13 Amp socket

[ukmicky]

Advice please


Garage radial running from 32 Amp MCB with 4mm T/E supplying Multiple 13 amp sockets which are only used one at a time .


New compressor 2200 watts during normal operation but increases to 6600 on start up . . Can a 13 Amp socket safely handle the initial motor start up phase or do I need a 32 Amp socket for compressor

 

[Lucien Nunes]

It's not the socket that matters but the fuse in the plug, and whether the starting current will blow a 13A fuse depends on both current and time. 6600VA requires 28A at 230V, which a 13A fuse will take for a couple of seconds at the very least, possibly a minute or more. Most small compressors start in less than a second so it should be fine, although the fuse might fatigue and fail after a period of time.

Alternatively, a 16A socket with suitable MCB would be perfectly OK. There's no need to go up to 32A.

 

[ukmicky]

It's not the socket that matters but the fuse in the plug, and whether the starting current will blow a 13A fuse depends on both current and time. 6600VA requires 28A at 230V, which a 13A fuse will take for a couple of seconds at the very least, possibly a minute or more. Most small compressors start in less than a second so it should be fine, although the fuse might fatigue and fail after a period of time.

Alternatively, a 16A socket with suitable MCB would be perfectly OK. There's no need to go up to 32A.

So would the best option be to do away with the plug and get it hard wired into an isolation switch

 

[Dave OCD]

I'd wire it either via a 16a 'commando' type plug and socket or possibly with a 20a Double Pole switch.

 

[Strima]

TBH I would probably look at using a 16 amp socket as Lucien has alluded to, guaranteed the compressor will kick in just as you start to use something else and it all goes off.

Depending on your circuit arrangement this should be fairly easy to sort out without too much expense.

 

[pc1966]

Why not try it with a 13A plug and see how it goes? The rating and fuse mean it is safe from overload, but as Lucian points out you might fatigue the fuse after some time. If it proves troublesome then look at a 16A commando socket and a 16A C-curve MCB just for that.

If there is any risk from the supply MCB tripping and a loss of lights (e.g. workshop with dangerous tools in the dark) you might consdier fitting emergancy lighting so on power fail for any reason you are not in total darkness.

 

[Pete999]

Advice please


Garage radial running from 32 Amp MCB with 4mm T/E supplying Multiple 13 amp sockets which are only used one at a time .


New compressor 2200 watts during normal operation but increases to 6600 on start up . . Can a 13 Amp socket safely handle the initial motor start up phase or do I need a 32 Amp socket for compressor

It's a recommendation only that loads of 2 kw and above should be on a dedicated circuit.