Cable Length

[Andyhull]

I agree with you Miker7301, 2.5 is the minimum that should be used!
I was just stating that it would not be neccessar to run such a long cable to the upstairs ring/socket!

I am a multi skilled engineer so understand loading calculations, but many people don't, i was just trying to put it in easy to understand english rather than putting calculations on that would not neccessarily be understood.

Andy

 

[Kevin Wood]

I think what Andyhull was getting at is that it's quite acceptable to run 2 elements from a single ring main with care and thus running a long extension, and associated issues, might not be required.

How many elements are we talking? I'm guessing no more than 2, and probably only 1 at a time for the majority of the time if doing a 23L brew.

Most kettle elements draw no more than 10 Amps so for 2 elements we are talking about 20A load current.

A ring main wired with 2.5mm T&E cable, as is the norm, will split that current drawn at any point in the ring down 2 possible paths from the consumer unit, with the ratio of the currents depending where on the ring main you connect the loads. Even if 100% of the load current were to pass through a single part of the ring (if the socket is very close to the consumer unit, or on a spur, for example), in almost all cases (since safe current carrying capability depends on installation method) a single length of 2.5mm T&E would be safe at 20 Amps constant load, even more so if the load is not continuous on both elements (i.e. both elements only on for 15 minutes at the start of the boil, perhaps, or one cycling on a PID).

You would, of course, need 2 sockets on that ring at the location where you are brewing, and I would say avoid using both plugs on a double socket, use 2 independent outlets on the ring, if possible. I would also check that the sockets are indeed on a 30A ring and not on a fused spur from it or a lower rated radial circuit as is sometimes the case for garage circuits.

 

[BrotherMalice]

Brewing in the bathroom as it turns out

great incase of spillage will go straight in the bath

Power being run in from the kitchen, there seem to be hundreds of sockets in there!

 

[stonegrey]

kind hoping that you bathroom is next to the kitchen, and you have extension leads of at least 2.5mm heat resistant cable, with RCDs.

 

[Andyhull]

I think what Andyhull was getting at is that it's quite acceptable to run 2 elements from a single ring main with care and thus running a long extension, and associated issues, might not be required.

Exactly kevin, thankyou

Can you not take your suply from the upstairs ringmain if you are brewing up there?
It would require a shorter extention!
Also, why can't you brew it in the Kitchen?

 

[BrotherMalice]

My kitchen is next to the bathroom (really annoying when you need the loo in the night!) the cable is the cable I linked on the previous page, no RCD's yet, need to pick some up ASAP, got 2 weeks till I use the boiler for a proper brew :)

 

[miker7301]

Andy,
Initially when I read your post, it read like you were saying you could run high loads on 1.5mm cable over long distances. As an engineer, you'll know to not run a circuit without some overhead free.
Apologies, I may have mis understood your meaning.

 

[miker7301]

From the iet forum posts
What it means is 13 amps in TOTAL from a double socket, not per plug.

http://www.theiet.org/forums/forum/mess ... adid=33787

All MK socket-outlets are manufactured to comply with BS1363 part 2: 1995 and are rated at 13A per unit. Double socket-outlets have been manufactured and tested to exceed this rating by margin that allows electrical safety and reduces the risk of heat and mechanical damage to components due to overloading. It should be noted that BS1363 part 2: 1995 does not allow double sockets to operate at twice the permissible maximum loading and it should be remembered that double socket-outlets are not manufactured to be able to withstand a 26A load for sustained periods of time. .