13a RCBO's

[hotponyshoes]

13a rcbo's don't seem to be common?
Looking to use one for a single 13a socket outlet but surprised by the lack of availability.
Makes me think there may be a reason I should not be using one?

 

[Seadog]

You need a 20A one.

 

[hotponyshoes]

You need a 20A one.

For a single 13a socket on a spur?

 

[hotponyshoes]

Actually, I'm thinking of protection for tye socket itself so, as it's a 3-pin, it should never see more than 13a load as the fuse (max 13a) in anything plugged into it should solve that..

 

[Robotstar5]

The standard sizes around your requirements are 10A and 16A, they should be sized to protect the fixed wiring not the load plugged into it

 

[hotponyshoes]

I've got some 16's so I'll use them and run some 4mm to the socket..

 

[Robotstar5]

I've got some 16's so I'll use them and run some 4mm to the socket..

2.5mm t&e will be fine on a 16A breaker.

 

[Dave-sparks]

I've got some 16's so I'll use them and run some 4mm to the socket..

4mm is somewhat overkill, 2.5mm will be fine and depending on exactly how it is installed 1.5mm would likely be ok.

 

[Seadog]

For a single 13a socket on a spur?

2.5 is rated to 20A

 

[brightspark]

I've got some 16's so I'll use them and run some 4mm to the socket..

why 4.0mm well over the top 2,5 will cover 25 amps why would you want 4.0mm that will cover 30 amp for a 13 amp socket

 

[hotponyshoes]

why 4.0mm well over the top 2,5 will cover 25 amps why would you want 4.0mm that will cover 30 amp for a 13 amp socket

It's going in an enclosure, only about a 200mm run.
I have 4mm in tri-rated singles... that's why.
Otherwise I'd have to find some 2.5 or strip it out of some t&e

 

[Mark 5]

why 4.0mm well over the top 2,5 will cover 25 amps why would you want 4.0mm that will cover 30 amp for a 13 amp socket

But would it matter as to whether cable size is a final ring circuit or a radial?

For example a WM supplying a single 13 amp socket specifically for the WM, 2.5mm² ring circuit protected by a 32amp RCBO will cope OK.

Depending on length of circuit, would not a 4mm radial protected by a 20amp RCBO supplying a single 13 amp socket be as acceptable?

 

[brightspark]

But would it matter as to whether cable size is a final ring circuit or a radial?

For example a WM supplying a single 13 amp socket specifically for the WM, 2.5mm² ring circuit protected by a 32amp RCBO will cope OK.

Depending on length of circuit, would not a 4mm radial protected by a 20amp RCBO supplying a single 13 amp socket be as acceptable?

just overkill but everyone to there own if he had only a 32 amp rcbo already spare and fitted id do it in 4.0mm to save cost of a new 16 amp one

 

[Dave-sparks]

Depending on length of circuit, would not a 4mm radial protected by a 20amp RCBO supplying a single 13 amp socket be as acceptable?

An oversized cable is acceptable, if you already have it in stock and saves buying more then it makes sense.
Buying oversized cable for a job doesn't make any sense though.

 

[Mark 5]

An oversized cable is acceptable, if you already have it in stock and saves buying more then it makes sense.
Buying oversized cable for a job doesn't make any sense though.

Thanks, yes I understand and a 20amp RCBO protecting 4mm or would 16amp do?

 

[brightspark]

Thanks, yes I understand and a 20amp RCBO protecting 4mm or would 16amp do?

16 will be fine

 

[Mark 5]

16 will be fine

Thanks.

 

[hotponyshoes]

Basically,
I already have some distribution boxes.
These have 16a Socket outlets fitted (each with a 16a rcbo / 4mm cable)
Following on from another thread about a load limiter for a generator) I want to swap a couple of the 16a outlets to 13a outlets.

I'll just literally swap the 16a sockets for 13a ones. Keep the rcbo and the cable the same.
I was just thinking I'd need a 13a rcbo to protect the 13a socket but forgot about the plug fuses doing that job..

 

[brightspark]

a 16 amp rcbo breaker will trip a lot quicker than a 13amp plug fuse .they can take a good 19 amp before they pop

 

[hotponyshoes]

a 16 amp rcbo breaker will trip a lot quicker than a 13amp plug fuse .they can take a good 19 amp before they pop

That's almost helpful information
So how do I stop my 13a sockets melting?