Socket ring circuit - do I need to have the upstairs and downstairs of the lighting on separate rings?
Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 2.47 PM
Hi.
I am in the process of rewiring my lighting circuits of a 1965 house and was wondering what the regulations are to obtain a certificate. Do I need to have the upstairs and downstairs of the lighting on separate rings and do the upstairs and downstairs sockets need to be separate too or can they remain as they are, one ring for all lighting and another for sockets? Also if I am using 2.5mm twin & earth wire do I still have to have in 50mm deep or in a metal earthed conductor? Or can it remain in plastic trunking buried less than 50mm?
Many thanks
Chekib
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
You need to apply for part P building regulation consent from your local authority (approx. £200 - £300). If you start work without part P consent in place then you will be breaking the law and are liable for a £5000 fine.
From the questions your asking, its clear that you are not in a position to be able to install the new wiring to the requirements BS7671:2008 (as amended to 2013), so its highly likely that it would fail the inspection when the LABC come to inspect the work.
Best bet is to hire a registered electrician to do the work properly you will save money in the long run.
Hi chekib,
I am assuming that you have already notified your local building control that you are doing the work as failure to do so will give you a fine of £5,000
As to all of the other questions it does show your inexperience so unfortunately I could not offer any answers as you may install a lethal installation and I could not assist with that.
You need to employ a registered electrician to do the work and beware the "electrician" that signs off someone else's work on an installation certificate.... do not put the safety of yourself and your family before anything else
The first thing you are legally required to do is notify your local council of the work you are carrying out (before you start). It is not optional unless you employ a registered electrician to do the rewire for you in which case you do not need to ask such basic questions as he will know all that needs to be done.
If you do not know such basic facts then testing and certification is going to be beyond you but are also legally required.
Kevin.
