16 amp commando sockets. 20 amp mcb on site guide as maximum value mcb

[David Rann]

Hello the on site guide lists 20 amp maximum mcb for 16 amps sockets. Having a debate with someone as to why this is? Why not 16amp mcb? I installed 20 amp mcb as it's for a car charger that charger's at 16amps for 8 hours and is not capable of pulling more than 16 amps but this has been pulled as a C2. I didn't install 16amp as have in the past and over time the bi metallic strip has worn and started to trip after 12 months or so.

Cheers

 

[David Rann]

I've lost track dave, I thought this thread was about coding something incorrectly, then it's went to overloaded 16 amp socket.

It is! It's about coding something c2 when the iet clearly states it's okay! Nothing is tripping out?

 

[davesparks]

I've lost track dave, I thought this thread was about coding something incorrectly, then it's went to overloaded 16 amp socket.

It started out that way, but then the OP revealed that the reason he fitted a 20A ocpd was that the load causes a 16A ocpd to trip on overload.

 

[David Rann]

I've lost track dave, I thought this thread was about coding something incorrectly, then it's went to overloaded 16 amp socket.

It is! It's about coding something c2 when the iet clearly states it's okay! Nothing is tripping out?

 

[westward10]

BS7671 makes absolutely no reference as to the minimum or maximum protective devices for EN60309 sockets.

 

[David Rann]

No I said I have known over time for this to happen...20 amp mcb just takes the stress off

 

[David Rann]

So the point of reference is iet osg p184.

 

[westward10]

I would not use the OSG whilst doing an EICR.

 

[David Rann]

I don't do eicrs

 

[Richard Burns]

You have had your work queried during a subsequent inspection.
You know that the situation is not contravening the wiring regulations and the inspector cannot provide a regulation to match the C2 coding.
Advise the customer of this and finish the discussion.
Unless anything further comes up there is nothing to pursue.

You can consider the merits of the comparison of the protective device and the rating of an accessory but that is not really an issue in this case despite what you have mentioned about the loading and MCB operation. So long as the socket is not taking more than 16A then there is no problem.

 

[David Rann]

Always good to a few opinions because I've never had my work questioned subsequently by another electrician.

 

[David Rann]

Thanks for your input everyone. Great forum.

 

[bigspark17]

the flex on an appliance does not come within the remit of BS7671.

What about a storage heater or an immersion tank?

 

[jumpin212]

Would reg 722.411.4.1 be a possibility for the c2

 

[David Rann]

Can you state it?

 

[Deleted account]

What about a storage heater or an immersion tank?

Not wanting to put words in teletrix 's mouth but I think he meant flex on portable appliances as is the case in this thread.