Mains socket converters

[RizzoTheRat]

My house is somewat under socketed and I have a few places where I've fitted a 1-2 or 2-3 socket converter like this http://www.screwfix.com/p/clipsal-converta-socket-...

I've got a single socket where it would be quite convenient to have 3, so one of these.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-3-Gang-Socket-Converte...

I notice it's fused, does that imply the maximum load I should be putting on a converted socket is still 13A? The place I'm thinking of putting one would have a kettle and toaster running on it which I suspect is considerable more than 13A

[finlo]

Even on a twin socket it's a max of 13A for the two outlets not each.

[RizzoTheRat]

I bet I'm not the only person that wasn't aware of that, thanks. Guess my best bet is to fit a fused 2 or 3 way converter there rather than an unfused twin in case we ever overload it.

[skinnyman]

Surely 99% of the country runs the kettle and toaster from the same twin outlet without any problems?

[MX51ROD]

finlo said:

Even on a twin socket it's a max of 13A for the two outlets not each.

Wrong,it depends on the protection,a 32a ring circuit could support 2 3kw appliances,in one twin socket ,but not a 3 kw appliance in every socket on the circuit,it is all to do with the protective device ,be it a fuse or a circuit breaker.

[finlo]

MX51ROD said:

Wrong,it depends on the protection,a 32a ring circuit could support 2 3kw appliances,in one twin socket ,but not a 3 kw appliance in every socket on the circuit,it is all to do with the protective device ,be it a fuse or a circuit breaker.

I think you'll find your wrong!

[finlo]

skinnyman said:

Surely 99% of the country runs the kettle and toaster from the same twin outlet without any problems?

Yes they do, and they get away with it because both of those item's are only on for a short duration.

[elster]

MX51ROD said:

finlo said:

Even on a twin socket it's a max of 13A for the two outlets not each.

Wrong,it depends on the protection,a 32a ring circuit could support 2 3kw appliances,in one twin socket ,but not a 3 kw appliance in every socket on the circuit,it is all to do with the protective device ,be it a fuse or a circuit breaker.

Not so, it depends on the outlet fitted.

Most sockets are rated at 13A for a double socket, however some cheaper sockets have been known to not even match that I know a few years ago LAP were found lacking in independent testing.

[Paul Drawmer]

finlo said:

MX51ROD said:

Wrong,it depends on the protection,a 32a ring circuit could support 2 3kw appliances,in one twin socket ,but not a 3 kw appliance in every socket on the circuit,it is all to do with the protective device ,be it a fuse or a circuit breaker.

I think you'll find your wrong!

Here's a section from the MK specification sheet for their sockets:
Electrical
Voltage rating:
250V a.c.
Current rating:
13A per socket outlet
(except 3 gang which is 13 amp in total)

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/DataSheets/...

YES you can run 13amp from both sides of a twin socket outlet.
Edited to highlight incorrect information.

See later posts.

Edited by Paul Drawmer on Sunday 15th January 07:32

[finlo]

Paul Drawmer said:

Here's a section from the MK specification sheet for their sockets:
Electrical
Voltage rating:
250V a.c.
Current rating:
13A per socket outlet
(except 3 gang which is 13 amp in total)

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/DataSheets/...

YES you can run 13amp from both sides of a twin socket outlet.

No where on that fact sheet does it say that.

People who don't know what they are talking about should refrain from offering dangerous advice on here.

[Sheepshanks]

Paul Drawmer said:

finlo said:

MX51ROD said:

Wrong,it depends on the protection,a 32a ring circuit could support 2 3kw appliances,in one twin socket ,but not a 3 kw appliance in every socket on the circuit,it is all to do with the protective device ,be it a fuse or a circuit breaker.

I think you'll find your wrong!

Here's a section from the MK specification sheet for their sockets:
Electrical
Voltage rating:
250V a.c.
Current rating:
13A per socket outlet
(except 3 gang which is 13 amp in total)

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/DataSheets/...

YES you can run 13amp from both sides of a twin socket outlet.

Double sockets are tested at 20A for the British Standard.

[finlo]

Sheepshanks said:

Double sockets are tested at 20A for the British Standard.

This, they are tested with 14A on one outlet and 6 on the other to check they're up to scratch not to make sure they can handle 13A from each side!

[Sheepshanks]

It's a subject that causes lots of arguments on electricians and DIY threads - there's a post somewhere where a guy spoke to MK's engineers and they weren't happy that marketing implied some double sockets could do 13A from each side.

Apparently a double socket it really a single socket with two outlets as there's only a single set of wiring connections. So strictly speaking the comment earlier that its rating is 13A is correct.

The 20A BS thing is based on temperature rise over time. MK say going even slightly over that very quickly causes overheating.

Of course, again as already pointed out, running a kettle and toaster at the same time is absolutely no problem due to the short time they're on. Two 3kW tea urns in constant use would be a different matter.

Edited by Sheepshanks on Saturday 14th January 21:12

[Paul Drawmer]

finlo said:

No where on that fact sheet does it say that.

People who don't know what they are talking about should refrain from offering dangerous advice on here.

Did you look at the the link I posted? Scroll down to the second page , on the left side.

[Sheepshanks]

Paul Drawmer said:

Did you look at the the link I posted? Scroll down to the second page , on the left side.

I'm pretty sure that's the one that MK's engineers weren't happy about.

ETA: This is the post I was thinking of: http://www.diynot.com/diy/threads/double-sockets-m...

[Alucidnation]

Gotta love the armchair experts!




Carry on chaps. It's keeping me amused.

[finlo]

Alucidnation said:

Gotta love the armchair experts!




Carry on chaps. It's keeping me amused.

So, as a spark do you care to enlighten us with some pearls of wisdom?

[Sheepshanks]

RizzoTheRat said:

I've got a single socket where it would be quite convenient to have 3, so one of these.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-3-Gang-Socket-Converte...

I notice it's fused, does that imply the maximum load I should be putting on a converted socket is still 13A? The place I'm thinking of putting one would have a kettle and toaster running on it which I suspect is considerable more than 13A

The thread got a bit diverted but to answer that question specifically, if the kettle and toaster combined exceed 3000watts then don't put them on at the same time as you'll be over 13A.

[Alucidnation]

finlo said:

Alucidnation said:

Gotta love the armchair experts!




Carry on chaps. It's keeping me amused.

So, as a spark do you care to enlighten us with some pearls of wisdom?

No need as it has already been mentioned, but it's been a bit lost in amongst the drivel.

[finlo]

Alucidnation said:

No need as it has already been mentioned, but it's been a bit lost in amongst the drivel.

As a spark myself i'd like to think I was offering sound/accurate advice.