Install a double socket off of a FCU

[winston1]

Electrically, that's true ...
That's also true (well, I assume that they are all internally fused), but that doesn't stop the (UK) instructions at least sometimes calling for an external fuse <13A fuse - for whatever reason.

Kind Regards, John

The only reason the MI would call for a small fuse in the UK is because they are wrong when the same boiler is used elsewhere on a 16 amp circuit.

We don't have to follow the MI especially when they are wrong.

 

[ArmPole]

Wow, what a helpful bunch, thank you very much for your quick and detailed replies

 

[deadshort]

Hi,

In my kitchen there is a FCU for the Combi-boiler. Can I install a double socket next to the FCU and wire it into the load side? I want to run a 700w microwave and a Tassimo coffee machine from the sockets.

Alternatively, can I change the FCU to a FCU and single socket combined unit? yes you could use a dual back box.

DS

Thanks for any advice.

PA

 

[ban-all-sheds]

The only reason the MI would call for a small fuse in the UK is because they are wrong

No, that is not the only reason. They might call for one because of requirements in the gas regulations.

the same boiler is used elsewhere on a 16 amp circuit.

Elsewhere has different gas regulations.

We don't have to follow the MI especially when they are wrong.

Do we know that they are wrong in this instance?

 

[winston1]

Show me a gas regulation that says boilers should be externally fused at a low value similar to the internal fuse.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I can't.

 

[winston1]

I can't.

So maybe there isn't one. I don't believe gas people are qualified to write electrical regs anyway.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

So maybe there isn't one.

Maybe there isn't.

And maybe there is.

I don't believe gas people are qualified to write electrical regs anyway.

Be that as it may, if they put a requirement in the gas regulations then it applies to the installation of gas appliances.

 

[JohnW2]

Alternatively, can I change the FCU to a FCU and single socket combined unit?

yes you could use a dual back box.

Yes, but, other than physically, that is no different from the OP's original suggestion to just install a separate socket - or to have an FCU and socket on the same modular faceplate. As has been discussed, if the boiler 'requires' a low rating fuse, then a socket supplied from the load side of that FCU (as proposed by OP) would be pretty marginal for his intended loads. On the other hand, if the socket were supplied from the supply side of the FCU, that would be non-compliant IF the FCU is on a spur from a ring final (and we don't know about that).

Kind Regards, John

 

[mwatsonxx]

The op should ensure that FCU supply is permanent. It might be fed via the control circuit to the boiler.

 

[sparkwright]

If the FCU is on the ring circuit then you can make the new socket part of the ring as well.
If the FCU is a spur from the ring circuit then, yes, you can do as you ask.

Perhaps you can let us know what wiring is connected to the FCU if you are not sure.
Switch off the power before looking.


There's no such thing.

Has the op revealed if the existing FCU is directly on the ring, a spur from the ring, or on a radial circuit.

Apologies if so, I can't see it.

Can't understand all this talk of feeding the new socket from the load side of the FCU if it's not necessary...

 

[ArmPole]

The FCU is on a spur from the ring main

 

[sparkwright]

I suppose if you're installing a double socket, it wouldn't be much harder to install another FCU, so a 13 amp unswitched FCU supplies both a 3 amp FCU for the boiler and a double socket.

This, or a similar arrangement, would certainly be better than feeding from the load side of the boiler FCU.

 

[JohnW2]

I suppose if you're installing a double socket, it wouldn't be much harder to install another FCU, so a 13 amp unswitched FCU supplies both a 3 amp FCU for the boiler and a double socket.

Indeed. Dare I mention that I did make that suggestion in the second reply in this thread? (and it would have been the first reply if I had typed slightly faster!)

Kind Regards, John

 

[sparkwright]

Indeed. Dare I mention that I did make that suggestion in the second reply in this thread? (and it would have been the first reply if I had typed slightly faster!)

Kind Regards, John

You may dare, and I really think this is the best option.

Boilers DO demand a 3 amp fuse, ignoring something like this (which is in the MI) would be foolish IMO.

Some MI are total ******, but not always.