Advise on 16A Plugs & sockets

[WaterSparky]

Hi guys I have a question what size conductor can you fit in a 16A 2P+E 230V socket/coupler/socket?

Thanks

 

[Tiny Spark]

Depends on the socket really....
I have got 4mm's in them before with no hassle not sure why would need anything bigger than that though?

 

[WaterSparky]

Well its a long run, so voltage drop is an issue! If remember correctly the 16A socket is being fed with 6mm2 I just wondered if some 6mm2 H05 would fit in a 16A plug terminals, as the lead will come out the socket via a coupler socket on a trailling lead to a 32A appliance outlet.

 

[Brightspark2]

They do differ, you'd be better checking the actual socket and plug your going to use...

6mm could be pushing it though...

 

[Tiny Spark]

Ime confused why are you trying to plug a 16A socket into a 32A outlet!!??

 

[telectrix]

why not change the 16A socket for 32A and upgrade OCPD accordingly if necessary. ( assuming Zs is acceptable) ?

 

[WaterSparky]

Ok heres the theoretical route of the from the panel.

Panel socket (16A) > Plug (16A) > Coupler (32A) > Appliance outlet (32A)

Reason not changing it is that its a rented porta cabin so can't modify that. So will just have to make up a trailing lead for it.

 

[WaterSparky]

Telectrix: Never did think of changing that, ill see if thats do-able.

 

[Richard Burns]

I had some standard 16A sockets that I put 6mm² into, the instructions said max 4mm² but 6 fitted, this was planning for a larger supply later.

 

[Rockingit]

If you can't change anything that's 'fixed', then make a very short 16>32 adaptor using 4mm (think you'll struggle with 6mm in most 16A ceeforms) then run a 32A cable in 6mm out to the load.

If your run is REALLY long and you're genuinely concerned about VD then you could also [puts tin hat on] go from the 16/1 to a 32 5p adaptor which means you could double up and run conductors in parallel using a standard 32A 3PN+E cable in 6mm, swap back down again at the other end. Obviously, you'd have to ensure that the adaptors each end get disabled straight away afterwards.

 

[Darkwood]

Why is the panel using 32amp equipment , i assume its because 16amp is not suitable so to supply from a 16amp set-up would be a concern, the 16-32 changeover lead wouldn't comply and wouldn't pass a PA-test as its possible to use it and place an small overload for a long duration on the 16amp system...

Rockingit i would suggest a bullet proof hat not a tin one for that suggestion just imagine if a 3ph supply was plugged into the 3ph socket OMG!!!! why would someone accidently do that :shocked3: .. not to mention incorrect use of the plug and socket as the i suspect their will be a N in a terminal marked L.

 

[WaterSparky]

I dont see how you can overload the lead? As it can not be used the wrong way? But yes i do see it wouldnt pass an PAT test. Also the concern on loads as ive calculated currently roughly is that, the porta-cabin would not pull more than 16 amps, also as the way it has been wired is that an it has small 1 way DB which has a 16A MCB with the lighting on it spured off the radial. So other than an issue with VD and Discrimination, shouldnt be any or many issues i can see?

Thank you for your replies guys!

 

[Darkwood]

Your saying its got a fuseboard with only 1way in use for a radial and lighting spurred off... so you can really say that a heater or two won't be plugged in and a kettle which is common within cabins ...does sound a bit limiting unless the siting of the cabin means it won't require heating.

That aside you have no overload discrimination you have a front end OCPD rated at 16amps feeding a dist board with a 16amp mcb .... yes it will all work but poor design and bad practice at best....

Also the length of extension and your concerns with VD sounds like this cabin really wants a dedicated supply put in rather than a makeshift solution. Even temp' set-ups need to comply to BS 7671 and are usually subject to the same regulations as permanent set-ups.

The comment about the is an issue who's to stop someone using the extension lead for other purposes at any point in the future the fact it can be means you should make it up in the first place and like you say it wont pass a PA-test due to its config' so how can you put it into service to start with. .

Yes i see these quick fix solutions all the time and in-respect don't create much of a problem normally but dosn't mean its correct to do it...its slides into the cowboy land.

I take it im right in thinking you have a 16amp extension with a 32amp socket outlet on it ... yes maybe plugged into your set-up its got a front end 16mcb but its an extension lead that can be used for other things simply telling them not to dosn't wash in the scope of the reg's.

 

[telectrix]

Hi guys I have a question what size conductor can you fit in a 16A 2P+E 230V socket/coupler/socket?

Thanks

here we have a conductor, driver, and inspector. try them for size. conductor for the current, driver for your LED lighting, and an inspector to sign it all off.

 

[Guest55]

"i'll ave you Butler !!"

*shakes fist at bus.

;-)