radial circuit

[wennners]

Hi Gents

I have a radial circuit with a 20 amp MCB, currently it runs just an American style fridge freezer in a utility room, we have extended the utility room to incorporate a boys game room, I want to extend the circuit to incorporate 3 further double sockets, 1 which would be for an entertainment centre, TV DVD stereo etc the others would just be for wall sockets i.e. floor lighting. I’m a bit unfamiliar with radial circuit limitations as all other circuits are on ring mains. (house was completely rewired about 3 years ago)

Thanks for any advise

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Providing you extend the circuit with the same CSA size cable as the existing circuit, should be straight forward.
A 20A radial socket will be okay supplying the load requirements you have explained.
Does the circuit have RCD protection or is the cable being used for the sock-outlet have mechaniccal protection like earthsheild!

 

[wennners]

All circuits are RCD protected, I thought it would be ok but thought it was best to check thank for the advise

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

If the circuit is RCD protected, it is safe to extend the circuit from the the existing socket-outlet.
If an electrician was doing this he would normally issue what is known as a minor works certificate.
This rarely done when it's DIYed.
Which looks like this( scroll down slightly to see it)
http://www.elecsa.co.uk/downloads/public/BS7671 17th edition Minor Works.pdf

 

[Chri5]

Hi Gents

I have a radial circuit with a 20 amp MCB, currently it runs just an American style fridge freezer in a utility room

Do check the main board, frequently single circuits for fridges / freezers are NOT on an RCD- this prevents the circuit tripping due to a fault on another circuit tripping the rcd. It prevents your contents from turning to mould in such situations.

The reason I raise this is that you have indicated the circuit is dedicated for the fridge alone ! Ask yourself why

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Do check the main board, frequently single circuits for fridges / freezers are NOT on an RCD- this prevents the circuit tripping due to a fault on another circuit tripping the rcd. It prevents your contents from turning to mould in such situations.

That's why I asked if circuit was RCD or mechanically protected

 

[Chri5]

Do check the main board, frequently single circuits for fridges / freezers are NOT on an RCD- this prevents the circuit tripping due to a fault on another circuit tripping the rcd. It prevents your contents from turning to mould in such situations.

That's why I asked if circuit was RCD or mechanically protected

My bad

 

[ajrobb]

When does a 'utility room' become a 'kitchen' under Part P?

For instance, does it have a sink?

I ask because I think kitchen wiring is notifiable to the local BC and also because, if it's not protected by an RCD, it could need an RCBO.

 

[MalcofArabia]

Somewhere that food is prepared and cooked is classed as a kitchen. a bedroom can have a vanity sink so a sink is not the whole requirement.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

It's not hard to find out -

4. For the purposes of this Schedule—
“kitchen” means a room or part of a room which contains a sink and food preparation facilities;