Fridge freezer and a freezer on same spur?

[Jethro Tull]

Yes the question was about a fridge freezer and a freezer. Can I plug them both onto a spur? The dryer and washing machine on an extension cable response was superfluous to the post.

Just to add I was just asking a question about the amp ratings of general appliances on spurs. It wasn't ever about the extension lead. I think we misunderstood each other here.

 

[JohnD]

Yes the question was about a fridge freezer and a freezer. Can I plug them both onto a spur?

fridge freezers don't take much so it will be fine.

 

[Jethro Tull]

My other question was why not? They appear to draw less than the cable and the 13a fuse can take.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

My other question was why not?

Why not what?

 

[securespark]

Maybe he has misread and thinks you can't put two cooling appliances on one spur.

 

[Jethro Tull]

Why not what?

Maybe he has misread and thinks you can't put two cooling appliances on one spur.

I know that I can put two appliances on one spur but I wasn't sure about a fridge freezer and a second freezer. I now know that is OK. I was just asking why you can't have a tumble dryer and a washing machine on a spur if they draw less amps than the cable and factory fitted plugs can handle. I may not have explained myself well enough.

 

[JohnD]

I was just asking why you can't have a tumble dryer and a washing machine on a spur if they draw less amps than the cable and factory fitted plugs can handle. I may not have explained myself well enough.

Its because two of them, heating at the same time, draw more current that the socket can safely supply.

 

[Jethro Tull]

Its because two of them, heating at the same time, draw more current that the socket can safely supply.

OK Thanks

 

[EFLImpudence]

I was just asking why you can't have a tumble dryer and a washing machine on a spur if they draw less amps than the cable and factory fitted plugs can handle.

The cable - 2.5mm² - is not a problem.

A double socket only has to pass heating tests with a current of 20A shared 14A & 6A.
We don't know why - so we advise people not to put two 13A loads in one double socket.

There is also the experience that some single sockets and/or plugs overheat with a prolonged 12.5A load, i.e. a 3kW immersion.
Some don't and are happy for ever.
If the contacts in the plug become worn and loose over time, this will cause heating.
Perhaps some are just poorly made.

Of course, appliances are not all 3kW these days. Some WM heaters are only 7.5A.

You could swap the double socket for two singles, but some think this is against the regulations because a diagram does not show it as an example of a standard circuit.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Its because two of them, heating at the same time, draw more current that the socket can safely supply.

Where do you get these sockets that can supply current?

 

[Jethro Tull]

The cable - 2.5mm² - is not a problem.

A double socket only has to pass heating tests with a current of 20A shared 14A & 6A.
We don't know why - so we advise people not to put two 13A loads in one double socket.

There is also the experience that some single sockets and/or plugs overheat with a prolonged 12.5A load, i.e. a 3kW immersion.
Some don't and are happy for ever.
If the contacts in the plug become worn and loose over time, this will cause heating.
Perhaps some are just poorly made.

Of course, appliances are not all 3kW these days. Some WM heaters are only 7.5A.

You could swap the double socket for two singles, but some think this is against the regulations because a diagram does not show it as an example of a standard circuit.

Understood. Thanks

 

[JohnD]

all my sockets can safely supply current up to a limit

And can unsafely supply current (perhaps for a limited time) above that figure.

 

[FrodoOne]

Where do you get these sockets that can supply current?

You asked a question which you may have meant to be provoking or sarcastic but I would have thought that, by definition, any socket-outlet could supply/transfer current up to its "RATING", and even beyond.

The limiting factor is any Circuit Breaker or Fuse in series with the load.

There could be a "Ring" Breaker, a "Spur" Fuse or a "Plug" Fuse to limit any such current.
Certainly, while the socket itself will not limit any current, any protective Fuse or Circuit Breaker will limit any such current.

 

[Jethro Tull]

You asked a question which you may have meant to be provoking or sarcastic but I would have thought that, by definition, any socket-outlet could supply/transfer current up to its "RATING", and even beyond.

The limiting factor is any Circuit Breaker or Fuse in series with the load.

There could be a "Ring" Breaker, a "Spur" Fuse or a "Plug" Fuse to limit any such current.
Certainly, while the socket itself will not limit any current, any protective Fuse or Circuit Breaker will limit any such current.

I did say that I wasn't trying to be clever and I think the question was valid. I have had a few people on other electrical sites who have been unable to answer that question with any certainty. The last comment from EFL Impudence resolved it for me.

 

[EFLImpudence]

You asked a question which you may have meant to be provoking or sarcastic

Yes, because that is JohnD's modus operandi.