I have 2 heaters on a 16a radial, but they are running through a 13a fused timer spur. Total measured current drawn is 16.5a, but the timer hasn't popped the fuse so far. Heaters are run for around an hour at a time, my thoughts are that the timer must have a tolerance for a couple of amps over it's official rating, so as all the cabling etc is well within spec might as well carry on using them. Does anyone know how long a 13a fuse should run with 16a going through it?

Cheers
 
a fuse will generally withstand 1.45 x rated current for an hour.
 
I've got an old Bussmann BS1362 spec sheet here and it lists 1.6In as 30 minutes minimum and 1.9In as 30 minutes maximum.
 
Great, cheers - so for an hour at a time although not ideal it should be fine, as that's only 1.27xIn (plus they'll tick off and on it that time on thermostats so not on solidly). If they've fitted a 13a fuse to it they must have made sure the electronics inside can cope with extra current until the fuse pops, otherwise it wouldn't be much use would it!
 
Last edited:
Its not fine. The fused timer will only be rated to 13A so I'd suggest one heater is disconnected until the issue is rectified.
 

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2 x 2Kw heaters on 13a spur
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