Radial circuit
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A radial circuit is a type of fixed wiring that feeds one piece of suitable cable from one power point to another. It continues in this fashion until it reaches the last point on the circuit and does not return back to the consumer unit or power source.
This type of linear power circuit is commonly used to wire household equipment such as cookers and boilers, lighting points and sockets. It is relatively easy to locate the fault in this type of circuit, since the arrangement is linear.
[edit] Socket example
A socket might be wired with a radial circuit that starts at the consumer unit and runs to all the subsequent sockets down the line. Each socket takes its power from the one before it. This is repeated until the end of the run, where the wiring sequence terminates.
While a radial circuit creates a linear chain, it is also possible to create branches to the chain through properly configured splits. Additional guidance for radial circuits can be found in BS 7671:2018+A1:2020, Requirements for Electrical Installations. IET Wiring Regulations.
[edit] Radial vs ring circuits
Like ring circuits, radial circuits are often used in UK households. However, ring circuits tend to be more frequently used in the UK while radial circuits are more common in other countries. This may be due to the added flexibility of ring circuits for the connection of different types of equipment. Ring circuits also tend to use less copper than radial circuits.
For more information see: Ring circuit.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Consumer unit.
- Electricity.
- Modular housing and electrical circuitry.
- Ring circuit.
- What to know about foundation earthing.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
Combating burnout.
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.