Two single sockets instead of one double socket

[pig89]

Hi all,
Would it be better to replace a double socket with two singles to allow two 3KW heaters to be plugged in at the same time?

Thanks

 

[ericmark]

Simple answer is yes but it would need to comply so radial or ring but not a spur.

You are allowed one device on a spur which should include some current limiting device i.e. fuse in plug. A double socket is a single device two single sockets are not.

 

[pig89]

Thanks ericmark, so if the two singles are connected into the ring, then this will be fine to plug in two 3KW heaters?

Thanks

 

[AndyPRK]

Is it giving problems presently?

You could try an mk socket

 

[pig89]

It is a double socket that I have never used for heaters before. I now wish to use two 3KW heaters in the room but i'm not sure whether it would be better to have two singles for this. The double that is currently there is not a mk.
Thanks

 

[conny]

Two singles are no better than a double. They will still draw the same current at that point of the ring. I believe it would balance the load better if you plugged one in to that double and another into a socket elsewhere, preferably at a point opposite in the ring.

 

[JohnW2]

Two singles are no better than a double.

That's not really true - because of the characteristics/ratings of the sockets, not the pattern of loading on a ring. Whilst a single socket can supply, and is rated to supply, 13A, it is generally (maybe always) the case that double sockets are not rated to supply 26A (i.e. 2 x 13A) - 20A maximum is what is usually cited for a double socket.

I believe it would balance the load better if you plugged one in to that double and another into a socket elsewhere, preferably at a point opposite in the ring.

That would be theoretically true if one socket were fairly close to one end of the ring. However, if a double socket were close to the centre of the ring, that would already represent a balanced load, even if both heaters were plugged into that double socket. However, that doesn't alter the issue I've mentioned above.

Kind Regards, John[/u]

 

[pig89]

Thanks for all your help, greatly appreciated