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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Carpentry Questions >> Workshop power supply ?? https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1087491101 Message started by koolwabbit on Jun 17^th, 2004, 5:51pm

Title: Workshop power supply ??
Post by koolwabbit on Jun 17^th, 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

Title: Re: Workshop power supply ??
Post by Dewy on Jun 17^th, 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.

Title: Re: Workshop power supply ??
Post by HandyMac on Jun 17^th, 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

Title: Re: Workshop power supply ??
Post by woodsmith on Jun 17^th, 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.

Title: Re: Workshop power supply ??
Post by plugwash on Jun 17^th, 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?

Title: Re: Workshop power supply ??
Post by koolwabbit on Jun 18^th, 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 ??

Title: Re: Workshop power supply ??
Post by plugwash on Jun 18^th, 2004, 2:58pm

how is the cuircuit wired

is it a ring?

and what size fuse/breaker is it on at the consumer unit

Title: Re: Workshop power supply ??
Post by HandyMac on Jun 18^th, 2004, 5:34pm

wrote on Jun 18^th, 2004, 9:04am:

My shop has it`s own power supply and I have changed all the sockets and switches for steel ones

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

Title: Re: Workshop power supply ??
Post by jasonB on Jun 18^th, 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

Title: Re: Workshop power supply ??
Post by plugwash on Jun 18^th, 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

Title: Re: Workshop power supply ??
Post by plugwash on Jun 18^th, 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

Title: Re: Workshop power supply ??
Post by HandyMac on Jun 18^th, 2004, 9:54pm

Thanks - makes sense!

Andrew

Title: Re: Workshop power supply ??
Post by rabbit_rabbit on Jun 18^th, 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

Title: Re: Workshop power supply ??
Post by supersparky on Jun 18^th, 2004, 10:10pm

your not allowed to take an earth outta the house anyway, it has to be via a stake now! 8)

ss