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Pete C. Pete C. is offline
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Default 20A Ring Circuit


Anthony Diodati wrote:

What is a "Ring Circuit"

I was reading this thread
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.h...9c14e02a0c04de

Chris Lewis said it was used only in the UK.
Just wondering.
Thanks, Tony


A rather bizarre setup. Instead of the usual star configuration where
circuits radiate out from a central distribution panel, a much smaller
number of circuits of heavier gauge wire originate from a smaller panel,
go around the building and back to the same panel i.e. a ring. The
outlets on the circuit each have local 16A fuses since the ring they
connect to is protected at a higher current than the normal outlet (30A?
50A? not sure exactly). This is also on 240V circuits.

These "Ring mains" work, but the fact that they are only used in the UK
is rather telling as to the advantages of the setup, or lack thereof.