Single unfused 32 amp radial circuit for temp use

[Dave79]

My new house is due to be rewired in next few days, but until then I have major internal work which means all current cabling is removed. I have ran a short 3 mtr using 2.5 tne unfused single socket radial circuit from consumer box on a 32 amp breaker as a temp stop gap so power tools and kettle can be used. Is this ok ?


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[DetlefSchmitz]

No, for a start that cable is only rated at around 20A.

 

[EFLImpudence]

No, connect it to a 16A breaker.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Is this ok ?

No!
2.5mm T&E is designed to carry 27A when on a radial circuit, so options are make the circuit in to a ring final, by returning the legs back to the CU.
Down fuse to 16, 20A or 25A
or replace 2.5mm with larger CSA, 4.0m or greater.

 

[EFLImpudence]

He's only got one socket for temporary use.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

He's only got one socket for temporary use.

One socket, well in that case 16A would be fine but, I would be wanting a little more than one socket, for use of power tool, kettle etc.. plus charging the cordless up.

 

[securespark]

I assume the cable run is V short. In this case, I would put in a couple of sockets, fed from the 32A breaker via 4 milli.

This will give you a bit of leeway.

 

[westie101]

A careful check of earthing is a good idea as is an RCD

 

[Risteard]

It's hardly dangerous given that it is no different to an unfused spur on a ring final circuit. Anyway there are situations where overload protection may be omitted if it supplies a fixed load which cannot result in an overload.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I assume the cable run is V short.

3m, he says.

In this case, I would put in a couple of sockets, fed from the 32A breaker via 4 milli.

32A BS EN 60309 socket by the CU - 4/6mm² H05-RR or -RN cable of reasonable length - sturdy board with a few metalclad sockets?

 

[ebee]

Any of these unsafe?
A 32Amp MCB connected to 2.5/1.5 (T & E) cable.
All sockets are twin.

Circuit 1/ A radial with one socket.

Circuit 2/ A ring final with ten sockets and a spur to one socket run from the midpoint of the ring.

Circuit 3/ A ring final with ten sockets and a spur to one socket run from the fuseway.

It`s amazing how many people think Circuit 1/ is dangerous (2.5 cable and a 32Amp MCB) yet are happy with Circuit 3/

Yet explain to them to get Circuit 3/ then disconnect only the ring leaving the spur intact leaves you with Circuit 1/ - removal of the ring will not make the spur (radial) any more dangerous than it was before.


I`d say to the OP that providing you only have one twin socket maximum unfused then the set up is acceptable. I think most of us would prefer to change the MCB to a 20A or 16A though

 

[Dave79]

Thanks for all the responses much appreciated. I have a 16 amp so will pop that in to play safe. Thanks again

 

[Dave79]

Thanks for all the responses much appreciated. I have a 16 amp so will pop that in to play safe. Thanks again

 

[bernardgreen]

Is the socket fixed to the wall or loose on the end of the cable ?

If loose then fix the soxket to a small piece of timber so the cable can be fixed securely to the timber before it goes into the socket box. Otherwise the movement of the cable will weaken and break the connections in the socket.