UK Wiring method question

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

rafaelrobertson

Member
Location
United kingdom
Occupation
Builder
I have recently enrolled in an electrical installation course.
I am under the impression that the wiring of any particular should be independent of the other rooms of the property. For example, there should be a phase, neutral and c.p.c (earth) connection to the ceiling rose. With a connection to the one or two-way lightswitches dimmers etc.
However when I had a look at my girlfriend's wiring at her 3 bed-home, (which is quite old) the wires in her home are inter-connected, for example in one of her bedrooms there are two wires connected to the common switch. Presumably, because the extra common takes the power to the other room, and when that common is not connected the lights of the other rooms work. Is this wiring system an old one, or is it the norm?
Is it not better that the cable runs from the c.c.u. and then separates into the rooms using a junction box, which will mean all the lights will operate independently from each other?

I do not intend to interfere with the present wiring system, but am just trying to understand the principles of the wiring.

Thanks for any help.
 
Here's a method that I hear is helpful.
You could draw out on paper how you would wire a room using different colour markers. Drawing it out helps with understanding it.
 
You will get a few answers, we have one active member who is knowledgeable about UK electrical. What is your electrical code called?
 
rafaelrobertson said:
I have recently enrolled in an electrical installation course.
one of her bedrooms there are two wires connected to the common switch. Presumably, because the extra common takes the power to the other room, and when that common is not connected the lights of the other rooms work. Is this wiring system an old one, or is it the norm.
Click to expand...
Be carefull, what used to be the color for common in the old days changed a few years ago. I don't remember but I think it was blue and switched to black.
 
roger said:
Does the UK still use ring circuits?
Click to expand...
Yes, as far as I am aware but my field is industrial power electronics.
Edit:
"The ring circuit is still the most common mains wiring configuration in the UK,"
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top