Maximum load across both sockets of a double socket

[littlespark]

We've had this discussion before, but does anyone have any idea what load can be put through a double socket?

The socket in question is an MK logicplus, installed in a commercial kitchen. The supply cable is 6mm, converted from a previous cooker circuit to a double socket. (information gathered from staff working there, I don't know the rating of the OCPD, but I bet its still whatever the cooker needed, not downgraded for a socket on a radial)
One socket has a deep fat fryer plugged in at 3kW, and the other is either a toaster, kettle or whatever else is needed.
There is another identical fryer in the kitchen, but it is off the rfc. They would like the 2 fryers in the same area of the kitchen, hopefully off the same double socket.
So 3kW full on is over 12A … 2 of them, 24, 25A?
Obviously, cooking with the fryers there will be diversity, and they wont be on full, but can a double socket cope with 24A for any length of time?

Hypothetically, if this double socket was a spur off an rfc, would a 2.5mm T&E supplying the double socket cope with the load?

Maybe manufacturers need to print it on the front of the socket?
13A per outlet, 20A between both outlets if it is a problem

 

[davesparks]

As far as I know the British standard requires a twin socket to handle 20A.

Feeding two loads like this through a twin socket is far from ideal, though it would probably work ok.

 

[davesparks]

I don't know the rating of the OCPD, but I bet its still whatever the cooker needed, not downgraded for a socket on a radial)

The OCPD doesn’t need to be downgraded from what the cooker needed, it is only protecting the cable and the 13A plugs have their own protection.

 

[telectrix]

The OCPD doesn’t need to be downgraded from what the cooker needed, it is only protecting the cable and the 13A plugs have their own protection.

true, but as the socket/load has protection of 2 x 13A BS1362 fuses, it may be beneficial to downrate the OCPD to 20A. this would comply with the recommendation of a 20A load on a double socket outlet. the down side would be probable nuisance tripping.

 

[littlespark]

The OCPD may very well already be downrated, but knowing the state of the place, it probably isn't.

I was doing PAT reports in the building (see I didn't call it PAT testing)
and I've come across a few instant fails on visual inspection.

2 examples - outside fairy lights in the beer garden.

1. Proper IP rated 2 gang outside socket... all good so far, grey T&E into plugtop , then connected to old festoon lighting with connectors wrapped in duct tape. Roughly clipped to wooden fence.

2. From the same socket, plugtop and T&E around the other fence to an old metal coffee tin screwed to the wood. 20mm hole in side of tin, pointing downwards at least, with a grommit. Inside the tin is a standard metalclad socket. From here the actual fairy lights are plugged in. (the lights themselves passed)

And no... the coffee tin isn't bonded to anything.


Back to the fryers

The running load is probably less than the full 3kW... maybe full until the oil heats up, but put down a little depending on what's cooking.

 

[Wilko]

Don't know if it's possible, but I'd rather extend to a 2nd (separate) outlet, even a single.

 

[DPG]

And don't forget 'PAT' is still not the correct term.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

Nor is plugtop. They are plugs. Plugtop is the cover of the plug.

 

[Rpa07]

Who rubbed the lamp?

 

[Pete999]

The OCPD may very well already be downrated, but knowing the state of the place, it probably isn't.

I was doing PAT reports in the building (see I didn't call it PAT testing)
and I've come across a few instant fails on visual inspection.

2 examples - outside fairy lights in the beer garden.

1. Proper IP rated 2 gang outside socket... all good so far, grey T&E into plugtop , then connected to old festoon lighting with connectors wrapped in duct tape. Roughly clipped to wooden fence.

2. From the same socket, plugtop and T&E around the other fence to an old metal coffee tin screwed to the wood. 20mm hole in side of tin, pointing downwards at least, with a grommit. Inside the tin is a standard metalclad socket. From here the actual fairy lights are plugged in. (the lights themselves passed)

And no... the coffee tin isn't bonded to anything.


Back to the fryers

The running load is probably less than the full 3kW... maybe full until the oil heats up, but put down a little depending on what's cooking.

Your para 1), got to be a joke hasn't it? never read the whole post, please ignore.

 

[DPG]

Nor is plugtop. They are plugs. Plugtop is the cover of the plug.

Oh God, here we go. It'll be lamp bases in a minute just watch.

 

[Pete999]

Oh God, here we go. It'll be lamp bases in a minute just watch.

bulb bases, surely Mate

 

[Spoon]

I have a bulb, plugged into a bulb holder, wired to a plug top. Plugged into a ring main plug top holder...

 

[Pete999]

I have a bulb, plugged into a bulb holder, wired to a plug top. Plugged into a ring main plug top holder...

Getting serious is this debate, time for a refill

 

[rolyberkin]

I had a tenant who plugged to 3kw heaters into a MK outside plug and it melted it! They heaters were probably both on full tilt constantly but IMHO it's not going to end well with the fryers if they are both turned on together.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

I have a bulb, plugged into a bulb holder, wired to a plug top. Plugged into a ring main plug top holder...

You are being stupid. A plug top has no connections. It is a plug.

Please learn from your mistakes.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

Duplicate error.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

MK Logic and Logic Plus double sockets are rated at 26A, 13A per outlet.

 

[Taylortwocities]

I had a tenant who plugged to 3kw heaters into a MK outside plug and it melted it!

It would have been worse if there had been two of them!

 

[rolyberkin]

It would have been worse if there had been two of them!

Fat fingers and four cans of Polish lager!