Domestic Power Wiring - Upstairs & Downstairs

Question

I have surveyed a house and have observed a domestic ring circuit which is serves a floor area exceeding 100m2, including upstairs, downstairs and utility containing (washing machine and tumble dryer) (kitchen ring is separate). I am ok with this circuit contravening the 100m2 guidance, and not being respective to the load of the whitegoods, but I understand there is guidance on a domestic ring only covering a single level. 
 Can somebody point me towards this guidance either in published Guidance Notes or the Regulations. 
 Thanks

mapj1 · Accepted Answer

Not aware of any guidance that says single level in the regs or the OSG - it is of course useful if there is more than one power circuit to divide it in a way that does not lead to the wrong circuit being isolated in an emergency. 
 The regs requirement is that there is enough information that it is clear what the breaker or fuse is serving. It is much easier if that is 'sockets up' /'sockets down' or 'kitchen' /'non- kitchen' which are the two most common configurations around here but it is quite possible with the use of labels and a felt tip to cover almost any case. I have been known in the past to leave a 'map' in an envelope beside the CU in complex cases. 
 Certainly nothing big to worry about unless it is showing signs of overload. 
 Mike.

mapj1 · Answer

Is there enough slack capacity in the kitchen ring to to allow a 'kitchen and utility ring' and a 'non kitchen and utility' ? Without seeing the layout of course it is hard to say but perhaps a new small lasoo in the utility and maybe blank off or unthread the sockets in that zone that are on the overloaded ring may be a suitable compromise. 
 Unless the rest of the wiring is actually damaged, so long is it buzzes out OK, no real need to redo the lot, just redo the troubled sections. But do make the circuit labelling clear or leave a map ;-) the next guy in will really appreciate it. 
 Mike.

Domestic Power Wiring - Upstairs & Downstairs

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