you should use "maintenance free connectors", Wago are quick and easy and comply with the regs.
Or as mentioned above just spur off the nearest socket.
It was obviously installed before you moved in so won't need any form of building control involvement

Being an alteration to an existing circuit theres no need for any building control involvement anyway.
The regs obviously still need to be complied with, but it's not subject to the part P farce

 

[mtt.tr]

With the variety of maintainence free options available these days I wouldn't consider using one of those.

maintenance free wago would be my choice

 

[dobbslc]

Being an alteration to an existing circuit theres no need for any building control involvement anyway.
The regs obviously still need to be complied with, but it's not subject to the part P farce

What if it's in or passes through a special location?

 

[Dave-sparks]

What if it's in or passes through a special location?

Then prat P well come into it.

But the OP has already said they've taken up the bedroom floor and want to add a socket in that same room, so I highly doubt that they will route the cable via another room completely.

 

[dobbslc]

So @Dave-sparks it sounds like you don't like part P

 

[Dave-sparks]

So @Dave-sparks it sounds like you don't like part P

I have mixed feelings about it.

I fully support the idea of improving electrical safety, reducing poor workmanship, improving standards etc.

What I really hate is the NICEIC etc registering anyone who has done a few weeks course and paid the fee, then doing absolutely nothing about shoddy work by their members.

I've tried speaking to NIC, Elecsa (when they were a seperate entity) and NAPIT about shoddy, dangerous etc work by their members but they do nothing.
However when I quit my own Elecsa registration I sent an invoice the next day which accidentally still had their logo on it, they came after me with a threat of legal action and reporting me to trading standards. (yes there is a little bit more to that story around how they found out about it, but that's a long story)

 

[brightspark]

I have mixed feelings about it.

I fully support the idea of improving electrical safety, reducing poor workmanship, improving standards etc.

What I really hate is the NICEIC etc registering anyone who has done a few weeks course and paid the fee, then doing absolutely nothing about shoddy work by their members.

I've tried speaking to NIC, Elecsa (when they were a seperate entity) and NAPIT about shoddy, dangerous etc work by their members but they do nothing.
However when I quit my own Elecsa registration I sent an invoice the next day which accidentally still had their logo on it, they came after me with a threat of legal action and reporting me to trading standards. (yes there is a little bit more to that story around how they found out about it, but that's a long story)

a disgruntled punter so who have you gone with now