Do I need a separate Kitchen Ring Main ?

steve99

Hi,

A kitchen fitter has just told me that I require a separate ring main for my kitchen that they can do when fitting the new kitchen.

Currently all kitchen sockets are on the downstairs ring main and we will be keeping the gas cooker(no increase in load).

All they will do is fit a new cooker hood and perhaps take out/put back existing sockets to tile around.

Is he correct ??

TIA

Steve

christhesparky_2

No a new kitchen ring main is not required, the existing ring main can be adapted to suit the new kitchen layout.

but, be aware that any work carried out must comply with BS7671 (wiring regs) i.e. must be rcd protected.

And make sure that whoever does the work is Part P registered, you can check here

http://www.partp.co.uk/common/search.asp

waynehayes

Yep, it isn't a requirement to have a kitchen on its own ring final (!) circuit. Some electricians do like to, but it isn't necessary.

Stephen_Leak

As above, the answer is yes and no.

However, as you will need at least one double socket per worktop, plus either ring or spur supplies for each appliance, it really is a good idea to have all this on a separate circuit, even if it is just to ensure that the rest of the house stays on, when something goes "bang" in the kitchen.

The cooker doesn't count - an electric cooker would be on its own big radial circuit.

quidsin

Stephen_Leak wrote: »

you will need at least one double socket per worktop, plus either ring or spur supplies for each appliance,

i'll be rewiring my house soon, i'll have 2 radial circuits, up & down. Kitchen appliances will have a switched fused spur above the worktop & a single socket below. Both radial circuits each will be on a 16A RCBO at the fuse board.

So to the original question, no need for a seperate ring!!! someone may be after a few more penny's!!!

baldelectrician

when doing a new kitchen i perfer to do a new circuit for the kitchen sockets as this seperates any issues with the existing circuit as there can / may be faults etc

the kitchen ring circuit is 70% of the load in the house then it is, in my opinion, better practise to run a dedicated circuit

You should use a competent person for the work, links below
In Scotland:
Individuals registered;
http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/register/ListAC.asp
Companies
http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/register/Sear...struction&ID=2
In England and Wales:
http://www.competentperson.co.uk