FCU's

[ronnieboy]

Hi,

I'm looking to install a washing machine and a dishwasher side by side and want to connect them to fcu's, I don't like the idea of using two of these and was wondering if a twin fcu exists, if so, does anyone know where I could buy one

 

[AndyPRK]

not seen one.

Whats wrong with plugs and sockets ?


And maybe a 20A switch on top of the counter to turn them both off.

 

[ronnieboy]

Can you run two appliances off of 1 20a switch? If so that would mean turning both appliances on at the same time, plugs and sockets would mean concealing in a cupboard which means they could be left switched on, and considering the fires that have occurred with certain machines, to me it's not an option

 

[EFLImpudence]

I'm looking to install a washing machine and a dishwasher side by side and want to connect them to fcu's,

Why?

I don't like the idea of using two of these and was wondering if a twin fcu exists,

It does not and you WOULD be using two either way.

You are unnecessarily overcomplicating this.

Use two sockets and plug them in.

Can you run two appliances off of 1 20a switch?

Theoretically you could if both together are less than 20A but it is not a good idea.

If so that would mean turning both appliances on at the same time,

Obviously.

plugs and sockets would mean concealing in a cupboard which means they could be left switched on,

Most appliances are left switched on at the socket.

and considering the fires that have occurred with certain machines,

Did they catch fire when not being used?

to me it's not an option

Why is that?

 

[AndyPRK]

Can you run two appliances off of 1 20a switch? If so that would mean turning both appliances on at the same time, plugs and sockets would mean concealing in a cupboard which means they could be left switched on, and considering the fires that have occurred with certain machines, to me it's not an option

Its certainly normal to have sockets/plugs in cupboards for appliances and then above the counter, either a 13A fcu or 20A (opinion varies! ) switch per socket to turn them off.


If your one that doesn't like lots of switches above the counter you could just have one switch. e.g 20A or 45A.

Its not really a problem switching both on and off at the same time is it? If one is in use its on. At night you just turn it off. Simple.


example of neat 45A

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Legrand-S...409?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item20d88d1649

 

[ronnieboy]

Thanks Andy

 

[JohnW2]

Its certainly normal to have sockets/plugs in cupboards for appliances and then above the counter, either a 13A fcu or 20A (opinion varies! ) switch per socket to turn them off.

I'm not sure that opinions vary that much. If there is going to be a fused plug below the counter, nothing is to be gained by having another fuse in an FCU above the counter. Some people argue (I believe incorrectly) that switches cannot be connected to a ring final, because they are not 'BS1363 accessories' (whereas an FCU is), but I think that's silly.

If your one that doesn't like lots of switches above the counter you could just have one switch. e.g 20A or 45A.

Yes, provided that there are sockets (hence fused plugs) downstream. However, a 20A switch is not really adequate for 2 x 13A sockets, and 45A switches (even the one you link to) may not be regarded as aesthetically pleasant by someone who doesn't like switches above the counter! A pair of 20A grid switches in a single grid box might be an option.

Kind Regards, John

 

[AndyPRK]

I thought you loved diversity John


I seam to recall some graphs of a washing machine and dishwashers power consumption throughout their cycles.

 

[JohnW2]

I thought you loved diversity John

When it's appropriate, yes. Anyone who adds up the ratings of MCBs in a CU will see why

I seam to recall some graphs of a washing machine and dishwashers power consumption throughout their cycles.

Indeed - and, as you are implying, neither consumes 3kW for more than about 30 mins, and rarely simultaneously. However, whilst diversity is all very well in terms of loading of cables etc. (a cable rated at 'only 20A' would never come to any harm running a WM+DW, even if they were often started simultaneously), but it's very different with a switch. If it were the case (which undoubtedly it isn't, but we probably have to assume that it is!) that a '20A switch' cannot safely carry (or break) more than 20A (for any period of time), then that is an absolute (not duration-related) situation, to which one clearly cannot apply diversity.

Kind Regards, John

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I don't like the idea of using two of these

Why?

was wondering if a twin fcu exists, if so, does anyone know where I could buy one

You could make one with a 4-module grid plate containing 2 switch modules and 2 fuse modules.

 

[eveares]

Also remember that with sockets you can easily unplug, unplumb and remove the appliance should you need to get it out. With FCU's you would have to unwire them as well, taking longer to remove the appliance.

 

[sparkwright]

You could get a grid switch to fit a single back box.

This grid switch would consist of two 20 amp double pole switch modules.

Each switch would serve a single socket.

There should be room for a single socket and a plug behind each appliance.

If not, fit the sockets in nearby cupboards.

If no cupboards, fit an unswitched fused spur (with bottom cord outlet) behind each appliance.

 

[JohnW2]

You could get a grid switch to fit a single back box. This grid switch would consist of two 20 amp double pole switch modules. Each switch would serve a single socket. There should be room for a single socket and a plug behind each appliance.

Indeed - but I beat you to that one ...

...Yes, provided that there are sockets (hence fused plugs) downstream. A pair of 20A grid switches in a single grid box might be an option.

Kind Regards, John

 

[sparkwright]

You could get a grid switch to fit a single back box. This grid switch would consist of two 20 amp double pole switch modules. Each switch would serve a single socket. There should be room for a single socket and a plug behind each appliance.

Indeed - but I beat you to that one ...

...Yes, provided that there are sockets (hence fused plugs) downstream. A pair of 20A grid switches in a single grid box might be an option.

Kind Regards, John

Ah, didn't notice. So much drivel from some others I thought I'd go for the 'ultimate' answer that would satisfy the op's request and be a decent acceptable job. Cheers.

 

[ronnieboy]

Thanks for all your help, I think I'll go with the plugs and sockets in cupboard option