Lighting circuit - is it allowable to have two branches from the distribution board

[aesmith]

Hi,

Quick question. If the consumer unit is located near the middle of area to be served by the lighting circuit, is it allowable to run the circuit as two radials from the same RCBO, one running in each direction?

Thanks,

Tony S

 

[HandySparks]

Re: Lighting circuit - is it allowable to have two branches from the distribution boa

Yes, nothing wrong with this at all.

 

[Marvo]

Re: Lighting circuit - is it allowable to have two branches from the distribution boa

As long as the over-current rating of the RCBO is appropriate for the smallest cable size connected to it I also wouldn't see a problem.

 

[kingeri]

Re: Lighting circuit - is it allowable to have two branches from the distribution boa

Just remember that this is still one circuit, not 'two radials'. It also means you have to test two 'ends' for EFLI and go with the highest.

 

[aesmith]

Re: Lighting circuit - is it allowable to have two branches from the distribution boa

Thanks for quick and clear answers. EFLI won't be a problem as even the total length of cable will be less than if I had to wire as one leg, and as you say the limit will be the longest leg rather than the total of the two.

Strictly, would this be considered a radial circuit with a spur, with the spur just happening to come from the CU?

My only original concern was that it was a slightly odd layout. If I was using MCBs I'd probably just make it two circuits for clarity, but it's RCBOs so don't want to splash out unnecessarily.

 

[telectrix]

Re: Lighting circuit - is it allowable to have two branches from the distribution boa

classes as a radial circuit of 2 branches. a spur only applies if off a RFC.

 

[aesmith]

Re: Lighting circuit - is it allowable to have two branches from the distribution boa

Thanks, that makes sense.