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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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    gkenyon: 
    Sorry … the limitations of the ring final circuit are very clear.

    If it's not recommended to place a 2 kW oven on the ring final, then it's certainly not recommended to put two heavy current-using appliances on an individual double socket-outlet … this is specifically covered in Appendix 15 of BS 7671 item (iii) … so, what are you actually saying?

    The imbalance in my circuit could hardly be greater: the socket is about 1 m from the CU with a far point about 18 m away; but having a CU in a utility room with a washer and drier can hardly be unusual.

    The saving grace is App 15: The load current in any part of the circuit should be unlikely to exceed for long periods the current-carrying capacity of the cable … (my emphasis). Of course a long period is not defined, but an hour or so appears to be fine. 

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  • 0

    gkenyon: 
    Sorry … the limitations of the ring final circuit are very clear.

    If it's not recommended to place a 2 kW oven on the ring final, then it's certainly not recommended to put two heavy current-using appliances on an individual double socket-outlet … this is specifically covered in Appendix 15 of BS 7671 item (iii) … so, what are you actually saying?

    The imbalance in my circuit could hardly be greater: the socket is about 1 m from the CU with a far point about 18 m away; but having a CU in a utility room with a washer and drier can hardly be unusual.

    The saving grace is App 15: The load current in any part of the circuit should be unlikely to exceed for long periods the current-carrying capacity of the cable … (my emphasis). Of course a long period is not defined, but an hour or so appears to be fine. 

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