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
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.