Double plug socket max amps per socket?
- Thread starter Fordulike
- Start date
The cable rating is normally 20 amps so limiting to one 13 amp supply, but there is also the ring main factor.
Ring mains are a loop connected to the supply at each end, so there's 20 amps cable rating from each end. If the cable loop junction is in the twin socket connector which it is normally, you have both paths.
Then the limit you can draw from the twin socket is the two times 13 amps if the fuse/circuit breaker rating at the junction box is adequate which it normally will be.
My flat has only one ring main around it and I routinely draw up to 32 amps from it.
N.B. Crossed with Trex's post.
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Ring mains are a loop connected to the supply at each end, so there's 20 amps cable rating from each end. If the cable loop junction is in the twin socket connector which it is normally, you have both paths.
Then the limit you can draw from the twin socket is the two times 13 amps if the fuse/circuit breaker rating at the junction box is adequate which it normally will be.
My flat has only one ring main around it and I routinely draw up to 32 amps from it.
N.B. Crossed with Trex's post.
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Right, I've just checked the circuit breaker box, and the upstairs sockets are protected by a 32A RCD and the downstairs by a separate 32A RCD.
So, I'm guessing two separate ring mains protected by a 32A RCD each.
Am I right in thinking that I can safely run appliances up to around 7.5Kw on each circuit, as long as I don't exceed 13 amps on a single socket?
Yes, and you can use both sockets of a twin with 13 amps from each.
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How long you want them to run for will depend on when the breaker decides it's had enough, I have tripped breakers in this situation running theatre lighting at 6kw. The cable may get quite warm and resistance will go up. Exercise your breakers every so often to make sure they will trip.
I was tempted to reply with a tongue in cheek comment, but held myself back lol.
Thanks for the tip
2.5mm T+E is the likely cable used to make your ring main or radial. The ring could run up to 27amps with said cable but a radial less so (i'm not sure how much less so..!). The 13amp double sockets are not fused and therefore the full current rated by the related breaker in your consumer unit is available at those sockets.
The fuses in the 13amp plugs are the only point where an excess of 13amp current can be stopped up until when the 32amp breaker kicks in.