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TryingToWeld
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The plasma cutter will be designed to run from a 16A socket, which means it expects to be protected by a 16A fuse/mcb. Plugging it into a 32A socket reduces the protection under fault conditions. to 32A max. current. It will work but make sure you understand the risks!
james butler
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32 Amp Commando Splitter to 2x16 Amp Sockets | DCDI
32 Amp Commando Splitter Cable with 2 MCB protected sockets available for next day delivery
www.dcdi.co.uk
Wallace
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Ooh, that's pricey!32 Amp Commando Splitter to 2x16 Amp Sockets | DCDI
32 Amp Commando Splitter Cable with 2 MCB protected sockets available for next day delivery
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The plasma cutter shouldn't 'expect' any external protection, it should have it's own internal fault protection. The fuse/mcb supplying the socket is there to protect the wiring and socket itself, not whatevers plugged into it.
32A supply to a 3-pin 13A plug to a 16A machine is getting a bit convoluted and defeats the purpose of having 32A supply and a 16A machine? But yes, it would work.
skotl
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I think we're over-complicating things.
This first response is still the most helpful response to the original question.
What determines fuse size is cable size.
The cable rating must be above the fuse or protection size.
Just because it's a 13a plug does not mean you put a 13A fuse in.
0.5mm2
0.75mm2
1.0mm2
1.25mm2
Are all common sizes of cable going into plugs and why we have 3a 5a 10a 13a fuses.
A 13a fuse on 0.5mm2 cable means the fuse sits there all day and the cable catches fire.
This same method is repeated for everything if you're using 16A blue or 32a blue plugs then the correct protection at the consumer unit and cable size needs to be installed. And the correct size cable to the appliance etc.
There's also a lot more to this cable routes / locations and lengths but the above is the basics.
The cable rating must be above the fuse or protection size.
Just because it's a 13a plug does not mean you put a 13A fuse in.
0.5mm2
0.75mm2
1.0mm2
1.25mm2
Are all common sizes of cable going into plugs and why we have 3a 5a 10a 13a fuses.
A 13a fuse on 0.5mm2 cable means the fuse sits there all day and the cable catches fire.
This same method is repeated for everything if you're using 16A blue or 32a blue plugs then the correct protection at the consumer unit and cable size needs to be installed. And the correct size cable to the appliance etc.
There's also a lot more to this cable routes / locations and lengths but the above is the basics.
That wasnt the question .....
So as I say above with 13a plugs.
If you remove a 16a plug probably with 1.5mm2 cable and replace it with a 32a plug which would normally have 2.5mm or 4mm2 cable going into it then you're likely to have a fire in the event of a fault. Because the 1.5mm will let go before the protection operates.
If you remove a 16a plug probably with 1.5mm2 cable and replace it with a 32a plug which would normally have 2.5mm or 4mm2 cable going into it then you're likely to have a fire in the event of a fault. Because the 1.5mm will let go before the protection operates.
Gareth J
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As has been mentioned, presuming the plasma cutter has a 16A appropriate cables, you risk overloading that cable in a fault scenario.
Options to eliminate this risk are;
-Run a wired or plug in MCB from the current 32A socket to a smaller 16A socket.
-Upgrade the machine cable to be able to handle the supply from the 32A socket (presuming the machine has on board over current protector itself)
-reduce the rating of the MCB supplying the 32A cable to match the machine cable.
Options to eliminate this risk are;
-Run a wired or plug in MCB from the current 32A socket to a smaller 16A socket.
-Upgrade the machine cable to be able to handle the supply from the 32A socket (presuming the machine has on board over current protector itself)
-reduce the rating of the MCB supplying the 32A cable to match the machine cable.
angellonewolf
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bit long winded way id expect of doing it wire this up with a 32amp trailing lead that will plug in to the 32 amp socket this will them allow you best of both worlds you still have your 32amp supply and when you need the 16amp just plug in away you go ?
Sounds the best bet, nice resetable 16amp supply with the least faf.
dobbslc
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16A FuseBox MCB - C Curve | Fusebox (MT06C161) https://share.google/WvbJVkvP6HabA89om
3 Way Weathertight Enclosure LS0H IP65 c/w DIN Rail | Wiska (1303/W) https://share.google/AQKGHST7wyrdDyWUG
20mm Nylon Compression Gland Black for Cable Diameter 4-7mm https://share.google/E8qg3kcNR7fLQV0N3
2.5mm² 3 Core Arctic Flex Blue - Cut to length - (Max 100Mtrs) https://share.google/vKx7xSrEX5zajP8b1
230V 32A 3 Pin Plug - Blue | Lewden (PM32/1100FPB) https://share.google/NwktEMN2hzhFG69PM
230V 16A 3 Pin Coupler - Blue | Lewden (PM16/2100FPB) https://share.google/n0Jef2oXuFFGFzYdQ
This should do the trick. ^
£45 all in.
3 Way Weathertight Enclosure LS0H IP65 c/w DIN Rail | Wiska (1303/W) https://share.google/AQKGHST7wyrdDyWUG
20mm Nylon Compression Gland Black for Cable Diameter 4-7mm https://share.google/E8qg3kcNR7fLQV0N3
2.5mm² 3 Core Arctic Flex Blue - Cut to length - (Max 100Mtrs) https://share.google/vKx7xSrEX5zajP8b1
230V 32A 3 Pin Plug - Blue | Lewden (PM32/1100FPB) https://share.google/NwktEMN2hzhFG69PM
230V 16A 3 Pin Coupler - Blue | Lewden (PM16/2100FPB) https://share.google/n0Jef2oXuFFGFzYdQ
This should do the trick. ^
£45 all in.
Thanks for that I found what I was looking for for my new mancupboard in the people also purchased lines. ( a switched socket point )
