Radial Circuits

[Evil Edna]

Hi can anybody explain why we use radial circuits & the benefit of the radial vs the ring circuit

Thanks

 

[acat]

A very short question that could have a very long answer, however at the very basic level radial circuits are normally used for specific items like showers and cookers because of the demand and nothing else should be added to the circuit.

Ring circuits normally used for sockets both outing going cable and incoming cable to the consumer unit share the load on the circuit.

Hope that helps a bit


Chris

 

[JW_Shock]

The downside with ring is on a number of occasions when there is a break / disconnect you have the effect of two radials with a 32A fuse..not good. Ive been to a number of households when ive found an issue. I would install All radials ( harmonisation with europe ) and forget the ring cct, if on a radil cct a break / disconnect occurs then the onward Sockets dont work so you know you got an issue

>> In my opinion

 

[roukel01]

ring circuits, you either love em or hate em!

The more 'seasoned' sparky usually loves the ring final circuit. However, it seems these self cert schemes seem to be pushing the raidal circuit as apposed to the Ring. This I think iis because they are worried about the lack of knowledge some people who are being accepted onto these self cert schemes have. If you know how to fully test a ring circuit then there shouldn't be many problems.

I personally can;t find much wrong with the ring circuit, you can use smaller cable, on a well planned circuit, the end leg back to the board doesn't have to be far so the argument of twice as much cable doesn't apply. Ok, you can get a break somewhere along the line, but providing the circuit was installed and tested correctly and then experienced electricians alter or add to this circuit later in its life, then there shouldn't be much of a problem. The only issue I can see is when DIY'ers start and have ago, but these people pose a threat to any electrical installation they touch.