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Immersion Heater & 13 Amp socket.

We were discussing the rating of 13 Amp sockets recently, both double and single types. The rating seems to be 13 Amp. as indicated on the back of the accessories. Yesterday I had to replace a 13 Amp. single socket that became faulty. It supplied a 3000 Watt water heater. Did the 13  Amp plug burn out? No. Did the socket burn out? No. But the socket switch terminals welded together and would not switch off. So I fitted a 20 Amp double pole switch instead. So, even if a 13 Amp. socket is marked 13 Amp. it may not deliver 13 Amps. reliably, perhaps the makers apply "diversity" when calculating the load current and sizing the contacts for their 13 Amp sockets.


Z.
Parents
  • Zoom ,

    When ring circuits and 13amp outlets were first designed it was decided that immersion heaters

    could conveniently served by a 13amp socket in the airing cupboard.

    A large number of fires later, the idea was abandoned.

    Pulling the plug on load might have been one cause but I have had a few plugs/sockets run hot

    on 3kW loads.


    Terence.
Reply
  • Zoom ,

    When ring circuits and 13amp outlets were first designed it was decided that immersion heaters

    could conveniently served by a 13amp socket in the airing cupboard.

    A large number of fires later, the idea was abandoned.

    Pulling the plug on load might have been one cause but I have had a few plugs/sockets run hot

    on 3kW loads.


    Terence.
Children
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