Spur problem?

[ste mac]

Spur off a spur in 2.5 T&E off a 32A ring circuit in a utility room running a washing machine & a tumble drier. This was reported on a recent PIR of a rental property and the landlord would like it corrected,

The problem I have is if I install a FCU then the customer can only use 1 appliance at a time (apparently not an option in a busy household!!).

So my solution would be to fuse the spur with a 20A mcb in a small 2 module enclosure, which will protect the 2.5 T&E from overload and still allow use of both appliances at the same time.

Can anybody see a problem with this?

I know its not the norm but to incorporate the utility room into the ring circuit will require ripping up a tiled bathroom floor, which the landlord is very keen to avoid.

 

[telectrix]

could you not run a leg below the utility room ceiling ( safe zone) or mini trunking and extend the ring?

 

[ste mac]

I could but the spur is off the upstairs ring and this will require removal of the tiled bathroom floor for access which the landlord wants to avoid.

 

[keefy]

Done the 20 amp mcb trick myself, can see no problem. In theory if you have 2 single sockets spured from the ring is this different to 1 x twin? But as you know the load may exceed the 20A for a 2.5 best play it safe. As a thought you could limit one of the washing machine socket with a spur if you knew the load. If less than 7 amp 13 + 7 = .... erm 20? Will look tidier if done in a dual box and labelled 'MAX 7AMP' than a small DB.

 

[telectrix]

OK , so your solution seems the only way. can't see anything wrong there, only that if 2 machines are on the heating cycle at the same time, they could trip the 20A MCB.or you could sell them a washer/tumbler combined.

 

[Risteard]

Could overload one leg of the ring. Not convinced that it is a good idea.

 

[keefy]

Could overload one leg of the ring. Not convinced that it is a good idea.

Good point. Will need to make sure its near to the centre of the ring.

 

[ste mac]

Not the ring imbalance monster again!!!!!

If 2.5mm2 T&E is rated at 27A (clipped direct) then how can a 20A fused spur overload either leg of the ring?

As mentioned in post 3 it is spured off the upstairs ring which is usually very lightly loaded.