Non electrician: advice about socket connected to a fused switch

Jennifer Paterson · Oct 3, 2018

Hi all

I have a single socket behind my fridge freezer that is inaccessible and so has a fused switch connected to it for easy access to turn on and off. I have been using a 2 gang adapter on this socket so that I can run my chest freezer of it as well.

Would it be possible to change the single socket to a double socket so that the fused switch controls both sockets for the fridge freezer and the chest freezer? Or is it better to leave it as is with the 2 gang adapter? Also, is it OK for me to be running both of these appliances off this socket?

Thank you very much in advance, I would really appreciate any advice on this.

Deleted member 26818 · Oct 3, 2018

No reason why the socket cannot be changed to a double.
Probably not a great ide to run the two items from the one socket, but you’re doing it already and a double socket would be better than the adapter you are using now.

littlespark · Oct 3, 2018

No problem whatsoever. Both appliances are protected together by the 13A fuse in the sfcu.

Would advise changing the socket be done by an electrician though.

Jennifer Paterson · Oct 3, 2018

Thanks

Taylortwocities · Oct 3, 2018

Remember:
The fused switch has a 13amp fuse in it. If the compressors in the both appliances turn on at the same time, will the total current be more than 13amp?
If it is and the fuse pops, then you will have a very expensive pile of defrosted lobster, etc to eat very quickly.

To be sure, change the FCU to a 20A DP switch, and install your double socket/