Old house - unusual cooker setup - is it safe?

Hi,

First post of several I think - anyway here goes.

I have an old house (was 2 semis, then made into 1 - then back into 2 - now 1 again!!!!)

So there are 2 cooker radials (but I'll get to that in another post).

One of these cooker radials is connected as follows:

6mm cable from 30A breaker - Double pole switch with socket.
1 piece halogen hob and single oven connected directly to cooker switch.
2.5mm T&E cable from cooker switch to double socket (double pole switch type)
2.5mm T&E from this socket to a fused connection point (13AMP fuse).
2.5mm T&E from fused connection to double socket.

SO, I know that if I want to change any of this (apart from replacing like for like or connecting a new cooker) I need to either get a part P person to do it, or apply for planning, do it myself, then get it signed off.

My question is, is it safe in this configuration?

I believe that technically, a radial circuit will allow this setup, and the main problem would be continual tripping of the breaker if all the sockets are used and the cooker is on full whack.

NB - I haven't got the power usage for the cooker to hand.

Thanks for your help.

The 2.5mm T/E is not a good idea - it has too high a load on it.

Either move the FCU so that it's before all of the sockets or use a bigger cable.

Really need the power rating of the hob and the oven!

However I agree with BAS. The cable leaves the CU as 6mm and should continue as 6mm all thru the run.

My gut feel is the sockets are too much for the circuit, and what is the 13A FCU for, what does it feed?

If you have a 30A fuse, does that mean you have an old-style fusebaord, with no RCD protection?

WOW - you guys are quick!!!

OK - will try and get the cooker power rating tonight.

It does have an RCD (not fuse wire - sorry for the confusion)

13A FCU feeds fridge-freezer and telephone.

Other sockets do toaster and kettle.

is the 'spare' cooker radial, as mentioned in your other post, in the same kitchen?

Indeed it is.

I have posted a new topic asking for recommendations regarding this.

Haven't quite worked out how to link to another post yet though....

as you will be converting the second cooker circuit into a kitchen radial, remove these sockets from this cooker circuit and put them on the other radial..

the FCU must go before the extra sockets to conform with the regulations..
you are allowed ONE single or double socket on a 2.5mm² spur from a 30A ring or radial unless they are fed from a 13A FCU ( thus limiting the current in the 2.5mm² cable to 13A ).

thesandman said:

It does have an RCD (not fuse wire - sorry for the confusion)

.

Click to expand...

I am more confused now (excuse the pun!)

I think you mean MCB, not RCD.

If it is an RCD it will have a button marked "TEST" on it.

A photo is good.

Well, there's me getting my RCD and MCB confused.

1. It has a 30 AMP MCB
2. But I also think it has an RCD in front of that (which is in front of everything else also I think).

Anyway - yes a picture would be good wouldn't it (it's not pretty though)? I shall endeavour to get one for tomorrow.

Thanks again for the advice