3 phase extension lead

[Thrashsmith]

I know nothing about electrics, are there any hidden problems with using a 3 phase extension lead? It's for my ESAB welder and it's a 5p+e 16A socket. I can't remember the breaker type but I want to say C for some reason. I would just unplug my power hammer further down the workshop and use that socket but that's got a different breaker type and that doesn't let me run my welder up high, I think that one is a type D. I've quite possibly got them muddled up though.

 

[Pete.]

No problem at all so long as the lead and plugs are heavy enough to handle the load that the appliance will put on them. All you need to remember is the longer the lead, the greater the power drop. Using a 32amp lead with 16amp plug and socket will allow you to use a very long extension but you should be fine up to about 50m (which is what we specify on site as the max distance from the work a power supply needs to be for our plant).

The breaker type (a,b,c or d) is irrelevant - that just defines how sensitive the breaker is to overload conditions. Type A being the quickest to trip and type D taking the longest. Type D is also called 'motor rated' so it doesn't trip out whilst the motor that's connected is spinning up.

 

[zzr1200]

The only thing l would suggest is using a decent flexible style cable, of the correct size for the length required.

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_I...COVrUne9-7LaGnnGLJ48NhxR8bC2VRARoC9v0QAvD_BwE

 

[Thrashsmith]

Oh that's good news, cheers. Realistically the absolute max I'll ever need is 10m. Thanks

 

[knighty]

check the fuse rating on the two sockets again... the welder shouldn't blow the power hammer fuse (if they're both on 16amp plugs)

maybe the power hammer socket has the wrong fuse in it but you've been lucky and it's run ok?