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Workshop power supply ?? (Read 7643 times)
koolwabbit
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Workshop power supply ??
Jun 17th, 2004, 5:51pm
 
Maybe a silly question but how do I upgrade from a 13amp supply to 16amp ?? Do I just change the fuses or is it more involved ?

TIA Koolwabbit
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Dewy
Re: Workshop power supply ??
Reply #1 - Jun 17th, 2004, 7:13pm
 
That's a question for the electricians.
You would need a CU for the workshop if it's not part of the house with seperate lighting and power circuits.
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HM
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Re: Workshop power supply ??
Reply #2 - Jun 17th, 2004, 8:19pm
 
Funny subject for the carpentry forum as well, but I guess the question is related to some workshop equipment so it'll pass.

Lots of considerations to take into account. Is the supply cable man enough to support a load uprated by some 25%? Is the earthing up to the job? Do you need some additional earthing arrangements in the workshop?

Definitely questions for a qualified spark - I would advise that you steer clear of uprating the fuse to provide extra amperage on the circuit. It might be the solution, but it might not.

Andrew
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woodsmith
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Re: Workshop power supply ??
Reply #3 - Jun 17th, 2004, 8:30pm
 
Koolwabbit, I take it that as you are posting on this forum that you have a piece of woodworking machinery that needs a 16A supply.

I'm afraid there is no easy answer, the ring circuit with the 13A sockets will be fused at 30A so you can not just change the fuse to 16A without lowering the current available to the rest of the ring.

You will probably need to run a dedicated 16A circuit from the consumer unit and then fit Industrial plugs and sockets rated at 16A.

This is not really a DIY job unless you are very conversant with electrical regs and wiring.
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plugwash
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Re: Workshop power supply ??
Reply #4 - Jun 17th, 2004, 9:18pm
 
is your workshow attached to the house?

how is your workshop powered currently?

its own small CU?
 if so what breaker and cable size in the main CU feeds it?

a ring from the house CU
 if so what size cable and what size breaker?

a radial from the house CU
 if so what size cable and what size breaker?

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koolwabbit
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Re: Workshop power supply ??
Reply #5 - Jun 18th, 2004, 9:04am
 
Yes, it is for woodshop power tools.
My shop has it`s own power supply and I have changed all the sockets and switches for steel ones. The cable is 2.5mm .

Do I need to up the amperage ??
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plugwash
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Re: Workshop power supply ??
Reply #6 - Jun 18th, 2004, 2:58pm
 
how is the cuircuit wired

is it a ring?

and what size fuse/breaker is it on at the consumer unit
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HM
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Re: Workshop power supply ??
Reply #7 - Jun 18th, 2004, 5:34pm
 
[quote author=koolwabbit  link=1087491101/0#5 date=1087545878]
My shop has it`s own power supply and I have changed all the sockets and switches for steel ones [/quote]
I'd like an opinion on whether changing sockets and switches for steel varieties would be considered a good idea?

I'm not suggesting there's anything wrong with steel sockets and switches, but the thought crosses my mind that this could increase the risk level.

Firstly, in order for an electric shock to occur it requires a circuit to be made to earth - and the steel sockets would provide an easy path to earth if you brushed against them, wouldn't they?

Secondly, in a fault situation is it not possible that the steel socket could become live?

Just curious - I'm not trying to say this is wrong.

Andrew
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jasonB
Re: Workshop power supply ??
Reply #8 - Jun 18th, 2004, 6:29pm
 
The only advantage of steel sockets (and boxes?) that i can see is that they would be more resistant to being damaged by big bits of wood being moved around.

jason
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plugwash
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Re: Workshop power supply ??
Reply #9 - Jun 18th, 2004, 6:42pm
 
steel sockets should be earthed so if a live touches the body of the sockets the breaker will be out pretty fast

metalclad socket are MUCH harder to damage than plastic ones this is why they are used
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plugwash
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Re: Workshop power supply ??
Reply #10 - Jun 18th, 2004, 6:44pm
 
also if a metalclad socket were badly damaged it would almost certainly result in a live-earth connection which would result in rapid disconnection of the cuircuit

whereas if a plastic socket were badly damaged live wires could easilly be left exposed
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HM
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Re: Workshop power supply ??
Reply #11 - Jun 18th, 2004, 9:54pm
 
Thanks - makes sense!

Andrew
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rabbit_rabbit
Re: Workshop power supply ??
Reply #12 - Jun 18th, 2004, 10:02pm
 
Up it to 4mm csa (as in treat as a radial circuit) and shove in an RCD. And for overkill (as I always do and I get crititicised for it) shove in an earth rod for extra measure they only cost about a fiver if the shop is away from house.

RR

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supersparky
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Re: Workshop power supply ??
Reply #13 - Jun 18th, 2004, 10:10pm
 
your not allowed to take an earth outta the house anyway, it has to be via a stake now!  8)

ss
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