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Total load capacity of twin 13 amp socket ?

broadgage
What is it ?

I understood that twin 13 amp sockets are designed for a total load of 20 amps, and that the approval test is done with 14 amps one one side and 6 amps on the other side.


However recent posts on these fora and elsewhere have stated or implied that the maximum permitted load is only 13 amps in total.


So which is it ?


I appreciate that these sockets are marked "13 amps" on the back, but feel that this MAY be a red herring. The marking MAY mean "intended for 13 amp plugs" rather than "maximum total load 13 amps"


MK brand metalclad twin 13 amp sockets USED to exceed the minimum standard and be suited for a total of 26 amps, is this still the case ?
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    broadgage:

    A sustained 26 amp load is very unlikely as apart from kettles, very few modern domestic appliances use more than about 10 amps.

    A total 20 amp load is quite likely, a tumble dryer and a space heater for example.


    Kettles are sometimes a full 13 amps, but seem fine in practice due to the short term use.

     


    How many minutes does a domestic kettle take to boil water?


    Z.


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  • 0
    broadgage:

    A sustained 26 amp load is very unlikely as apart from kettles, very few modern domestic appliances use more than about 10 amps.

    A total 20 amp load is quite likely, a tumble dryer and a space heater for example.


    Kettles are sometimes a full 13 amps, but seem fine in practice due to the short term use.

     


    How many minutes does a domestic kettle take to boil water?


    Z.


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