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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> Secondary fusebox - overloaded? https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1251204906 Message started by Mr Bigglesworth on Aug 25^th, 2009, 1:55pm

Title: Secondary fusebox - overloaded?
Post by Mr Bigglesworth on Aug 25^th, 2009, 1:55pm

My friend has what seems to be a secondary fuse box which services the appliances in the extension. The fuse box seems to have one plug socket running directly off of it (via a cable dangling down from the fuse box) which then has two sets of 4 socket extension cables plugged into it (one plugged into the other). Off of these extension leads are a washing machine and a fridge freezer. The fuse box also services a dual power socket in the garden.

My questions are:

With the setup of the 2 extension cables with the 2 appliances, are there any dangers with that set up? There is a wall mounted dual power socket next to the appliances which runs from the main fuse box, I’m wondering whether it would be better to plug the two appliances into that socket?

When I plug in a lamp and a pond filter into the outside sockets it works fine. But when I plugged in a pressure washer yesterday, the fuse box tripped. Now is this because the socket can take something as powerful as a power washer or could it be that there is too much plugged into the fuse box at that time?

Title: Re: Secondary fusebox - overloaded?
Post by sparky415 on Aug 25^th, 2009, 5:25pm

This all sounds like a bodge up to me!
Can you tell what sized cable and what sized fuse/MCB feeds this board?
Can you post a picture on here?
Other than a pic do you know a friendly neighbourhood
sparky that could visit and give it a quick look :)

Title: Re: Secondary fusebox - overloaded?
Post by Y3 on Aug 25^th, 2009, 7:03pm

Are the sockets 30mA RCD protected?
The appliances are better off plugged into the double socket you mention. Running extension leads like you describe are a trip hazard and from what you describe how the socket supplying them is fed, the weight of the leads could work the sockets terminals loose, which will cause an unwanted heating effect which could lead to fire issues. Like sparky415 mentioned, BODGE. Somebody needs to look at it really.

Regards

Carl

Title: Re: Secondary fusebox - overloaded?
Post by howlingdog on Aug 27^th, 2009, 8:18pm

Don't touch anything untill a qualified electrician takes a look at it!

As the lads have just said...'bodge job'. I'd go the full mile here and stay well clear.

Rob

Title: Re: Secondary fusebox - overloaded?
Post by CWatters on Aug 27^th, 2009, 8:54pm

What he said. Get an electrician to take a look.

Got to wonder why extension leads were used when there is a socket right next to the machine. Perhaps something wrong with it?

Check the label on the back of the washing machine vs the rating on the extension lead. It might be possible to overload the extension lead.

Title: Re: Secondary fusebox - overloaded?
Post by sparky415 on Aug 27^th, 2009, 11:43pm

Can we get a picture please

Title: Re: Secondary fusebox - overloaded?
Post by Zambezi on Aug 28^th, 2009, 12:03am

He was about to take a picture when the whole place went up in flames.... ::)

Title: Re: Secondary fusebox - overloaded?
Post by sparky415 on Aug 28^th, 2009, 7:49pm

[gallery]sparky415/1251485238.jpg[/gallery]

We were too late! :(