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I took a look at the page that you mentioned ban-all-sheds and read through it - I think those calcs are probably a bit further than I need to go. Basically it seems that if your earth is as large as your phase/neutral then you are OK. Also the first example is very similar to my case, and...

Good advice. However, although the main board is a bit 'old school' i.e. fuses not MCB's, the wiring throughout the house is fairly recent (have been told it was redone late 80's) and in good condition. I have changed over all the plug sockets in the house as the old ones were a bit grubby and...

At the main board I have old style fuses, 2 x 20A in this case. I would rather have the trip switches go first to avoid having to replace the fuse, and I guess you can't be too cautious, right? (By having double protection I mean). Also, this gives an easy way to isolate each appliance...

To answer in order; Cable size = 4mm2 Circuit breaker = 20A fuse at the main board, possible I will also use a 32A MCB for the hob and 2 x 16A MCB's for the oven and dishy, these sited at the kitchen in a waterproof case. Is that the info you need? And, er, I have no microwave.....

Thanks for a sensible reply Trueblue. I am not dismissive of what earth size to use, but unless I missed it, noone has mentioned what earth size I NEED to use!! I will measure the cable accurately tomorrow to put this beyond any doubt. I originally said it was 2.5mm2 as my plumber took a...

Just to reassure everyone that is totally freaking out, an electrician is on his way, but it takes at least a week to get one out round here. I am simply after a temporary solution that will allow me to heat up some beans. Sincere apologies for saying +ve and -ve - I will give them their...

Hi ban-all-sheds ; some of your replies need clarification if I am to learn anything; "I have one earth cable, at least 2.5mm, more like a 4mm. If I route all three earths (hob, oven, dishy) through this one is that OK? No. Please stop now and call an electrician. " Why not? Should...

What is the best way to tell? With a micrometer? I have roughly measured the external diameter with a ruler which is almost 5mm, so I think 4mm is right. The 2.5mm solid core that I bought can be bent fairly easily with fingers. My 5 conductor cable coming out of the wall needs pliers to bend...

I have one earth cable, at least 2.5mm, more like a 4mm. If I route all three earths (hob, oven, dishy) through this one is that OK? Thanks, Berni Oh, by the way, the hob instructions (hob comes without a cable) say that it is OK to use a 2.5mm cable (3 conductors of 2.5mm), which I...

OK I take your point. I was at the house today, and in fact it seems that the wire in question is actually more like a 4mm as it is definitely one size larger than some 2.5mm that I have just bought. So adding the two pairs together (to avoid cable overheating issues) may actually be...

If one 20A fuse pops, (due to say a 40A / 2 = 20A current) then all the load (40A) suddenly goes through the remaining 20A fuse so that would instantly pop too......(this is my old A level physics coming out here....!!) Good point about the earth - I believe it is also 2.5mm, not 1.5, but I...

ok, don't worry, I do have an earth!! All well connected. I would have thoguht the current would split evenly down the 2 circuits, no?

er, sorry, but what is a cpc? I see your point about having to pull two fuses/switches to break the supply, which I agree is less than ideal. Although with 2 x 20A fuses (one on each circuit) I assume a load of >40A would pop one or both of the fuses. Although 5mm is not a recognised...

Thanks for the reply which i really appreciate. However, could you explain why I shouldn't put the two pairs together? As I see it, this gets me a 5mm wire on 2 x 20A circuits. (My main board is oldish and has fuses, not modern circuit breakers). In fact, in this way I could put the oven...

...sorry, another idea came to me; to combine the two 2.5mm pairs together and put the hob and the dishwasher, (8kWish) onto them. In that way I have an 8kW load into what is effectively a 5mm cable. This is split when it arrives at the main board into 2 x 20A circuits. So I guess I have...

Hi - I have a cable which is 2.5mm, with 3 +ves and 1 -ve (and 1 earth). I need to connect up a hob, (6.3kW) an oven (3.3kW) and a dishwasher (unknown but estimate 2kW). At the main board there are two 20amp circuits. What I am thinking of doing is to take 1 of the +ve cables and make...