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How do I trace the cabling in a “Ring Main”

I have a "ring main" with many sockets on it, it is clear that it has been extended over the years.

How do I trace the cabling to.

  • Check that it is a single ring
  • That only one socket is on each spars
  • That there are not any other issues.

I am hoping for a testing method that I can just apply “set by set”; assume I have access to a good quality resistance meter

Is there any software I can type all the resistance readings into that will “solve” the system and will then tell me:

  • What additional readings it needs
  • Or how all the sockets are connected.

Related but a much easier problem: Are there any “easy” ways to trace a home electrical system?


Update:

The issue I have with the standard test method and all current answers is that they assume that the sockets are connect in a single ring – I don’t know how they could detect for example two rings that have their ends joined just before the consumer unit. Or a spars that is connect to anther spars rather then directly connected to the ring.

The test in the wiring standard is very good at finding common errors like a wire that is not connected, or a live that is connected to a neutral; however the test seems to assume that the wiring is basically a valid single ring to start with. This is not a valid assumption on an old system you don’t know the history off!

Walker
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