There are various ways of extending a lighting circuit to add lighting points: You could run a spur from the last ceiling rose in a loop-in circuit; run a spur from an existing junction box, or from a new junction box; or run a fused spur from a socket outlet.
Can lighting be on a ring circuit?
Ring circuits for lighting are totally unnecessary.
Can I add a socket to a ring main myself?
As long as the job isn’t within a ‘special location’ such as a bathroom or outdoors, you’re also allowed to install additional new light fittings, switches, sockets and even add a single fused spur to an existing circuit (a ‘spur’ is a new cable and socket run as a branch from an existing socket on the ring main).
Do I need a fused spur for outside lights?
If you are just spurring one single or one double socket off the ring there is no need for a fused spur/fcu. If taking the new light from the lighting circuit,which is the preffered option, there is no need for a fused spur/fcu. Just take a feed and neutral to the switch and then to the light.
How many sockets can you spur off a ring main?
A spur off a ring can have one socket (single or double) or one FCU. 2. There is no rule saying you cannot take 2 spurs from the same point on a ring.
How do I know if my socket is on the ring main?
A general rule for a ring main is that if you only have two cables in the back of an existing socket then it is ok to spur. However, if you have a radial circuit with two cables coming in and out, this may be the last socket on that circuit and already has a spur.
Can you put a junction box on a ring main?
The best way of using junction boxes to extend a ring circuit, is to find the length of cable between the two sockets on the existing ring closest to the desired extension area. Once located it can be cut in the middle giving two lengths of cable from the existing circuit to use in the extension.
Can I spur off a spur?
The easiest way of connecting into a ring circuit is to run a spur cable from the terminals of an existing socket – but you can’t connect it to any socket. The IEE Wiring Regulations are very specific about this. You mustn’t run a spur from a socket that’s already on a spur, or that already supplies a spur.
Are all lighting circuits ring or radial?
Unlike power circuits, lighting circuits are always of the radial type. The cable leaves the consumer unit and runs to each outlet position before terminating at the last fitting on the line. Most houses have at least two lighting circuits – usually one upstairs and one down.
How many sockets can you spur off a radial circuit?
With this in mind, a spur should only feature one additional new socket or appliance, unless it is preceded by a fused unit, in which case it can again feature as many sockets etc as you like providing the draw on the circuit does not exceed that of the fuse in the fused unit.
How many lights should be on a lighting circuit?
There is no limit to the number of lights on a circuit. The load of the fixtures is what determines how many lights a circuit can accommodate. A conventional 15A circuit can have up to 1400W of lighting loads connected to it. A 1400 Watts lighting load can accommodate one 1400W fixture or fourteen 100W fixtures.
How many extra sockets can I add to a ring main?
These rules apply to spurs also. The diagrammes below show how you can break into a ring main with junction boxes to extend it. There is no set limit to the number of sockets on a ring main as long as you stay within the rules mentioned above.
Can I use Wago on ring main?
Yes, but a few points need to be observed to make sure it complies with BS7671 IET 17th Edition. Firstly, the terminals must be installed in a Wagobox (when breaking into existing ring wiring).
Which is better radial or ring circuit?
Ring circuit wiring offered a more efficient and lower cost system which would safely support a greater number of sockets. The lower costs aspect was related to fact that wires with a smaller diameter could be used, compared to radial wiring.
