Max amps from UK socket

[damunk]

I have been told I can use a 30Amp welder from a normal UK socket.

But I have seen numerous posts that say 13amp is max from single socket and 20AMP is max from double socket:

I must be missing a trick. Some internet postings below.

"Double sockets are rated for 20A draw, over this long term will burn the socket out, so 2 x 13A long term and you might have problems."

From google main page:
Most modern residential circuits are 15 or 20 amps, so we're looking at a max load of either (15A x 120V =) 1800 watts or (20A x 120V =) 2400 watts before the breaker trips. The breaker will be labeled either 15 or 20.

Each socket (presumably for flat pin plugs) is designed to deliver a maximum of 13 amps - hence the 13 amp fuse you find in new plugs. Thus a double socket can supply no more than 26 amps.

Another direct link: IET Forums - 13 amp twin socket outlet - http://www.------.org/forums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=205&threadid=33787

 

[Ian1981]

How the hell does a 30 amp welding plug fit in a 3 pin 13amp socket?
If the welder mearly just plugs into a standard 3 pin socket then it must surely be rated to max 13amps?

 

[Octopus]

Have you got the details of the welder?

A plug has a maximum fuse size of 13 amps

 

[damunk]

Clarke MIG151EN Turbo 'No-Gas' MIG Welder | eBay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Clarke-MIG151EN-Turbo-No-Gas-MIG-Welder/370950595960?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649


Clarke-MIG151EN

Also have three vacuum cleaner motors that need to run at the same time:
Each motor is 240V 5amp.

 

[Octopus]

That needs a dedicated 32 a circuit and socket .....

 

[damunk]

But I got this direct from mig welders forum:

"uk households are 240v 32amps on your plugs the 13amp plug can be used with the clarke 151 no problem at full power

i also have the plasma cutter cut 50 and have run that on a 13 amp plug with 45amps

so you will be fine on most plug systems"

 

[Octopus]

Well............ there we go, contradictory information.

Websites do offer a lot of it.

Best you ask the manufacturer what is required.

 

[telectrix]

does the welder have a fitted plug? if so, then it's designed to fit into a comparable socket. the current rating shown for the welder is the output current (at a lower voltage). you need to determine what the full load current is @ 240V.

 

[Wilko]

But I got this direct from mig welders forum:

"uk households are 240v 32amps on your plugs the 13amp plug can be used with the clarke 151 no problem at full power

i also have the plasma cutter cut 50 and have run that on a 13 amp plug with 45amps

so you will be fine on most plug systems"

Sorry to say, but "an anonymous welding guy on a web site said it was ok" probably won't wash with your insurance if the worst happens ... As @telectrix says in #8, the clue is what plug Manufacturer has put onto the welder originally.

 

[Richard Burns]

The specifications for the welder state that it can supply 150A at 21V so this would be 13.7A at 230V plus any losses in the system. The instructions state that the welder has a standard 13A plug.
These welders are fitted with a standard 13 amp BS 1363 plug, fitted with a 13 amp fuse. Connect to a 230 volt (50Hz) domestic electrical supply and we strongly recommend that this be done via a Residual Current Device (RCD).
Overall you should be OK, but I would not recommend using it for a long while at full pelt.

 

[David M]

As Richard said ^^^^^
You won't have a problem using this welder on a domestic socket circuit. Though as he mentioned, using it for a long time on full power would not be recommended.

150amp single phase mig-welders are not much use for any sort of long term fabrication work, you won't be able to successfully weld anything much thicker than 3mm. They are mainly design for a bit of tin bashing, like patching up cars and stuff like that. If this is all you intend to use it for it will be fine.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

Double sockets are not intended for continuous use at 2x13A, although they should not immediately burn out if subjected to this. Good ones might last the course. But the issue is the circuit wiring - unless you know how the circuit is laid out, you can't tell whether the point load of the welder and the three vacuum cleaner motors will overload one leg of a ring circuit, or trip the MCB. Your load is not a typical domestic one and should have preferably dedicated circuits - welder instructions often specify a higher-rated circuit than their apparent requirement, so that you don't get nuisance trips from the momentary peaks and overloads that they tend to produce, and the inrush when switching on.

No wonder you were after stabilisation for the motors - running a welder at the same time on the same circuit will drag the voltage all over the shop due to cable voltage drop.

BTW the reference to 15 or 20A breakers is for American 120V circuits!

 

[damunk]

From the ebay seller that is selling the unit:

"No this welder will not run on full power from a 13amp supply it would require 16amps. So it will not be able to run from a domestic 13 amp plug supply."

 

[Octopus]

^^ so you will need a dedicated circuit....

 

[telectrix]

fit a second cable and plug top to the welder. then plug each of the 2 plugs into separate sockets on different circuits. this will then split the current between circuits.

N.B. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME, I'S A JOKE..