Hi,

been getting some useful info. from Christian McArdle and Andy Hall about my
impending ring circuit.

Christian has given me a rundown on what is needed to correctly check a new
circuit, requiring £600+ worth of equipment.

However http://www.diyfaq.org.uk/electrical.html#ring-test appears to give a
much simpler method from another Andy (Wade).

It seems unreasonable to expect every DIYer adding new wiring to cough up
£600+ for specialised equipment, so what is the recommendation?

Always use a qualified electrician?
[If so, what would you expect the normal charge to be?]

Use the Andy Wade method?
[If so, how much and where for a low resistance ohm-meter with good
resolution, say a range of 0 - 2 ohms with divisions of 0.05 ohm?]

Nah, she'll be right!
[Carefully connect and check (visually and mechanically) each socket on the
ring, before connecting the whole thing into the CU.]

I appreciate what Christian is saying about the correct (professional
sparky) way of doing things, but what are the risks of a careful
installation without fancy test tools?

I am talking here about an all-new installation.
Adding to an existing installation which you didn't do is another level of
risk - probably better to have the whole house checked before you start.
Note that my house electrics were checked when the new CU was installed.

Additional question - what are the implications of adding one or more
sockets to an existing ring (in line or as a spur)?
Adding lighting, bathroom fans, etc.?

Should you again have the whole thing checked by a pro. sparky?

Cheers
Dave R


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