This article detailed describes how to add a 13a switched socket into an existing ring circuit.
Follow the below steps one by one to get a quick and smooth installation.
- Carry out safe isolation.
- Drilling and fixing the back box
- Adding the new spur socket
- Connecting to the ring final circuit
- Earth fault loop impedance test
Before starting wiring, carry out safe isolation first so that you won’t get an electrical shock. You can use a safe lock-off kit or other safety signs. Do some checks visually and with some test instruments. Before adding a 13a switched socket into a ring, make sure the circuit breaker is 32amp type or RCCB is rated at 30mA for adding a spur socket. Measure the Zs circuit impedance in Ohms, and the figure needs to be below 1.1 ohms. Otherwise, you need a 30mA RCCB to protect and clear earth faults.
Remember you can only add one spur from one junction box, or one spur from an existing socket.
After locating the place for the 13a switched socket, complete the drilling and connect another line of wire. Fix fully tight your surface mount back box or flush type one with a screwdriver, not an impact drill driver which can break the plastic box easily. Get a spirit level to ensure the box is leveled horizontally.
Take a 13a click mode socket, and loosen the screw from the backside. Connect line, neutral, and earth terminals with their corresponding wire. Be cautious that 2.5mm2 conductors might get loose at the terminals when pushing the socket back into the box. Please double-check before finally fitting up.
The connection to the ring circuit is quite simple. The below pictures explain clearly how you show wire them.
During the wiring process, if you bump into loosen thread from the back box, fetch a 3.5mm tap and clear the hole. Then you can screw much easier.
The last step to complete the installation is to do the impedance test. If the Ohms is below 1.1, it means the whole circuit is working well.
