Locating new electric socket outlets

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Before installing a new socket outlet, you will need to consider where it is to be positioned and how the cable supplying the power will be routed to it. The former will encompass your requirements as well as those of the wiring regulations. The latter will depend upon how you intend linking to the existing ring main and the type of surfaces the cable will need to pass.

Regarding the provision of power, there are three basic ways this may be done. Be sure that you know the regulations.

Ring main extension

The ring main may be extended, subject to the requirements of the regulations, to incorporate the new socket.

Spur from socket outlet

You may take a spur from a socket on the ring provided it does not already have a spur, and the regulations regarding the number of spurs on a ring is not contravened.

Spur from ring main

You may cut into the ring at some point as near to the new socket as possible and fit a junction box to feed a spur.

• Supply new socket from another socket
• Supply new socket from a junction box
• Extending a ring main to supply a new socket
• Replacing sockets
• Mounting sockets