16 amp supply for UK workshop?

[Mac]

Hi guys,

Just a quick query...is it a relatively easy job to add a 16amp supply to my workshop if I need one? I have a consumer unit in there, if that helps? 

Cheers,
Rick

 

[jonny round boy]

Yes, it's very simple.

There are a couple of ways of doing it, but that depends on exactly what the electrical set-up is at the moment, accessibility of cables, how far from the socket to CU etc.

 

[Guy Ashley]

Hi Mac

I'm not a qualified sparky first of all, but when I set up my workshop the sparky was happy for me to run all the cables as long as he did the connections and then gave me the safety certificate for the Buildings Insurance.

All my machines (single phase) draw at least 16 amp and it is standard twin core and earth 2.5mm cable the diffence being the run is dedicated to that machine and there is a 20amp breaker in that part of the fuseboard.

Dont know what your set up is but it is straight forward enough but always best to get a sparky to do it.

Guy

 

[MarkF]

16 amps is an unusual number for a circuit.  I'm in the States, not a "Sparky" and definitely not sure about the UK so my opinion is exactly worth the price you pay.  I wired my shop with the assistance of a Licensed Electrician neighbor.  Here we overshoot supply by about 25% greater to meet code and prevent overloading.  So, if you have a demand for 16 amps, a 20 amp circuit should be considered.

 

[jonny round boy]

16 amps is an unusual number for a circuit.  I'm in the States, not a "Sparky" and definitely not sure about the UK so my opinion is exactly worth the price you pay.  I wired my shop with the assistance of a Licensed Electrician neighbor.  Here we overshoot supply by about 25% greater to meet code and prevent overloading.  So, if you have a demand for 16 amps, a 20 amp circuit should be considered.

Mark,

Here in the UK, most sockets are rated up to 13A, at 230V. For industrial applications, there is also a different socket that's rated at 16A, 230V. It's essentially a middle-step between standard sockets and 3-phase, which is 415V.

 

[Mac]

Thanks for the help guys, I'm upgrading the workshop somewhat and want it ready for getting some bigger machines in place.

Cheers,
Rick

 

[mattfc]

Hi guys,
Just a quick query...is it a relatively easy job to add a 16amp supply to my workshop if I need one? I have a consumer unit in there, if that helps? 

Yes will be easy.. but how easy depends on a couple of things.. first being whether there is a spare/blank in your consumer unit... if there is then real simple, otherwise a sparky will need to install an additional box (you can get a 4 way garage unit). You need to be a bit careful what you ask for.. if for example you have machines that are rated at 3-4Kw they can draw 20A at start-up and then once going the current reduces. If this is the case then you need Type-B circuit breakers (they allow a little longer for the start-up current) I would recommend going for a 32A circuit in the consumer unit and then something specific for the machines (e.g. like this)