What is radial circuit?

In a power distribution system a radial circuit is one where the components (eg power sockets) radiate out from a central point (eg a distribution board) each wired seperately. There may be one or more components on each leg although to have more than two is regarded as bad practice.

A ring circuit is one whereby all the components are wired from the DB in turn and the wiring is finally led back to the origin. In the UK power sockets are wired in this fashion and it is called a 'ring main'.

A ring main enables the use of higher rated appliances for a smaller cable size and is therefore more economical.