ABSTRACT
Most circuits that electricians install in the UK are of the radial type where the cable simply loops in and out of each point and stops at the last outlet. However, an exception is made for circuits supplying socket outlets. The most common type of socket outlet circuit in the UK, particularly in a domestic environment, is known as a ring final circuit. In this type of circuit the cable starts at the consumer unit; it then loops from one outlet to another and then back to the consumer unit forming a complete ring of cable. Another method of installing socket outlets is by using a circuit called a radial; this method is preferred by many installers and designers as it is not as open to abuse as ring circuits. Fused connection units can be installed and used for various purposes. They can be switched or unswitched and they can also have an integral residual current device (RCD).
