2 spurs from a Junction Box....worried?

[mikep83]

Hi folks.

I cut one of the cables on my ring circuit, attached the 2 now separate ends to a new 30a junction box, and then run 2 additional spurs from the same junction box, using 32a twin and earth, on the end of each of these new spurs is a twin plug socket with usb.

I did the work with my father in law, who’s an avid DIYer and has been doing diy for 60 years.

We did a really good job, cables cut nice, neat, secure, tested them, and all working.

Due to a rush to get the job done before decorators, I pre installed the new sockets and cabling, ready for the junction, and only then did I realise I should have extended the ring.....it was too late, I had sealed the walls up and could not get another cable in. We used a square 30a MK box, which had ample room for the cables.

These are bedside outlets, not for heavy consuming items.

Some forums and people have now put the fear of god in me that this is dangerous, however I have read mixed opinions (e.g. apparatly 1 spur from any point is the Reg, ok.....so I have 2 on mine, but is this really much different than if I added another junction 10 inches away for my second spur)

Is this really a concern to warrant me ripping it all back out?

It’s a good tidy job.
I know there’s regulations and partP......hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Views?
Many thanks.

 

[mikep83]

The junction is 3way, not 4nway as I have in my picture.

 

[SparkyChick]

Personally I wouldn't do it, but I don't believe it's a breach of the regulations as you only have one double socket outlet at each spur.

I might however be tempted to change the junction box you have used.

It it's got screws in it, it should be accessible for inspection. Hager do a range of maintenance free boxes or you can use a Wagobox and suitable Wago connectors.

 

[SparkyChick]

What do you mean by 3 way? In that junction there should be two ring cables and the two spurs.

 

[mikep83]

Hi. The junction box inside, had 3 big connectors. In each of the connectors, is 4 individual cables. From the 2 ends of the original ring cable, and 2 spurs.

It’s under a floorboard, but this is easily accessible, as I just pull back rug and take out 2 screws.

I attached the box to a piece of 2x4 horizontally, between joists, so not touching joists, ceiling below, or floorboard above.

 

[Toneyz]

It would have been better if you had put on the ring final circuit, however, cannot see anything to be worried about if installed correctly. Does the circuit have RCD/RCBO protection?

 

[Octopus]

It’s under a floorboard, but this is easily accessible, as I just pull back rug and take out 2 screws.

Under BS 7671 this is not accessible ..

 

[Spoon]

The regs do state that "An unfused spur should feed one single or one twin socket-outlet only"

I'm presuming the 2.5cm cable in your drawing should be 2.5mm.
Just for reference 2.5mm cable is not 32A cable.

 

[Pete999]

What do you mean by 3 way? In that junction there should be two ring cables and the two spurs.

Think he means 3 terminals, whatever it does no comply with the regulations. OP what do you mean by 32 Amp cable?

 

[Toneyz]

I think that is more to do with not having a spur from an existing spur.

 

[Octopus]

Think he means 3 terminals, whatever it does no comply with the regulations.

Generally DIYers don’t care about the regs ....

 

[Pete999]

Generally DIYers don’t care about the regs ....

So what are you saying Murdoch? it's OK for a DIYer to ignore the Regulations?

 

[Spoon]

So what are you saying Murdoch? it's OK for a DIYer to ignore the Regulations?

I think just the opposite mate.

 

[Pete999]

Think he means 3 terminals, whatever, it does no comply with the regulations. OP what do you mean by 32 Amp cable?

Would have been a better option to employ an Electrician before you started imo.

 

[SparkyChick]

He's basically got two spurs originating from a point on the ring. On the end of each he has a double socket outlet.

I'm not being funny, but I don't see how that doesn't comply.

The junction box he's used doesn't comply because it's not accessible.

 

['mr2'gd4u]

That setup is potentially putting 52a on a single length (albeit what 3m?) of 2.5mm.. I know you said it's for a bedside socket but who knows really.. What about the next person who lives in that house..

Edit misread..

 

[Pete999]

He's basically got two spurs originating from a point on the ring. On the end of each he has a double socket outlet.

I'm not being funny, but I don't see how that doesn't comply.

The junction box he's used doesn't comply because it's not accessible.

No because he has taken what is surely, 2 separate spurs from the same point on a RFC , see Appendix 15

 

[Spoon]

The junction box he's used doesn't comply because it's not accessible.

Also doesn't comply with appendix 15 of the regs.
See my post #8

 

[Octopus]

So what are you saying Murdoch? it's OK for a DIYer to ignore the Regulations?

We advise, they ignore ......

 

[Pete999]

He's basically got two spurs originating from a point on the ring. On the end of each he has a double socket outlet.

I'm not being funny, but I don't see how that doesn't comply.

The junction box he's used doesn't comply because it's not accessible.

No because he has take what is surely 2 separate spurs from the same point on a RFC , see Appendix 15

We advise, they ignore ......

Oh right, thanks