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Electrical

Combining two power supply feeds into a single stronger supply... possible?

Anonymous user 16/03/2024 - 2.46 PM

Strange one here. Garden Office currently being built. At this property there is already two underground armoured cable feeds (both originally for different purposes no longer required) First is a SWA Armoured Cable 2.5mm2 4 Core feed which runs from a dedicated 16a RCBO in main CU. Second is a SWA Armoured Cable 2.5mm2 4 Core which comes a RCD protected fused spur from the downstairs socket ring. Both run to where this new garden office will be. I am only asking as a concept, I 100% know I need to consult a qualified electrician who will carry out the work. I know. I just want to explore feasibility. Is it possible, in order to increase supply strength, to combine both of these into a garage CU. Or will the feeds coming from two different circuits from same CU be an issue tripping wise etc? The reason is, ideally making use of these feeds, avoids tearing up patio, artificial lawn, etc. Any advice greatly appreciated

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5 Answers

Jason Oliver Electrical Services

Rating: 5 out of 5

Bristol

This is not allowed it should be 1 circuit sized correctly correct cable , rcbo size etc from 1 circuit

Answered4 April 2022

Anonymous user

You could use two SWA cables from ONE circuit and create a ring circuit. An electrician would know how to do this.

Answered4 April 2022

PJES

Rating: 5 out of 5

Warrington

Hi You CANNOT use 2 separate circuits to feed another single circuit. You will need a dedicated cable from your main consumer unit and that would need to fitted into a new consumer unit to supply the power for your office. Depending on what sort of load you will be using will depend on what size cable, breakers etc are to be used. Hope this helps. Pete.

Answered4 April 2022

JAC Electricians

Rating: 5 out of 5

Maldon

Well I would suggest 2 x garage distribution boards - that would give you 2 x 16a supplies …I assume you are not looking to run 32a to equipment …

Answered5 April 2022

Midaz Electrical ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5

Newport, Gwent

You could definitely combine the two swa cables together to form a ring main from a single mcb. This would need to be protected by either an rcd or rcbo. Doing this would essentially give you 32amps at your garden room. This is no different to sending two cables around your property using twin and cpc. A proper electrician would be able to carry this work out for you.

Answered5 April 2022