Quick Question Re: Kitchen Reno

[veedee]

1. Is it ok to create two spurs off an existing FCU (13amp)? One spur (double socket) will be for washing machine and the other will power a fridge freezer.

2. Both cables for the washing machine and fridge will be approx 1m-1.5m in length. Is this ok? Also I dont plan on chasing the cable, as it will be hidden behind the base units. is this ok?

3. Is it ok to power kitchen extractor (fan/light) from lighting circuit. Currently, the lighting circuit is powering the smoke alarms, lights and bathroom extractor

 

[muffking]

1 Yes. If it's protected by an RCD then you're covered for new additions.

2 Strictly speaking the ZS should be checked to ensure it meets the minimum disconnection time for the MCB, but for the sake of a couple of metres of cable and if it's RCD protected then you'll be fine. Just try to suspend the cables if you can be clipping them to the wall in case of leaks.

3 Can you confirm its power or current rating and report back.

 

[winston1]

1. Yes you can do this but it would not be wise with high power devices such as washing machines. Only 13 amps would be available.

2. No requirement to chase the cables anywhere if you don’t want to.

3. Yes.

 

[veedee]

1 Yes. If it's protected by an RCD then you're covered for new additions.

2 Strictly speaking the ZS should be checked to ensure it meets the minimum disconnection time for the MCB, but for the sake of a couple of metres of cable and if it's RCD protected then you'll be fine. Just try to suspend the cables if you can be clipping them to the wall in case of leaks.

3 Can you confirm its power or current rating and report back.

Thanks for your help

According to the spec sheet the total power consumption of the kitchen extractor is 67.5W. It also has one 2.5w LED

 

[veedee]

1. Yes you can do this but it would not be wise with high power devices such as washing machines. Only 13 amps would be available.

Based on your comment, I assume that you are inferring the possibility of the circuit tripping due to the power consumption?

I do have a cooker switch (45amp) very close by. Would it make better sense to do the following?

1. Spur off cooker switch to create the power for the fridge freezer
2. Spur off existing FCU for washine machine

Would this be ok?

p.s. the cooker switch will power both a gas hob and electric oven

 

[winston1]

1. You could, or even use this for the washing machine.

2. What is this FCU already supplying?

 

[veedee]

@winston1

1. It was supplying power to a single socket (under the worktop)

I assume that this must have been either for a mini fridge freezer or possible washing machine

2. There is a double socket right next to the fcu (above the worktop)

2.5mm cable goes between them (like a spur). But in addition, both the fcu and double socket have another cable coming into them (as if a supply). Is this normal?

They are on the existing ring circuit

 

[EFLImpudence]

2.5mm cable goes between them (like a spur). But in addition, both the fcu and double socket have another cable coming into them (as if a supply). Is this normal?

If I understand correctly, then of course it is normal.
How else would the electricity get there and on to the next socket?

They are on the existing ring circuit

Then you have answered your own question.
A "ring" circuit is a circuit in the rough shape of a "ring"; it is not just another name for "circuit".

Imagine your FCU instead of the junction box.

 

[Risteard]

If I understand correctly, then of course it is normal.
How else would the electricity get there and on to the next socket?


Then you have answered your own question.
A "ring" circuit is a circuit in the rough shape of a "ring"; it is not just another name for "circuit".

Imagine your FCU instead of the junction box.

View attachment 188511

I hope that's not a yellow cpc on the spur.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Picky picky. The other 'yellow' wires have green markings. I'm suprised that you didn't mention that the green spacings did not comply with the relavent standards.

 

[muffking]

Picky picky. The other 'yellow' wires have green markings. I'm suprised that you didn't mention that the green spacings did not comply with the relavent standards.

No mention of it being a screw terminal JB and must therefore be accessible either

 

[muffking]

Thanks for your help

According to the spec sheet the total power consumption of the kitchen extractor is 67.5W. It also has one 2.5w LED

No problem there then. Just making sure it wasn't an industrial sized jobbie as I removed one from a customers loft once. I can only assume they acquired it for free...

 

[winston1]

It looks like this fcu was never required. If it is only feeding a single socket it is pointless as the plug in the socket will be fused.

 

[EFLImpudence]

It is only a picture from the Wiki. It has probably been there a while.

 

[veedee]

Thanks for the help and banter guys