Electrical question: can ring main be split between floors?

[Penners]

A question for the electrical experts, please:

If the upstairs and downstairs ring mains are both at maximum permitted size, is it permissable to install an additional ring that has some sockets upstairs and some downstairs?

Many thanks for any advice.

 

[skier-hughes]

I'd have thought that would make things complicated - in particular for whoever comes into the house after the current owner. Why not have two additional ones upstairs and downstairs?

 

[Penners]

It's impossible to explain the layout of the house verbally. Sufficient to say that it would be much more easy and logical to run a single new ring around two new rooms - one upstairs and one downstairs.

 

[JanieB]

This was done in my daughters house when she had an extension built. It confused her brother no end when something went wrong later and he had to go and fix it. (He's an electrician).

 

[Penners]

But surely that's down to clear and correct labelling of the MCB in the consumer unit.

I would still like to know whether it is permissable under the regs.

 

[bower1]

I don't think thats a problem. We've just done wiring on a two floor extension with the ring feeding upstairs and downstairs, which I installed and had inspected. Its much easier anyway and uses less cable. Its not a good idea to have sockets in the same room on two different circuits. Not sure if thats allowed though.

I did ask the electrician who did the inspecting on exactly what he wanted to see, before I started, as it is their decision.

I'd have thought that would make things complicated - in particular for whoever comes into the house after the current owner

I don't think its complicated. You should always check all sockets are not live before unscrewing them (e.g. for decorating) not rely on what anyone has done. Its not hard to work out each circuit with a test lamp and turning off each circuit in turn. I would never rely on what someone else had written down anyway.

 

[Penners]

Many thanks, bower1. I take your point about mixing different rings in the same room - that wouldn't happen.

As a matter of interest, could you let me know what your inspecting electrician did want to see before he gave you a certificate?

 

[bower1]

I had been worried about finding an electrician who would inspect, but the first one I phoned did.

They were happy for me to install all the cables and backboxes, although we discussed their position first. He then fitted the sockets and light fittings, as he said it was quicker for him then taking them all off and checking them if I had done them.

Not sure what it cost for the inspection, as I had the fusebox replaced as well, but that was not a requirement of the inspection.

Once you have an inspection done now, they do have to submit a report of the rest of your wiring (I think just what type it is and whether old or new colours) to the local council who will of course then know in future if "someone" does any unregisted electrical work.

 

[bower1]

P.S. I was going to mention, I think it was about £350 including the new fuse box, but maybe thats just Devon prices!

 

[chuckey]

Penners just label the MCB "south wing" or "domestics room" "Butlers Pantry" or what ever.
Frank

 

[Pford75]

Penners - it is certainly permissable.

We had a rewire where the main house was split into 4 ring mains (2 upstairs, 2 downstairs), there is also an annexe to the main house (adjoined as a wing) which has a ring main for up and downstairs. As you say, the key is clear labelling. I knocked up a floor plan on some PC software, added the sockets and lights etc. and colour coded this against the Consumer Unit. It now sits on the wall next to the unit and makes flicking the right switch simple.

 

[Penners]

Many thanks everyone. All that info is much appreciated.

Frank - I don't understand what you're saying. Are you suggesting that I should provide the staff with electricity in their rooms? Next thing, they'll be wanting heating.

 

[skier-hughes]

They may well be wanting heating, but the thought of you giving in to such demands reminds me of........... well me staying with Nemesis for the weekend :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[chuckey]

Penners, think "pre-paid meter", with you setting the rate. :roll:
Frank

 

[Penners]

Not a bad plan, Frank.

And perhaps I could pay them in my own currency, which would only be accepted in a shop that I would open on my estate. Then I could charge whatever prices I liked!

Oh damn! That was made illegal in 1831, wasn't it?