Needing to add new Sockets but 2 sets of Cables in Existing Socket Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[socketplug]

Hello, I want to add more sockets in a bedroom, and notice on the existing socket there are two sets of cabling going into it, would it be possible to add a twin socket to each end of the cables without having to wire them together? I suspect it's a ring circuit but wasn't sure if they could be finished at the two sockets or would need jointing up?

[Mr White]

No is the simple answer.

As you said it will (probably) be a ring, so if you break the ring, add more sockets and don't connect one part to the other you have broken the ring.
The idea of a ring is not only to save on copper (That is how the ring was invented) but it also allows more current to flow since it has 2 cables of the same size. So having a broken ring could cause a fire elsewhere in the house.

[Skid Sprocket]

As Mr White says DONT separate the two cables. You can add a double socket called a spur with a single 2.5mm twin and earth to the new position you just have to add the new wires into the terminals so that in total each terminal in the old socket will now have three wires.