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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 !

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    davezawadi (David Stone): 
     

    I see your points Graham, but I think you are being misguided as to the possible levels of risk. Whilst Appendix 15 does suggest a degree of care is required it is NOT a regulation and is not usually up to the electrician anyway. From your comments, I would infer that you think that double sockets should not be permitted, or possibly they should only be fed via a 13A FCU. You also imply the 2.5mm cable size is inadequate, whereas I suggest that it is not, and is proven by 10s of millions of installations that it is perfectly satisfactory.

    I think you've missed my key point by some way.

    Over time, I believe I am coming to the conclusion that the ring final circuit and the fused plug or fused connection unit it requires presents an outdated solution, which wastes energy and resources. I think the most appropriate solution is a 16 A or 20 A radial, with an appropriate unfused plug and [shuttered] socket-outlet, or an unfused connection unit.

    To implement this, we needn't require existing installations change - fused adaptors can be used for new appliances, and fused versions of the new socket-outlet design could also be provided for use on ring final circuits.

    I suggest that a single socket and a two-way adaptor is much worse than a double socket, but that would be the result of removing double sockets!

    I agree.

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  • 0

    davezawadi (David Stone): 
     

    I see your points Graham, but I think you are being misguided as to the possible levels of risk. Whilst Appendix 15 does suggest a degree of care is required it is NOT a regulation and is not usually up to the electrician anyway. From your comments, I would infer that you think that double sockets should not be permitted, or possibly they should only be fed via a 13A FCU. You also imply the 2.5mm cable size is inadequate, whereas I suggest that it is not, and is proven by 10s of millions of installations that it is perfectly satisfactory.

    I think you've missed my key point by some way.

    Over time, I believe I am coming to the conclusion that the ring final circuit and the fused plug or fused connection unit it requires presents an outdated solution, which wastes energy and resources. I think the most appropriate solution is a 16 A or 20 A radial, with an appropriate unfused plug and [shuttered] socket-outlet, or an unfused connection unit.

    To implement this, we needn't require existing installations change - fused adaptors can be used for new appliances, and fused versions of the new socket-outlet design could also be provided for use on ring final circuits.

    I suggest that a single socket and a two-way adaptor is much worse than a double socket, but that would be the result of removing double sockets!

    I agree.

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