Shore power -ring main? Question

[VicS]

Meaning that the wire from the MCB to the original socket would need to be uprated to 2.5mm to give a sensible margin, or just do it properly in the first place.

2.5mm² cable if the mcb is 20 amps. I guess 2.0mm² if its only 16 amps.

BUT the existing cable should already be adequately sized to safely carry the max current of the mcb. 16 amps if its a 16 amp mcb. Even if it is supplying a much lower rated piece of fixed equipment the cable must be able to safely carry the max current of the mcb.
If the existing single socket has been correctly wired no upgrading of the cable should be necessary.

If you do not agree that the Wiring Regulations are correct you should take it up with the IET.

 

[Boo2]

A ring main is just a cunning way to wire a 32A circuit with cable only capable of about 27A at most, and to save cable in the process.

Hi,

Sorry to Lazarise this thread with an entirely non-boaty reply, but does the fact that a ring main will cope with 32A mean it's possible to wire a socket that can supply more than 13A ? It obviously would have to be a non-UK-standard 13A socket but I'd like to have a bash at TIG welding and most of the welders I've been looking at draw around 20-25A or so. Is it possible to cater for such a current draw from a standard UK domestic ring ? If so, how ?

Thanks,

Boo2

 

[prv]

I'd like to have a bash at TIG welding and most of the welders I've been looking at draw around 20-25A or so. Is it possible to cater for such a current draw from a standard UK domestic ring ? If so, how ?

I think you'd be better off treating it like a cooker or electric shower and having its own radial circuit (unless Nigel demands that it be called a spur ). But I don't know the strict answer to your question. It would certainly be an odd configuration and I wouldn't be surprised to find it disallowed although its not inherently a dangerous thing to do.

Pete