On Sat, 17 Jan 2004, Mark Spice wrote:

I know that one shouldn't take a spur of off a spur unless a 13amp fused
thingy (I can't remember the actual name for this but I believe it will
basically be a surface mounted box with a fuse) is used but is there an
idiot's way of checking whether the existing socket is on the ring or is a
spur itself?

Take the faceplate off and look behind, if there are two wires going to
each terminal then it is part of the ring. If there is only one wire going
to each terminal then it is a spur (or a radial circuit). If there are
three wires then it is part of the ring and already has a spur from that
point on the ring.

If I do fit a spur I presume that the cable from the existing socket should
be fitted into conduit to the second socket/fuse thingy. Will bog standard
plastic conduit be okay or should I go for something a bit more industrial?

There is no requirement to use conduit but it may be a good idea in a
garage where the cable may need extra physical protection. If you are
particurly fond of throwing heavy objects around in your garage then you
may judge that steel conduit rather than plastic is required, however it
needs to be properly earthed which is tricky if plastic fittings are used.
You will also probably require a pipe threader and possibly a pipe bender
for installing steel conduit.

I am quite happy at wiring things up as I've replaced sockets and lights
before but I haven't tried spurs yet and I would prefer no to kill myself or
burn the house down in the attempt.

The hardest bit of wiring a spur is getting all three wires into the
terminals at the point where a spur is taken off. A pair of pointed pliers
will help with this. After tightening the terminal screws give each wire a
good tug to ensure it is not loose.

--
Alistair Riddell - BOFH
Microsoft - because god hates us