Radilas vs Ring circuits Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[Sparkydelux]

Hi,I am inquisitive to find what other peoples views are on running radials or ring circuits.

I'm wiring a new build and having some problems getting the ring circuit all around the house due to steel beams in the way.The house is a timber build with steel structure.

the house is very large.10m high and a large area.I can run rings where possible but radials are appearing to be a better option for me (in some cases)

I would like to know if they differ much in anyway,besides floor covering area and MCB amperage?

If I can use some radials in areas less accessible it would help me.The major areas like kitchen and lounge I can run rings,the other areas do seem harder with regards to completing routes.

Any views would be greatly appreciated.Advice would also be welcomed.

Thanks again for your time.

[fabriqnumba]

being an electrician on most domesticated properties when carrying out a rewire i always try to go for a radial circuit over a ring main. the reason for this is its easier to do and easier to carry out testing.
a 2.5mm ring main is fed from 32a mcb. the equivalent in radial is a 4mm fed off 32a mcb.
a 2.5mm radial can only be fed off a max 20amp mcb.
if the house in question is monster of a house with a hug amount of power consumption(appliances etc) then maybe go for ring main but think u hav covered the main area for consumption, the kitchen so the other socket circuits ie up down etc just stick a 32a 4mm radial on each it saves some time.
1 little prob wiv the 4mm radial system is getting certain types of socket fronts onto 25mm back boxes due to cable size bein larger.
hope thats helped u a little

[sparx]

Hi, radials are gaining popularity for the reasons you state & others, if you use a 4.0mm radial on a 32A MCB then area is not much less than a ring and you can tee off almost at random,
20A on 2.5mm abit more limited but again very useful,
both are easier to extend & fault find , downside is larger Con. Unit with more breakers, therefore slightly higher initial cost, but I think well worth it for awkward installs, regards,
SPARX