Temporary circuit - max amps to faceplate?

[Elecpleb]

I have set up a sub main supply to my shed as follows:
32A MCB on main fuse board
6mm T&E
Sub-mains board (B&G with RCD (40A 30mA))
32A MCB
4mm T&E @ 3m
Terminating at X2 double sockets

I have been told the sockets could melt as they will only be rated for 13A plugs, not a 32A radial in 4mm T&E. Is this true?

ps this is only a temporary set up for power tools, while I renovate the shed. I plan long term 2.5mm ring off a 20A.

 

[buzzlightyear]

I have been told the sockets could melt as they will only be rated for 13A plugs, not a 32A radial in 4mm T&E. Is this true?

Which idiot told you that. Considering a 4mm on a 32 amp on the circuit.
What is the loading or on that circuit..
The sub board should be a 64amp, but the design should be better.

 

[Spoon]

I have set up a sub main supply to my shed as follows:
32A MCB on main fuse board
6mm T&E
Sub-mains board (B&G with RCD (40A 30mA))
32A MCB
4mm T&E @ 3m
Terminating at X2 double sockets

I have been told the sockets could melt as they will only be rated for 13A plugs, not a 32A radial in 4mm T&E. Is this true?

ps this is only a temporary set up for power tools, while I renovate the shed. I plan long term 2.5mm ring off a 20A.

Welcome to the forum mate.
Does your main consumer board have RCD protection?
If it's just for power tools then I would recommend a 20A in the shed instead of a 32A breaker as you have move selectivity.
Who told you that the sockets would melt? They won't.

If it's just temporary then why not just use an extension lead to the shed until you do the proper job?

 

[wheeto]

To be fair, this set-up could exceed the faceplate's rating. 26A (and, of course, with no limit on duration) will exceed the rating of a double faceplate but that's not an issue with the arrangement in this scenario, it's an issue with BS1363-2.

 

[Strima]

To be fair, this set-up could exceed the faceplate's rating. 26A (and, of course, with no limit on duration) will exceed the rating of a double faceplate but that's not an issue with the arrangement in this scenario, it's an issue with BS1363-2.

So how does that work on any other socket circuit on 32 amp OCPD? Why haven't all our houses burnt down due to this problem?

 

[wheeto]

So how does that work on any other socket circuit on 32 amp OCPD? Why haven't all our houses burnt down due to this problem?

Your first question is making exactly my point: I think the regs are inadequate. And the answer to your second question is, I suppose, "luck."

 

[Elecpleb]

Welcome to the forum mate.
Does your main consumer board have RCD protection?
If it's just for power tools then I would recommend a 20A in the shed instead of a 32A breaker as you have move selectivity.
Who told you that the sockets would melt? They won't.

If it's just temporary then why not just use an extension lead to the shed until you do the proper job?

Thanks Spoon.
Yes, 63A RCD on the main board.
Power tools up to 4200W. I agree with the breaker size, I just used what was supplied for now as I already had the 4mm
I did use the extension lead... its 45m and unreeling and reeling seemed more effort than the temp run, also meant I could the lighting straight away as that’s permanent.

To be fair, this set-up could exceed the faceplate's rating. 26A (and, of course, with no limit on duration) will exceed the rating of a double faceplate but that's not an issue with the arrangement in this scenario, it's an issue with BS1363-2.

Hi Wheeto.
What does this mean to exceed this rating? As in, what would be the consequence of this? At the moment I’d just like to be able to use sockets out there until I insulate, ply and then surface mount the permanent supply.

 

[wheeto]

Hi Wheeto.
What does this mean to exceed this rating? As in, what would be the consequence of this? At the moment I’d just like to be able to use sockets out there until I insulate, ply and then surface mount the permanent supply.

Use them - I didn't mean to imply that your set-up was any more dangerous than every other double socket in the country on a 32A breaker (radial or ring final). I was just making the point that none of them are properly rated for two appliances at 13A load each! Sorry for any confusion.

 

[Midwest]

Your first question is making exactly my point: I think the regs are inadequate. And the answer to your second question is, I suppose, "luck."

Some (twin) sockets are actually only rated to 20A, 16A & 4A, if I recall. Some sockets manufacturers, MK for example rate theirs at 13A & 13A per (twin) socket. So with the latter, why would it cause a fire on a 32A supply?

 

[wheeto]

Some (twin) sockets are actually only rated to 20A, 16A & 4A, if I recall. Some sockets manufacturers, MK for example rate theirs at 13A & 13A per (twin) socket. So with the latter, why would it cause a fire on a 32A supply?

The fact that MK have recently chosen to exceed the statutory minimum requirements on their logic plus series is great, and their outlets will be safe on the 32A supply.

Others don't and, therefore, won't. It doesn't affect my opinion on the standard itself.

Just out of interest, @Elecpleb , what brand and model faceplate have you used?