HELLO! How to know how much you uk socket can take?

[static zap]

Attempts to extract too much ,may degrade the insulation on your RFC , probably near the kitchen ....
So Kev the kitchen fitter gets the blame !
( Don't spoil Xmas if you cook electric )

 

[Karin]

We use 230V because current is inversely-proportional to voltage

yeah? i thought it was because we wanted to be like the french..

 

[Pete999]

yeah? i thought it was because we wanted to be like the french..

No mate it was the EU that told us we had to be like the French, a big difference. We saved their backsides 70 odd years ago, and now they're telling us what to do, something wrong somewhere along the lines.

 

[Taylortwocities]

@MrC123 still waiting to learn what it is that you need to plug in.

 

[telectrix]

i seem to remember back in the 90's the IEE as was then , made the wiring regs into a "British Standard" ( 7671) so that Johnny Foreigner could not interfere. worked well, since then we've had 230V and stupid cable colours stuffed down our throats. well done the IEE.

 

[HandySparks]

While most socket-outlets are rated 20A, the plug-top fuse will be limited to a maximum of 13A (approximately 3kW).

I think you misunderstand. The 20A test current is the sum of the currents through both sides of a double socket.

 

[Pete999]

I think you misunderstand. The 20A test current is the sum of the currents through both sides of a double socket.

If you plug an extension lead into each socket on a double socket out let, the fuses in each extension lead will limit the amount of current that can be drawn.
So each lead will have a 13 Amp fuse (r should have) so 2.99 KW can be drawn from each outlet, via one extension lead, or have I missed the point?

 

[Taylortwocities]

No you haven't. But that total of 2x2.99KW exceeds the design spec as laid out in BS1363.

That's why it is important to know what our (now long unresponsive) OP is planning to plug in to the extension leads.

His view of

going to be using a fair amount

May not be so much in amperage terms, In my experience our average DIYer wrings his hands at the thought of plugging in a PC, printer, router and a 2TB disc into an extension lead, but will not even think about the implications of a washing machine + a tumble dryer in the same extension or socket.

I wait with ever increasingly bated breath - in the hope that we may learn of the application - but I fear that turkey, pudding, cheese and glasses of Portugal's finest may make me lose interest altogether.

 

[Pete999]

No you haven't. But that total of 2x2.99KW exceeds the design spec as laid out in BS1363.

That's why it is important to know what our (now long unresponsive) OP is planning to plug in to the extension leads.

His view of

May not be so much in amperage terms, In my experience our average DIYer wrings his hands at the thought of plugging in a PC, printer, router and a 2TB disc into an extension lead, but will not even think about the implications of a washing machine + a tumble dryer in the same extension or socket.

I wait with ever increasingly bated breath - in the hope that we may learn of the application - but I fear that turkey, pudding, cheese and glasses of Portugal's finest may make me lose interest altogether.

A total of 26 Amps from a double socket then?

 

[telectrix]

A total of 26 Amps from a double socket then?

as long as the socket's not MK, Lap, or chink export, should be OK for a half hour or so.