socket wiring ring

[ljstrawson]

ive been up in the loft of my two bed flat looking at the wiring. and from what i can work it the sockets are not in a ring. is that an issue.
i dont no an awfull lot about wiring so not sure. ive done a little diagram for u to see.

 

[Steve]

If thats the layout of the wiring, its HIDEOUS!

Anyway, the two cables that come from the fusebox - do they go into the same breaker inside?

Are they the same size?

 

[ljstrawson]

yh into the same breaker and they are the same size. its 1950s but apears to have been re wired maybe in the last 20 years or so.

 

[ljstrawson]

oh and the wires are not in those exact spots just for display purposes

 

[sparkwright]

What size fuse or MCB protects this circuit (in amps A)?

 

[sparkwright]

Apart from looking in the loft, have you loosen all the sockets off to check for other cables that follow a different route?

For example, there may be cables that do not pass through the loft. They may be under the floor, or buried horizontally in the wall.

 

[ljstrawson]

its a 32 mcb ive had the fronts of the sockets, thats the lot other than the kitchen and hall which is seperate.

 

[sparkwright]

Assuming 2.5 mm2 cable has been used, it looks like you will have to fit a 20 amp MCB.

Or make into a ring. Don't forget you are allowed spurs, but under certain conditions.

If the wiring is 4 mm2 you may be ok.

 

[ljstrawson]

i think its 2.5 i might be wrong. if it is shall i lower the mcb then? so its not dangerous as it is? its obvioulsy been like it for a while and from what i no never had no problems.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

It's a bit like driving a car with imperfect brakes and no seat belt.

You'll be absolutely fine until something goes wrong.

 

[ljstrawson]

Lol thats comforting. So its an issue?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Yes - you could overlead the cables.

//www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:mcbtocable

 

[ljstrawson]

So whats the best thing to do? Other than rewire? Can I join the two sockets in the top of the drawing via a junction box in the loft. To create a ring.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

If you're sure about the connectivity you have shown, yes.

 

[ljstrawson]

Ill double check it tonight. So I literally wire the two wires into a juction box to create the ring and that will ease the load.