time clock on first floor

boratonpurim · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 9:28 pm Post Subject: time clock on first floor

I would like to have a time clock on the first floor for the lights however both floors are on one 16 amp circuit all though it’s on 2 different cables. So normally I would just split them into 2 circuts, but there is no room in the consumer unit for an additional circuit. Any advice how to do it?
Thanks in advance .. joe[/img]

breezer · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 9:33 pm Post Subject:

why are the lights on a 16A fuse, and what good is a time switch?

not a lot of use if no lights on when you want to visit the loo

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boratonpurim · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 10:16 pm Post Subject:

i dont know. thats the way it is 2 lines into the 16amp, 1 for first and for second floor. i want the first floor on a timer for when i leave for vacation etc. thanks.

breezer · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 10:21 pm Post Subject:

i would be inclined to find out why they are on a 16a fuse first

is it a fuse or plug in mcb?

as for the time switch, its easy but even easier is to buy plug in timers for table lights. (plug into sockets)

these will be less hassle, can be set at differnt times* (gives a better impression than all on or all off at same time) and have one / two for down stairs.)

when you come back unplug timers and save for next year

* ever seen the film home alone?

remeber the two baddies sitting outside the house?

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boratonpurim · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 10:32 pm Post Subject:

its a plug in mcb.
well i'd prefer to install a timer since im away 8 days every month so i can set it up for the whole floor whenever i'd like. what are my options?
thanks

plugwash · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 11:00 pm Post Subject:

I would run from the MCB to a pair of FCUs for upstairs and downstairs. Then run the upstairs on to the timer.

breezer · Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 5:00 am Post Subject:

perhaps some one only had a 16a mcb?

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boratonpurim · Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 11:40 am Post Subject:

that's possible, bottom line is it ok like that or it has to be changed? Thanks

Lectrician · Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 4:04 pm Post Subject:

Why do you need to split the circuit? Just switch the UPSTAIRS leg from the mcb with a timeclock!

Three core + E from CU to time clock. Brown into MCB with downstairs cable, grey (sleeved blue) to the neutral bar, join the upstairs light cable to the black in the three core.....

So fuss - zero hassle - piece of p**s!

Just find out why it's a 16amp!

plugwash · Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 4:46 pm Post Subject:

I would guess it is a 16A because one lighting circuit fused at normal lighting circuit levels wasn't enough for the lights that are fitted.

It is not advisable to have lighting circuits protected only by a 16A breaker (and it is a violation of the regs if there are any SES or SBC lampholders). That is why I suggested the use of FCUs.