Q & A of the Day - Can I extend this spur using 4mm CSA?

Question: I'd like to add a socket to an existing circuit to enable a socket to be fitted below a work surface in a kitchen. Upon removal of the socket I wanted to extend it from, I can see that it looks as though this was a spur, but it only has 2.5mm CSA twin & earth (the socket is fed from a 32A MCB, which feeds the main socket ring for the downstairs).

Can I extend the spur using 4mm CSA? Should the original spur be removed?

Answer: Reference should be made to the ring and radial final circuit arrangements detailed in Appendix 15 of BS7671:2008 on p362, this informative appendix provides circuit arrangements in accordance with Regulation 433.1 and includes arrangements for for both fused and unfused spurs.

In summary, an unfused spur should only feed one single or one twin socket-outlet. In the case of fused spurs, the number of socket outlets depends upon the load characteristics.

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