Running Coffee Machine off Generator

[Jimbob]

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Hi
I run a mobile coffee hut and have just bought a new coffee machine and new 7.5 KW Generator.
The coffee machine is on 13 amp plug but requires 32 amp feed. I used it on weekend on 16 amp feed off Genny. My question is can I connect machine direct to Genny (ie not through hits fuse box) and if so would I need to have a breaker in the lead ?
I was going to put 32 amp Genny plug on one end normal 3 pin female on other and thought it would work. Also would I leave 13 amp fuse in plug or larger ?

Thanks in advance
Jimbob

 

[westward10]

Not sure why it needs a 32A supply if it came with a 13A plug fitted.

 

[littlespark]

Not sure why it needs a 32A supply if it came with a 13A plug fitted.

Whoever wrote the manual doesn’t understand how socket circuits may be wired?

OP, if the appliance comes with a 13A plug, then it’ll work of your genny no problem

 

[Jimbob]

Not sure why it needs a 32A supply if it came with a 13A plug fitted.

Bit above my pay grade I’m afraid would it be safe to do away with the plug and just put a 30 amp breaker in if it was connected directly to Genny ?

 

[littlespark]

Bit above my pay grade I’m afraid would it be safe to do away with the plug and just put a 30 amp breaker in if it was connected directly to Genny ?

No it wouldn’t.

The 13A fuse is there to protect the flex as well as the appliance.
If the there was a fault and your machine drew 20A or something for a while, the flex would melt before your 32A breaker tripped.

Leave the 13A plug in place

 

[TonyMitchell]

Do you have a manual or photos of the machine?
Who/where indicated it needs a 32A supply? This contradicts it being fitted with a 13A plugtop.
We often supply power to coffee stalls and always allow a 16A socket, 99% of the time with a 16A/13A adaptor.
As @littlespark indicates above, the 13A fuse is there to protect the flex, so do not alter this arrangement.

 

[Jimbob]

Do you have a manual or photos of the machine?
Who/where indicated it needs a 32A supply? This contradicts it being fitted with a 13A plugtop.
We often supply power to coffee stalls and always allow a 16A socket, 99% of the time with a 16A/13A adaptor.
As @littlespark indicates above, the 13A fuse is there to protect the flex, so do not alter this arrangement.

Hopefully attached. It says requires hard wiring but mine has a plug on it. Flex is heavy duty.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[TonyMitchell]

3600W/230V=15.6A, therefore it should have a 16A connector, typically an IEC60309 'ceeform' type.
I imagine it's wired in 2.5mm2 flex.
Who put the 13A plugtop on it?
Whilst it will work, the flex is up to the job and you're unlikely to blow a 13A fuse, it's certainly not a good idea to be overloading the 13A plugtop by 20%, this and possibly the socket is the weak link.

 

[Jimbob]

3600W/230V=15.6A, therefore it should have a 16A connector, typically an IEC60309 'ceeform' type.
I imagine it's wired in 2.5mm2 flex.
Who put the 13A plugtop on it?
Whilst it will work, the flex is up to the job and you're unlikely to blow a 13A fuse, it's certainly not a good idea to be overloading the 13A plugtop by 20%, this and possibly the socket is the weak link.

I think it was the chap who had it before me who put plug on but he had problems and had to sell it 4 months after purchase for a huge loss so not able to find out too much. Feel so bad for him.
I’ll probably have to find out who he bought it off and ask some history but don’t want to include him as he probably just wants to forget whole episode.

 

[TonyMitchell]

@Jimbob - as you are running the machine off your generator, just ask someone competent to fit a 16A ceeform plug to it. I imagine you have a 16A outlet on your generator panel, or are using with a small 32A distro with some 16A outlets.

One other tip - ignore any council, fairground or market inspector that tells you cables must be blue to be safe to use outdoors. You want to be using HO7RN-F (tough rubber sheath) cable from your generator.

 

[littlespark]

The information you’ve given us now makes a lot of difference. The 13A plug should never have been fitted.

The advice given later is correct about fitting a 16A plug.

You should think about getting an electrician involved if you have other appliances.
Is your set up portable in the sense that you will be needing plugs and sockets?
The electrician could build you a distribution box with all sockets you need.
16A for the machines and 13A for tills, fridges etc?

 

[davesparks]

The information you’ve given us now makes a lot of difference. The 13A plug should never have been fitted.

The advice given later is correct about fitting a 16A plug.

You should think about getting an electrician involved if you have other appliances.
Is your set up portable in the sense that you will be needing plugs and sockets?
The electrician could build you a distribution box with all sockets you need.
16A for the machines and 13A for tills, fridges etc?

I wouldnt trust the average electrician to build a suitable distribution box, it needs to be someone who has knowledge of what is acceptable for this kind of use.
We see a lot of attempts at distribution equipment that we feel obliged to refuse to supply power for.

 

[TonyMitchell]

We see a lot of attempts at distribution equipment that we feel obliged to refuse to supply power for.

Indeed. These designs generally include a discarded domestic CU, some kinked 16mm T/E and an MDF offcut.

 

[davesparks]

Indeed. These designs generally include a discarded domestic CU, some kinked 16mm T/E and an MDF offcut.

Oh yes, everybody loves a wylex board with plug in mcbs outdoors.

My other favourites are the metalclad 13A twin with a 16A plug and socket hanging off each end

 

[littlespark]

Im assuming there's some form of distribution board already in the OP's coffee hut.
It may just need a couple of 16A added to it.

We're not all rough as badgers, @davesparks

 

[Jimbob]

Thanks to everyone you’ve all been realy really helpful I’m sorry I’ve not replied for some reason I couldn’t post til now again.
So nice to know helpful people still exist.