DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Is a ring main circuit only used for sockets and alarms ?

The whole idea of a ring main is to make power available over a wide area using comparatively small cable. Although mainly used for sockets it can power other things, but any large fixed items should have there own supply. Because in most cases lights draw well under the current that a radial can supply in most cases it would not make sense to supply lighting from a ring main. I am sure there must be an exception but I have never found one. Fixed appliances should in one way have their own supply but one problem with this is being aware when there is a failure. Since Alarm circuits often have battery back-up and should not really be fed from a 30ma RCD which is also the case for fridges and freezers often they are grouped together so the Alarm will sound and alert house holder should supply to freezer fail. But not really how it should be done. But does make sense.