How to convert a radial circuit to a ring circuit

Converting a radial circuit to a ring circuit will allow electricity to be served over a wider area and reduce the load on the electricity cables thus making the entire circuit more efficient. Here's how to convert a radial circuit to a ring circuit.

Level of difficulty

Level 3: Advanced

What you need

  • Wire strippers
  • Sockets
  • Consumer unit
  • Electrical tapes
  • Screw driver
  • Screws
  • Circuit tester
  • Paper
  • Pencil

The steps to follow

1. Calculate the amount of current you plan to install in the new ring circuit.

Note:

  • Ring circuits normally come in a 30 amp circuit. So if you plan to convert a radial circuit with a 30 amp circuit to a ring circuit with 20 amp circuit, then you'll need to upgrade the fuse from 20 to 30 amps.
  • The benefit of converting a radial circuit to a ring circuit is that more sockets can be installed in a ring circuit. The load of electricity on a cable can also be evenly reduced in the circuit.

 

2. Plan the route of the cable and socket in a diagram.
3. Locate the last socket on the existing radial circuit. This is where the connection of the ring circuit should begin.
4. Remove the socket plate on the last socket and take out the terminals from the box.
5. Strip the ends of the terminals with wire strippers.
6. Connect the new cables of the ring circuit to the existing cable. Be sure to connect the earth terminal to the earth terminal on the ring circuit, live to live, and neutral to neutral terminals.
7. Fit the cables and terminals back in the socket.
8. If you plan to install more sockets, repeat steps 5 to 7.
9. Finish converting the ring circuit by connecting the cables of the last socket to the consumer unit.
10. Remove the consumer unit cover.
11. Use a circuit tester to check if the power is off.
12. Connect the terminals of the last socket to the consumer unit.
13. Replace the consumer unit cover.
14. Locate the fuse box and replace with a new fuse of higher amps.
15. Turn on the mains power and test the sockets you've just installed on the new ring circuit. 

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