Workshop sockets

[highspark]

I've got a job to wire in 6 single phase sockets into a mesh cage room.

Problem is its not a full square room one section is missing, making it a U shape. it also has no roof.

Considering this instead of running a ring I now want to run two radials contains 3 sockets down either side of the room.

With this being an industrial type workshop I'm not sure whether to go bigger on the radials. What I have been told is it's going to mainly be hand tools and grinders etc.

Would you guys put two simple 2.5mm radials at 20A in or go for a 4mm radial?

 

[telectrix]

i'd install 4mm radials on 32A MCBs. that way you're covered for 3 sockets being used at the same time without overloading

 

[Hiddo]

i'd install 4mm radials on 32A MCBs. that way you're covered for 3 sockets being used at the same time without overloading

I would do the same.

 

[johnboy6083]

grinders on 230v? its usually heavily frowned upon, even with an RCD present.
I would install RCD sockets in a workshop scenario, except maybe on a testing bench, where i would have a selection of 110, 230 and 415,

 

[highspark]

So I'm told one single phase grinder. There will be two people working in the cage at anyone time. Each will have a bench on separate walls. So they will be maning 3 single phase sockets at any one time.

Would it make financial sense to run a 32amp ring rather than 32 amp radial consindering price difference in 4mm singles to 2.5nm

 

[telectrix]

up to you. you would basically have 2 x 2.5mm in parallel. if i'd got 2.5mm in stock and no 4mm , i'd use 2.5. either way you've got a 32A circuit.

 

[johnboy6083]

if there is only two people in the cage at a time, then i would run one ring, with RCD sockets. Its very unlikely that 2 people will use 32A, unless welders are present, in which case it would be prudent to ask about them, to see if they require commando type sockets too.

 

[Robotstar5]

Some places don't like 13A S/O's on the "factory floor" as it allows workers to use (un PAT tested) kettles, radios etc. We only allow blue 16A commando sockets for 230V where I work at present.

 

[Spazz]

I would ring it with 2.5mm and a 32A MCB.

Again agree with the 110v comment but thats you'r customers choice.


I dont see the problem with the ring option apart from you mention about its a U shaped room - we have this all the time in council kitchens - you dont have to have a "O" shape it can be a "L", "I" or "U" shape. It can even be a K shape if you wanted - lol

 

[highspark]

I want the ring to be balanced thats why I mention the U shape.

In this instance there will be 3 sockets in parrallel opposite eachother on either side.

But because the room is not a square shape I can't connect the end socket of each side via short leg. It would have to come back on itself through trunking and to the last socket on the other leg.

It possibly woul be a balanced ring if I did choose to do it that way.

 

[Spazz]

It can be balanced still - locate the start of the ring (as far as in the room goes) in the center of the middle wall then go to 3 sockets either side and join ring up.
All sockets will be exactly the same distance from the DB as the other side then.


This sort of format

 

[highspark]

Looks good

 

[Engineer54]

You can alway's wire as a ''staggered'' ring!!

Personally, i would in this instance wire in two 20A radials. The single worker at each work bench will be unlikely to be using more than one outlet/tool at any one time....

By the way, you haven't stated if were talking about 1362 13A sockets or industrial type 16A sockets??

 

[Deservices]

I'd probably do 2 radials but whichever you decide will be fine for what you need.