ring circuit why ?

[Jake1579]

why do people use a ring circuit? i understand that the cable for example 2.5mm twin and earth can carry more current in theory another reason i can think of dont know if its why is the circuit may require a heavy use of socket outlets e.g an office using computers etc... but what other reasons?

Also, from what i read if theres a fault on a ring circuit it could be unknown to the person, so my other question is why would it be unknown ? My opinion on it is that because theres 2 cables if one comes out that cable will have more current to carry which leads to problems.. insulation broken etc...

 

[Simonslimline]

Here we go again.

Plenty of previous threads about this subject.

Edit - Didn't realise you are a trainee. See Post 7.

It would be well worth gaining access.

 

[Jake1579]

what about the 2nd question i asked though..?

 

[Leesparkykent]

To feed a given number of socket outlets using a ring final circuit requires less copper and fewer protective devices. A ring final circuit can be used on the likes of high bay lighting in warehouses where voltage drop could be an issue.


There are potential installation faults, which are caught by the test procedures like disconnected cables, leading to lack of circuit continuity. If either the line or neutral cable is discontinuous at any one point, the ring will still function at all outlets, but the circuit is now two parallel feeds connected to an OCPD that may be rated to high for this situation but acceptable as a ring final circuit (like 2.5 t&e on a 32amp).If the break is towards one end of the ring, one cable will be taking the majority of the load. On a radial circuit such a problem would be apparent since outlets down stream of the fault would not function. If the earth is disconnected at any point around a ring final circuit there will still be earth continuity at each socket, to this extent the ring final circuit is safer than the radial circuit.


Having said this there is a time and a place for both ring final and radial circuits.

 

[midgetman]

Its unkown cos it still works lol

 

[Jake1579]

you mentioned about if the line or neutral was disconnected the ring will still work what about the cpc? will that not i assume it would have a higher resistance if it had a fault...

 

[Leesparkykent]

you mentioned about if the line or neutral was disconnected the ring will still work what about the cpc? will that not

I notice on your profile it says trainee maybe worth you joining the trainee section on here, can be extremely helpful for questions like this. Here is the link below.

http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/apply-gain-access-trainee-only-forum/