I want a 16 amp socket in the garage with 3 double sockets

[loz2754]

Glad you got it resolved.

 

[Julie.]

Thank you very much. I did get a commando unit that has the switch with protection and it’s going on 16amp mcb. All is solved! All that and it’s only a 1500w motor

You need to check, just having a switch is not enough, it has to be interlocked between the switch and outlet some are and some aren't.

Do you have the type/picture of the one proposed?

 

[Fiskey878]

You need to check, just having a switch is not enough, it has to be interlocked between the switch and outlet some are and some aren't.

Do you have the type/picture of the one proposed?

Hi, I’ve got my hands on it and it’s installed already, you can’t turn it on at all unless there’s a plug in and you can’t pull the plug when it’s turned on. It’s only running at 9.1amps as well so I’m not worried about it any more lol. Thanks again for your help

 

[Rockingit]

There are two reasons why the industrial 16A socket is not permitted in residential, the first is that standard accessories have an integral fuse because of the normal 32A mcb protection on a ring, but fitting the 16A outlet on a single radial circuit on a 16A mcb solves this.

However the most critical reason is that all equipment for residential has protection against small fingers and poking! Usually via shutters, take the standard 13A outlet as an example; this just isn't present with the 16A or 32A industrial equipment outlets, in this case a child or adult could easily come in direct contact with live conductors. (Think of a small piece of swarf or similar)

There is a workaround, because although the standard indicates that bs1363 sockets must be used, you are allowed to substitute other equipment provided it provides no less protection.

A standard 16A outlet does not meet this requirement, but there are 16A outlets and plugs with interlocking, these have an isolator switch.

In this case when a suitable plug is inserted the switch may be switched on, but then the plug cannot be removed, without a plug in, the switch cannot be turned on.

This would provide the required level of protection provided it is supplied by a 16A mcb.

Whilst I agree with you entirely in principle, I don’t believe that it’s actually mandated anywhere in regulations (either electrical or building) that you can only use BS1363 in a dwelling?? Happy to be schooled on this if not so!

 

[Intoelectrics]

Thank you for the information. They say that type C is 'recommended' but they don't say it is a necessity. If my type B breaker doesn't trip does this mean I'm OK to use it with the planer?

You can always try it first. If the planer starts and runs fine on a standard 13amp plug top then you are not losing protection. Be sure to make sure the RCD protection for this circuit is working properly. Very easy to catch and damage a flexi lead with a power tool like this.

Though if you are running the lighting & other items from the other sockets simultaneously then you should seriously consider the advice given so far and see about improving and altering the existing supply to accommodate you new requirements.

 

[Julie.]

Whilst I agree with you entirely in principle, I don’t believe that it’s actually mandated anywhere in regulations (either electrical or building) that you can only use BS1363 in a dwelling?? Happy to be schooled on this if not so!

553.1.201

Every outlet for household shall be shuttered and preferably bs1363

(Paraphrasing as I haven't got my book to hand)

It's the lack of shutters on a 16A outlet that is prohibited.

 

[As1999]

Thanks for your reply. The CU in the house is RCD protected so I guess I don't need an RCD in the garage too. Would I be correct in thinking that I only need to uprate the house CU breaker to the garage if it keeps tripping due to overload? I was thinking to maybe install a 20 Amp type C in the house CU that will feed the garage CU.

I would personally add a rcd in the garage cu even if the house db has one. Saves the hassle of the entire house loosing power.

 

[timhoward]

I would personally add a rcd in the garage cu even if the house db has one. Saves the hassle of the entire house loosing power.

How would you ensure only the garage one trips?

 

[As1999]

How would you ensure only the garage one trips?

Should preface this by saying I’m not fully qualified yet - just waiting for nvq 3 from my employer!

But rcd discrimination would ensure garage trips first if there’s a fault there no? Correct me if I’m wrong !

 

[timhoward]

Should preface this by saying I’m not fully qualified yet - just waiting for nvq 3 from my employer!

But rcd discrimination would ensure garage trips first if there’s a fault there no? Correct me if I’m wrong !

If you could achieve RCD discrimination, then yes. I believe it would be rather hard to do in these circumstances, assuming there's already a 30ma RCD in the house.