adding extra sockets

[GnzYza]

hi all,

i want to add a few extra sockets inside a built in wardrobe im installing,
there is a single socket in existence right next to it.

how would i go about installing two more double sockets what will i need to do can i just use the one already supplying the single socket, what connections would i need.

thankyou.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Is your socket circuit a ring or a radial?

Is the existing socket a spur?

 

[GnzYza]

hello mr Ban,

hmmm its not a spur and how do i tell if its a radial or a ring circuit.

Thanks for your reply

 

[GnzYza]

of course i know the difference now between the two ring/radial, but how do i check which one is mine??

i'm guessing ring is better, but for what i want to do should i hope i have radial as the job would be easier.

but i'd appreciate if you can advise on how i can find out the circuit im running

 

[Steve]

open the consumer unit (be very careful - if you can isolate this elsewhere, do so, otherwise there are permenantly live parts exposed here).

Look at the circuit breaker / fuse for this circuit, if there are 2 wires, its most likely a ring. Test for this using your multimeter on the (disconnected) live cores in continuity mode. If there is continuity, its a ring.

If just one wire, Its a radial.

 

[colport27]

If the single socket you speak of is not required, you could replace this with a 13A switch fused spur and run a radial from the load side to your new sockets.

 

[Adam_151]

Cut the power to the circuit, check the socket is dead with your multimeter, remove the socket, and use the continuity test on your multimeter between the two cables to see if you have a ring or not (do it on all three conductors then you can pick up if the ring is broken or not)

 

[GnzYza]

thanks guys i will check this, with the suggestions you have given. i will need a multimeter i think i may aswell invest in one. im sure i'll need it in the future!!

i'll be back with my conclusion.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

FYI - most recent discussion on multimeters....

//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6649

 

[JohnD]

have you considered using a multi-way extension lead? fitted in seconds without even needing to lift a screwdriver!