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Grid switch ratings enquiry

Farmboy
Had an interesting chat with a tech dept this afternoon after coming across some grid switches in a domestic kitchen.


Four grid switches (sharing a common backbox) are each fed via their own 16A cb's, and each feeds 1G sockets (for a cooker hood, fridge freezer, etc). Ignoring the cable sizes (the focus being on the grid switches), given the 13A plug fuses limits the loads in each cct, would you have the current rating of the grid switches equal to or higher than the 16A cb's (e.g. 20A), or lower (but equal to or higher than the socket rating e.g. 13A/14A)?


F
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    Presumably the single 13 Amp sockets are behind the appliances like the fridge freezer, or at high level above the extractor hood, so are very unlikely to be used for additional appliances. That is why there are conveniently positioned grid control switches. Therefore this is a non-issue. A 10 Amp grid switch will not catch fire or blow up if carrying 11 Amps in most cases. A 20 Amp grid switch will be fine for other appliances like washing machines or tumble driers etc. Overloading is very unlikely if the single 13 Amp sockets are inaccessible. Stop worrying needlessly.



    Ah, but you're only considering overload - what about fault currents?


      - Andy.
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    Presumably the single 13 Amp sockets are behind the appliances like the fridge freezer, or at high level above the extractor hood, so are very unlikely to be used for additional appliances. That is why there are conveniently positioned grid control switches. Therefore this is a non-issue. A 10 Amp grid switch will not catch fire or blow up if carrying 11 Amps in most cases. A 20 Amp grid switch will be fine for other appliances like washing machines or tumble driers etc. Overloading is very unlikely if the single 13 Amp sockets are inaccessible. Stop worrying needlessly.



    Ah, but you're only considering overload - what about fault currents?


      - Andy.
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