3ph to Single Phase

[flameport]

but EAWR would presumably not apply to DIY work done by a property owner within domestic premises.

It doesn't, but that's only for DIY work, as in someone doing work in their own home.

EAWR does apply to any electrician or other person working in a domestic premises or any other location.

 

[funinacup]

I don't think i've ever heard of a 25A 3 phase socket, the standard current ratings for the "CEEFORM" style sockets are 16A, 32A, 63A and 125A (there are theoretically larger sizes, but i've never seen them in practice, single pole powerlocks seem to be the go to for portable power at really high currents).

If the current rating on both ends is the same and the supplies have a neutral (I suspect they do, but you should verify) I see no problem with making up a lead with a 3 phase plug and a single phase socket. Leads with different current ratings at both ends are more dubious (though commonly constructed in practice).

Sorry, I meant they are protected by 16, 25 and 32A RCBO's. The sockets themselves are 32A.

When making up the lead, which live pin on the 3ph plug would it be best to wire the brown live in the single phase wire to? I appreciate this depends on a multitude of factors with regards to phase balancing, but I am using one of these 5 sockets at a time, for short periods.

 

[flameport]

When making up the lead, which live pin on the 3ph plug would it be best to wire the brown live in the single phase wire to?

None of them. You can't do this yourself.

 

[funinacup]

None of them. You can't do this yourself.

Would making up a lead not be allowed? It's not altering any of the fixed installation at all.

 

[flameport]

If you make up an adaptor or extension lead for use in a commercial environment, it must meet the required standards and is subject to CE or UKCA marking and all of the requirements that go with that.

Or just buy one as suggested above.

 

[JohnW2]

It doesn't, but that's only for DIY work, as in someone doing work in their own home. EAWR does apply to any electrician or other person working in a domestic premises or any other location.

Indeed - but, as I said ...

... I really just wanted to 'warn' people that the issue is not just about commercial/industrial installations, and that incompetent DIY work undertaken within someone's own domestic premises can also "not end well" in legal/financial terms.

Kind Regards, John

 

[Keithmac]

Yes, for the sake of compliance you really only have 2 options.

1. Use a qualified electrician and obtain the appropriate certification for all works

2. Buy an off the shelf, pre-tested and certified solution such as https://www.rubberbox.co.uk/32A-supply/RUB1852 that requires no modification to the fixed wiring.

That looks a good bit of kit, can't see any reason not to go for one of those and leave the wiring as it is (that's what I'd do).

 

[briwire]

Nothing wrong with making leads up. The pins in the connector will probably be labelled L1, L2, L3, N and earth symbol or E. Use one of the Ls for live and N for the neutral, obviously. If you have a multimeter just check that you only have 230v at your socket not 415v.
Probably best to use the same L for your sockets as there may be a regulation about mixing phases on single phase outlets in the same room. Someone who knows the regs better than me might confirm.

 

[mattylad]

Thats a nice bit of kit linked to, however it begs the question - how many pins do the sockets on the back wall have???

 

[flameport]

Nothing wrong with making leads up

provided you have complied with all of the required directives in designing and assembling it, tested it properly and completed the declaration of conformity (which you will obviously be keeping available for at least 10 years) and marked it appropriately with UKCA or CE or both marks depending on where it is to be used.

Or just buy one from a reputable manufacturer.

 

[AndyPRK]

If you were to buy that box, you would also need a
Cable with red plugs/sockets on the ends to connect them.
It lining up perfectly is unlikely

 

[davelx]

provided you have complied with all of the required directives in designing and assembling it, tested it properly and completed the declaration of conformity (which you will obviously be keeping available for at least 10 years) and marked it appropriately with UKCA or CE or both marks depending on where it is to be used.

Or just buy one from a reputable manufacturer.

Which legislation requires the above? There is nothing in EAWR as far as I can see - I've just read them.

Or is it some other regulation relating to the supply of equipment for sale? If so, does it apply to one-off items, as well than to items made for sale and use by multiple customers (which regs would those be?|)

 

[flameport]

Which legislation requires the above?

Mainly this: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electrical-equipment-safety-regulations-2016
which was derived from the Low Voltage Directive and various other EU directives, all of which still applies even though the UK has left the EU.

 

[davelx]

Mainly this: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electrical-equipment-safety-regulations-2016
which was derived from the Low Voltage Directive and various other EU directives, all of which still applies even though the UK has left the EU.

The first section of which is

"This Guide is for businesses placing electrical equipment products on the market in Great
Britain from 1 January 20211."

"Placing on the market" has a specific meaning, but it's not entirely clear what that is. I can't imagine it is intended for to cover an extension lead put together by an employee for use within his employer's organisation.

 

[flameport]

On the market = the thing exists in the UK/EU and can be used in a commercial activity.

Can be paid for, given away free, can be a single item or a million of them, and can be new, used, refurbished, imported or a combination of those things.

The tedious directive in full : https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32014L0035

I can't imagine it is intended for to cover an extension lead put together by an employee for use within his employer's organisation.

Whether that was the intent is not clear, but it does apply to that, and that's why events companies generally hire or buy all of their extension leads and distribution boxes as finished items, as it's far less trouble than making them up themselves.