Rules and Guidelines
Want to participate in the discussions? Please read our Community Rules and Guidelines. Need some help? Visit Support and Answers.

  • State Not Answered
  • Locked Locked
  • Replies 45 replies
  • Subscribers 31 subscribers
  • Views 9494 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
You may also be interested in
This discussion is locked.
You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion

Current rating of twin 13 amp sockets ?

broadgage

Is there any reliable information as to the current rating of a twin 13 amp socket.

Sounds simple enough, but views seem to differ. I was taught (decades ago) that a twin 13 amp socket manufactured to the relevant standards was suitable for a total load of 20 amps. And I recall that approval testing was done with 14 amps on one outlet and 6 amps on the other.

More recently though I recall respected members of this, and other forums, stating that the maximum total load is 13 amps and not 20 amps. And yes I know that 13 amp twin sockets  are marked “13 amps” on the back. But does this mean “maximum total load of 13 amps” or does it mean “intended to accept 13 amp plugs”

Any reliable views on this, preferably with a source.

And related to the above, I have heard that MK twin 13 amp sockets go beyond the minimum standards and are designed for a total loading of 26 amps. Can anyone confirm or deny this. And yes I have asked MK and have received several different answers !

Parents
  • 0

    Chris Pearson: 
    the washing machine and tumble drier have run off another double socket for 25 years without ill effect.

    gkenyon:

    You are fortunate. I've seen, sadly, cases of washing machine and tumble dryer connected like this, where plugs and socket-outlets (and sometimes both together) have been damaged by overheating in as little as a year. Various manufacturers' products.

    I have just checked. Drier is 2850 W and washer 2400 W.

    I have no idea how often the drier's thermostat will cycle the heating elements, but it goes continuously for up to 40 min.

    The washer uses 49 kWh per 100 washes so it clearly cannot use full power for more than about 10 minutes per wash.

    __________________

    It's all very well debating the rating of a 13 A wiring accessory, but IMHO there is no reason why an ‘ordinary person’ should not reasonably believe that any domestic appliance may be plugged in safely to any 13 A socket outlet.

    In fact I shall go further. There is no reason why an ‘ordinary person’ should think about the consumption of domestic appliances.

Reply
  • 0

    Chris Pearson: 
    the washing machine and tumble drier have run off another double socket for 25 years without ill effect.

    gkenyon:

    You are fortunate. I've seen, sadly, cases of washing machine and tumble dryer connected like this, where plugs and socket-outlets (and sometimes both together) have been damaged by overheating in as little as a year. Various manufacturers' products.

    I have just checked. Drier is 2850 W and washer 2400 W.

    I have no idea how often the drier's thermostat will cycle the heating elements, but it goes continuously for up to 40 min.

    The washer uses 49 kWh per 100 washes so it clearly cannot use full power for more than about 10 minutes per wash.

    __________________

    It's all very well debating the rating of a 13 A wiring accessory, but IMHO there is no reason why an ‘ordinary person’ should not reasonably believe that any domestic appliance may be plugged in safely to any 13 A socket outlet.

    In fact I shall go further. There is no reason why an ‘ordinary person’ should think about the consumption of domestic appliances.

Children
No Data

Join us to get the best from IET EngX.

Joining EngX lets you personalise your experience so you stay up to date on the topics that interest you, plus you’ll be able to make connections who are looking to collaborate, exchange ideas and more.

Join us Not now

Community Rules & Guidelines