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Radial Circuit for sockets and lights and in general

Former Community Member
Former Community Member
I was interested in gaining a better understanding of what is and isn’t allowed here in the UK under radial circuits. Specifically, if one wanted to add Schuko or Type F (or French variant of Type E) of plugs into the mix.

  I understand that we can have a radial circuit with a 20amp MCB, but most here advise to install a 16amp MCB.

I saw the posts by some advising that you can install European standards in a home as they can be invoking ‘invoke directive HD384’.

While I appreciate, we do things differently I wondered why no one (if it is allowed or not) then installs a small circuit with plugs and lights on the same circuit as opposed to separating each lighting and socket.  Is this at all possible?

Personally, I did install a couple of Type E plugs from Schneider (not the German ones ) as I have some German friends who come and for the same reason the previous posts mention they are better than travel adapters (and they also allow me to use the steam cleaner we obtained from Germany without changing the plug).  They are on a solitary 20amp MCB in a small radial but themselves.  I did use NYM-J 2,5x3 also http://www.batt.co.uk/upload/files/nym-j_1432822108.pdf


https://www.legrandgroup.com/sites/default/files/Documents_PDF_Legrand/Nos_solutions/Guide_International_standards_EN.pdf


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    BS 7671 to my mind isn't entirely clear cut - for household and similar sockets have to be shuttered - but most modern European types are anyway these days so that shouldn't be a stumbling block. It does list allowable socket types (table 55.1, all to British Standards) and a preference for BS 1363 for household - but then allows exceptions for amongst other things for 'a circuit having special characteristics such that danger would otherwise arise or it is necessary to distinguish the function of the circuit' - so if you could argue that the circuit's function is to supply continental equipment with unfused plugs, then some might believe you. Invoking the 'special circuit' rule from 553.1.5 also means that requirement for non-reversibility is also dropped so you can have the option of reversible German styles ones as well as the non-reversible (but still not reliably polarised) French ones.


    Even the general requirement for equipment to comply with a British (or Harmonised) Standard is conditional on their being such a standard - in the absence of one the 'appropriate standard of another country' is permitted - so we're OK on that score too.


    So with a bit of determination you might be able to install Schuko sockets directly under BS 7671 - using reduced c.s.a. c.p.c. T&E if you wish. (Just not within 3m of a bath though.)


       - Andy.
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  • 0
    BS 7671 to my mind isn't entirely clear cut - for household and similar sockets have to be shuttered - but most modern European types are anyway these days so that shouldn't be a stumbling block. It does list allowable socket types (table 55.1, all to British Standards) and a preference for BS 1363 for household - but then allows exceptions for amongst other things for 'a circuit having special characteristics such that danger would otherwise arise or it is necessary to distinguish the function of the circuit' - so if you could argue that the circuit's function is to supply continental equipment with unfused plugs, then some might believe you. Invoking the 'special circuit' rule from 553.1.5 also means that requirement for non-reversibility is also dropped so you can have the option of reversible German styles ones as well as the non-reversible (but still not reliably polarised) French ones.


    Even the general requirement for equipment to comply with a British (or Harmonised) Standard is conditional on their being such a standard - in the absence of one the 'appropriate standard of another country' is permitted - so we're OK on that score too.


    So with a bit of determination you might be able to install Schuko sockets directly under BS 7671 - using reduced c.s.a. c.p.c. T&E if you wish. (Just not within 3m of a bath though.)


       - Andy.
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