FCU 's in Ring Main - advice.

[chrisgc]

Just some advice needed with regards to a few items permanently connected in a kitchen circuit.

Ring main circuit in a kitchen so will include a few double sockets, plus the following:

Extractor hood, Washing machine, Tumble dryer and Dishwasher.

Whats the best way to have the above items connected into the ring?

Is it FCU for each item then each FCU leading to Single socket for each of the items?

Also can an FCU be connected directly in the ring ie, between sockets OR is it preferred to have the spurring off a socket in on the ring?

PS. Its a new circuit so not adding onto an existing.

 

[telectrix]

FCU for extractor, fused down to 3A or 5A. for the washer etc, i would use 20A D/P switches, maintaining the ring final circuit through each switch, with a single 2.5mm drop to single socket for each appliance.

 

[Lucas123]

grid switch with individual fuse carriers to differentiate between appliances according to its load

 

[telectrix]

no need for fuses in grid switches. the appliances are fused at the plug tops.

 

[malcolmsanford]

The grid switches is indeed as the lads say a better way to go.

But you can indeed incorporate FCU into your ring final as per the regs, because it is a BS 1363 accessory.

 

[chrisgc]

The appliances are not next to each other so differentiating between each item may not be needed. For instance appliance then cupboard then appliance etc.

If anyone could do just a quick sketch as to the easiest and cost efficient method I would appreciate it.

 

[Lucas123]

Tel
i have had this arguement over and over again i am with you the fuse in the plug top is protecting but the mob im testing for at the minute have the grid switch in place with the double module (that being the fuse carrier)

 

[Guitarist]

Appendix 15 in the BGB will give you some ideas.
I'm with tel regarding sockets for your appliances.

 

[brman]

if you fuse it you don't have to stick to the 1 spur per socket rule I guess.
Could be an issue at a house I was at recently where each room had one socket on the ring and a second socket as a spur. So no adding of unfused spurs in that house......

Out of interest, why the recommendation for the grid switch instead of an FCU? Is it to get DP isolation?

 

[telectrix]

you can also get D/P FCUs.i prefer D/P isolation, whichever way it's achieved as , in the case of an appliance earth fault, it can be isolated without dragging the machine out.

 

[telectrix]

Tel
i have had this arguement over and over again i am with you the fuse in the plug top is protecting but the mob im testing for at the minute have the grid switch in place with the double module (that being the fuse carrier)

tell the numpties to look up " discrimination" ( but not in nelson mandela's autobiography)

 

[Guitarist]

you can also get D/P FCUs.i prefer D/P isolation, whichever way it's achieved as , in the case of an appliance earth fault, it can be isolated without dragging the machine out.

I think most decent FCU's are DP as standard now mate.

 

[Amp David]

Only time you'd ever need to have a fuse in the grid setup is if the appliance for whatever reason was connected via a flex outlet.

 

[malcolmsanford]

So scenario of direct fitted appliances via wall plate, DP 20amp switches on wired say on a Ring final 32amp MCB.

if each appliance is less than 3 metres from the switch which is likely in a kitchen unless it is big , why are we advocating any other protection besides the main MCB, unless of course manufacturers instructions here

 

[telectrix]

13A BS1362 to protect the appliance cable, which is generally 1.5mm.