How to run an electric supply from a junction box to two sockets?

Question

I have took the floorboards up in the bedroom and found the two wires coming from the fusebox downstairs to the sockets upstairs.

I want to know if it is possible to cut these original two wires,connect them to a junction box and then run a further two new wires from the same junction box to supply two new sockets? So it would be the two old wires connected to one side and the two new connected to the other side.

If anyone has experience doing this your advice is much sought after! I want to do a safe and proper job as an electrician would do.

Am i right in thinking it can be done this way?

Thanks

Paul

Answer 1

No, spur from existing socket outlets. You are allowed one unfused spur from every existing socket outlet or unlimited fused spurs from every socket outlet.



You will need to test the circuit that you worked on as well and produce yourself with a schedule of test results and a minor works certificate to keep your insurance valid.



If you decide to get someone in to do this then insist on these documents. They are there to ween out the cowboys and DIY'ers.

Answer 2

Wago Junction Box

Answer 3

The first thing to do is correctly identify the two wires as definitely being on the same circuit. If, as it sounds, they are the two legs of a ring circuit, then you need to be sure that you have a complete ring before you proceed. To check this, turn off the power, open up a socket, disconnect all six wires, and using a continuity meter, measure between the two live wires, the two neutral wires, and then the two earth wires. The readings should be about 1Ω. The live and neutral pairs will be similar, and the two earth wires will be a fair bit higher. If you get no continuity then you have a break or you have not identified the ring.



So, you next need to decide how to connect to the ring your new sockets. If the easiest way is to connect to loose cables under the floor, then you MUST use a permanent joint. A junction box with screw-type terminals (like the brown or white round ones you get) are NOT permanent joints and shouldn't be used. Not unless the joint is permanently accessible. You need to use a joint box such as a Wago box with Wago terminals. These can be hidden under the floor. Crimps are usually acceptable but may not be suitable in this case as you can only extend cables using crimps - you can't split them.



Cut one cable, add a new single cable which goes to your new socket, and join all nine conductors in a Wago box (do this twice, for both new sockets); thus creating two spurs.



Or you can split the ring. This means that you cut one cable, extend it to a new socket, then run from that socket to a second socket, then run a return leg back to the other end of the cut cable. You will end up with twelve conductors in the junction box, joined in two sets of six conductors. This option maintains a complete ring. An advantage of splitting the ring, is that you can use crimps instead of Wago connectors. Crimps can be fitted inside a Choc-Box terminal cover box, which is very easy to fit.



If you are not confident with these type of connectors, or you would prefer to make your joint above the floor (which is recommended), then connect the new sockets directly to the existing sockets. This may require a little bit of chopping out and redecorating. The basics are still the same - either split the ring inside the socket box, or run a spur.



Remember to re-check your ring continuity before returning back on the power. This is absolutely essential as it is the only way to be sure that your cable does not become overloaded. Rings are only designed to carry 32A when they are complete.



I hope you understand the above instructions. I've written them in such a way that if you understand them, you are probably up to the job. If you have any doubts, or get strange readings, then let us know by editing your post. Or employ a registered electrician to help you out. Best of luck.

Answer 4

The two wires are probably the legs of the ring main. Breaking the ring main is not such a straightforward job as it may seem unless you are aware of the Regulations and can comply, or are willing to break the law.



The safest thing you can do as an amateur is to run spurs from the existing sockets. If it is a single outlet then you can fit a single socket on a spur. If it's a twin outlet then you can run a double socket on a spur. The spur wires should be 2.5mm twin+earth. You will need some green/yellow sleeve to sheath the bare earth conductors.



The new wiring will be brown, blue and green/yellow. The old will probably be red, black, bare or green/'yellow. These must be connected with brown-red, blue-brown, and earths-earths.

The regulations require that a Permanent (not a freezer sticker or post-it) label be attached to the box with the joint to show that the wire colour codes change at the point.



The regulations are very strict about what you can and cannot do with domestic electrical circuits. If you go against Part P of the Building Regulations and also against the Wiring Regulations then you are liable to prosecution, and your household insurance may be invalid if you have a fire.

Answer 5

Yes, but turn of the electricity before you start painting it if it has any exposed outlets. I don't suppose it does though since it's a junction box. Paint it. No problem.

Answer 6

1

Answer 7

Hi

as you seem to be confused about the whole issue electricity is something that should be left to a professional. mainly if you get it wrong it could cause a fire. secondly the house insurance would be null and void if you have tampered with the electrical wiring.

Overloading an electrical circuit which is what you could do would lead to a fire because the wire would over heat..because too much current is being drawn through that wire.

Answer 8

you only need to cut one cable to have your two junction boxes. Keep it simple!

Answer 9

if you knew what was on those 2 wires(AMPS)? BUT THE CODE DOESN'T LIKE IT