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Thread: Ring Mains Wiring !
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14th Jan 2019, 03:11 AM #1
Ring Mains Wiring !
Hi Guys,
Having read the threads below, the question does pop into my head, Do you use "ring main" wiring systems in AU ?Best Regards:
Baron J.
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14th Jan 2019, 03:22 AM #2Intermediate Member
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No not like you do in blighty!
Also no fuses in our standard 3 pin plugs either.
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14th Jan 2019, 01:55 PM #3Diamond Member
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As mentioned, we don't, but I do like to talk about running ring mains and using wire nuts when winding up Australian sparkies on forums who are convinced we're all doing illegal DIY wiring.
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15th Jan 2019, 03:04 AM #4
Thanks Guys,
It is interesting learning about the different systems and practices in different parts of the world. I didn't know about the lack of fused plugs for instance.
As far as wiring nuts is concerned, I thought that they were discontinued years ago !
NOTE: For some reason I can no longer activate any of the "likes, thanks or pictures" at the moment. Sorry !Best Regards:
Baron J.
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15th Jan 2019, 10:28 AM #5
Hi,
Yes most Australian sparkies get a shocked look when someone who has worked with such things describe it to them.
The Australian wiring regs specifically ban ring mains and fuses in plug tops.
RegardsHugh
Enough is enough, more than enough is too much.
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15th Jan 2019, 11:43 AM #6Golden Member
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15th Jan 2019, 09:46 PM #7
Hi Guys,
I'm somewhat surprised by that ! Ring mains have been the standard here for years now. Even so the regs specify the maximum number of 13 amp outlets you can put on a ring of a particular size core.
As far as I'm aware the ring main was introduced just after the war, because of the shortage of copper, and as time progressed became single copper cores rather than the multiple strand core of the previous domestic wiring. Higher capacity cables still use multiple strands.Best Regards:
Baron J.
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15th Jan 2019, 10:32 PM #8Pink 10EE owner
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Is the main point of the "ring" method that the electrical force has the opportunity to get to the GPO via two different paths?
what happens if you get a conductor breakage. Then wouldn't it potentially overload the cable as the electrical force can not longer travel both ways to the GPO?Gold, the colour of choice for the discerning person.
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15th Jan 2019, 10:46 PM #9Golden Member
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It has two main points. One is the higher current capacity for a given size of wire (given any allowances for type of enclosure) because you have two paths for the current. The other is that is the earth also is connected twice so a break in the earth affects less of the circuit.
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16th Jan 2019, 07:24 AM #10
Spot on. Right on both counts.
Not forgetting the additional protection of fuses in the plug. These have a maximum rating of 13 Amps and whilst there are larger capacity fuses, they are also physically much larger and will not fit into the plug top. These fuses are usually sold in packs of five or ten with ratings from 3 Amps, 5 Amps, 10 Amps and 13 Amps.Best Regards:
Baron J.
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16th Jan 2019, 02:03 PM #11Golden Member
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16th Jan 2019, 04:05 PM #12Most Valued Member
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Apparently its a bug since the upgrade on 13th - the admin has it on the todo list.
//metalworkforums.com/f36/t2028...um-update-post
Steve
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16th Jan 2019, 10:06 PM #13
Hi Steve,
Thank you for that information ! I did think it was a Firefox bug following an update to it on my machine. When I click any of the four items the bottom of the page just blanks and I get a "JavaScript" failure message.Best Regards:
Baron J.
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16th Jan 2019, 11:02 PM #14
ADDED BY ADMIN
DISCLAIMER
No liability is accepted by The Senior Administrator or the Metal Work Forum's moderators
for advice offered by members posting replies
or asking questions regarding electrical work.
We strongly advise contacting a Licensed Tradesperson for all electrical work.
WARNING
Information supplied within posts is not to be considered as detailed formal instructions to complete a task.
Members following such information do so at their own risk
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7th Apr 2019, 08:17 PM #15Novice
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Why
The ring circuit was introduced in to the UK during the war to save copper. Each outlet is fed via two cables of half the size. The cable is protected but an overload device matched to the two cables in parallel. It's not a good system. One issue is a break in one cable can allow an overload in the other. However, this isn't as bad as it sounds when you understand how cable current ratings are calculated ( as every electrician should!).
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