NEW SOCKET FROM CONSUMER UNIT?

[boratonpurim]

Can anyone give some advice please?
My wash machine and dryer is getting power from the same ring main as my kitchen, the fuse keeps on blowing once in 2 weeks, the load is too heavy. So basically I want to run a new line just for the wash machine and dryer (The consumer unit is right above them) so the run is about 2m long. Question is what circuit would be enough for both? 20a? 30a? Am I allowed to use a 30a just for 1 double socket? Does it have to be like a ring main (2x 2.5) and if not what should I do? Sorry if I didn’t explain it good but I tried the best I can...
THANKS A LOT…

 

[Chri5]

Run 2.5 TE as a radial (one cable) and provide a fuse at 20A

or

Rub 2.5 TE as a ring (two cables) and provide a fuse at 30A


Since the washer / drier are unlikely to demand anywhere near 20A, option A would be the easiest and the cheapest.

If you have a RCD rail side on the CU I would provide the fuse within the RCD side.

Since your providing a final circuit work should be notified and tested accordingly

 

[FredFlintstone]

Firstly, are you absolutely certain that you're having problems because the load is too large?

I'd say you'd probably need to have the washer and dryer, kettle, toaster, microwave and other appliances on all at the same time to overload your circuit. If your current circuit is a ring main then it should have a 30a fuse (I think) or 32a MCB. Have a look at all the appliances in the kitchen and tot up the total amps.

Secondly, your current CU, does it have re-wireable fuses, cartridge fuses or MCB's? Are there any spare ways to add a new circuit? Is your main and supplementary bonding up to standard?

Adding a circuit is notifyable work so if you want to do it yourself then you'll have to contact the council first and pay a fee for inspection.

If your washer and dryer are rated at less than 20 amps in total then the cheapest and easiest option woul be a radial with a 20a fuse. If the combined total is greater than 20amps then you'll need a new ring main with 30a fuse of 32a MCB. This shouldn't really be any more difficult than a new radial especially given the proximity to the CU.

In a nutshell, if your electrics are all up to current standards and there are no hidden faults then it's a cheap and easy job providing you've got a spare way on your CU. In this case it would probably be no more expensive to get a qualified spark to do it for you due to the LABC notification fee.

However, if your electrics are not to current regs, there are hidden faults or you don't have any spare ways then it becomes more complex and expensive. In any event, you would want to get those faults sorted anyway and would probably need to get a spark in to fix them.

Regards

Fred

 

[JohnD]

also, for large appliances like washers and driers, you should not put two of them into a double socket as it will get hot. Use two singles.

It is also possible to have a 32A radial if run in 4mm sq cable.

You mention a 30A fuse, which makes me think you have rather an old consumer unit (modern ones are 32A MCB) possibly rewirable and possibly a Wylex Standard or similar. An older installation is more likely to have faults or need upgrading, especially for the earthing arrangements.

I see that in two of your other posts you mentioned that the cooker circuit was blowing for no apparent reason, so it seems you have an installation that is due inspection, test and rectification.
http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=600035#600035
http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=620393#620393

On another thread you were having trouble with light switches.
http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=91043&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

On http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=604537#604537
you were having trouble with your washer/drier circuit.

I think it is time you asked around friends and neighbours for a recommended local electrician who is a member of a self-certification scheme.

 

[boratonpurim]

Thanks for the advice guys.