andybird74 Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 Hello guys I know you can buy on the market a 2 socket mains installation kit for my 1969 bailey restoration project but I would like to fit 3 sockets. Could I run a spur off one of the scockets or will that overload the mains consumer unit as the one's I find in the shops only have two breaker switches? Or is there a 3 socket installation kit out there. Cheers Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WispMan Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 I don't see why not providing the total loading and the cable carrying capacity is large enough. Some modern double sockets now have a USB socket included and this could help to re-charge modern devices. Quote Graham Unless otherwise stated all posts are my personal opinion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ern Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 You can add a socket and still keep the same number of breaker switches, as you will still only draw the total load allowed. (You will not load each socket to the maximum). Quote Ern Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybird74 Posted September 9, 2014 Author Share Posted September 9, 2014 Thanks guys. So I can run my radio, charge my laptop and have a 240v light on at the same time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ich Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 Thanks guys. So I can run my radio, charge my laptop and have a 240v light on at the same time? No reason why not. Quote My mind not only wanders, sometimes it leaves completely Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WispMan Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 I assume you understand 240V supplies. For example: A 100 watt bulb is 240 x amps = 100. So a 100 watt bulb draws around 0. 4 amps and the breakers and cable are rated in current (amps). So a radio, charger and a light may draw less than 1 amp but your breaker may be 6 or 15 or 20 amps - it will be marked for the max current before it trips. What is your breaker marked as? Quote Graham Unless otherwise stated all posts are my personal opinion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybird74 Posted September 10, 2014 Author Share Posted September 10, 2014 Not sure. Havent got it yet. But yes I will do the maths when I get the unit. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybird74 Posted September 10, 2014 Author Share Posted September 10, 2014 Hello WispMan This is what the read up about the unit says. ..CONSUMER UNIT CONSISTING OF: 25AMP-30MA RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVISE, 10AMP MINIATURE CIRCUIT BREAKER {DOUBLE POLE}, POLARITY TEST INDICATOR LIGHT, IN 5 MODULE ENCLOSURE. Whats the difference between the 25Amp-30MA Residual current devise and the 10AMP breaker? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zen Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 (edited) A residual current device (RCD) detects an earth fault and trips out. A 25amp one has a maximum current of 25amps, it will not trip out if the load is greater. A 10 miniature circuit breaker (mcb) is technically a fuse and will trip out if the current is greater than 10 amps edit the RCD will trip out with an earth fault of 30mA (or 0. 3 AMPS) Edited September 10, 2014 by zen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybird74 Posted September 10, 2014 Author Share Posted September 10, 2014 Cheers Zen So with this that set up is the max amount of amps I can have going at any one time is 10 or 25? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyJover Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 10. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WispMan Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 Agree max 10 amps. Which is a total max of appliances 2400 watts. So don't use a std household 12AMp kettle! Quote Graham Unless otherwise stated all posts are my personal opinion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybird74 Posted September 10, 2014 Author Share Posted September 10, 2014 Is where any way of boosting the amps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianI Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 Your post #4 says you just want to run a radio, laptop and light. This would only take around 2 amps all together. You can go higher if you want but only to 16amps as this is the maximum on most caravan sites. Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sleepyfolk Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 Nice little set here with two circuits http://www. 12voltplanet. co. uk/240v-mains-hook-up-installation-kit-for-caravans-motorhomes-boats. html As the guys are saying as long as you don't exceed total current on the circuit you can have as many sockets as you fancy within reason, you're always limited by the usual 16a supply on site anyway (some sites are less occasionally) I've got an 8 socket adapter wired into a fused spur under the seats to power a variety of low consumption items Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybird74 Posted September 10, 2014 Author Share Posted September 10, 2014 (edited) Thanks guys for all the answers. Your post #4 says you just want to run a radio, laptop and light. This would only take around 2 amps all together. You can go higher if you want but only to 16amps as this is the maximum on most caravan sites. Brian Ive found an amp calculator online. I though all of that would be more as they all use 3amp fuses. Edited September 10, 2014 by andybird74 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zen Posted September 11, 2014 Share Posted September 11, 2014 Just because there is a 3 amp fuse fitted it doesn't mean you will be using 3amps. The fuse is generally there to protect the flexible cord which will be rated above the fuse rating. you have to look on the appliance and it will tell you it's rating. 100W is about 0. 4 amps 1Kw is 1000watts and takes about 4amps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DACS Posted September 11, 2014 Share Posted September 11, 2014 A residual current device (RCD) detects an earth fault and trips out. A 25amp one has a maximum current of 25amps, it will not trip out if the load is greater. A 10 miniature circuit breaker (mcb) is technically a fuse and will trip out if the current is greater than 10 amps edit the RCD will trip out with an earth fault of 30mA (or 0. 3 AMPS) I think that you mean 0. 03 Amps. OK, someone has to say it. If you need to ask all of these questions then you should also ask yourself whether to are capable of installing your own mains wiring safely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zen Posted September 11, 2014 Share Posted September 11, 2014 I think that you mean 0. 03 Amps. OK, someone has to say it. If you need to ask all of these questions then you should also ask yourself whether to are capable of installing your own mains wiring safely. I stand corrected I see you spotted my deliberate mistake. I also have to agree with you on your comment as to ability to wire anything in. Technically speaking any new 203v circuit or work on a 230v circuit should be properly tested before energising Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybird74 Posted September 11, 2014 Author Share Posted September 11, 2014 (edited) I understand your concerns if I'm up to the job because of all the questions. I am able to fit the unit as Ive done it before without any problems. I was just making sure what the breaker can handle. Cheers Edited September 11, 2014 by andybird74 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyJover Posted September 11, 2014 Share Posted September 11, 2014 I am able to fit the unit as Ive done it before. .. Why don't I feel reassured? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ich Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 Looking at this, I would have thought that a more normal consumer unit with an RCD, a 10A MCB and a 6A MCB would have been more appropriate as it will allow full use of a 16A EHU. As for a triple socket http://www. diy. com/departments/electrical-security/switches-dimmers-sockets/sockets/DIY579414. cat/category-27004=DIY579417/Number__of__Sockets-37768=3?categoryToFilter=DIY579417 Quote My mind not only wanders, sometimes it leaves completely Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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