Tiny workshop - extension lead?

[Jack Pattenden]

if you fit a diy fuse and 16amp setup you will need to have it checked if in the event anything happens it wont go well for you as your renting

just get the 16amp and have it wired to a blue connector and have that tested nothing else is needed anything else after that is your issue and not anything to do with the renting place

if you want to wire it all in just get the fuse and wire to a consumer unit in the shed and split what you need in there when you leave take it all with you

the issue stands if anything happens you will be at fault so remember that as that would mean they wouldnt have to rehouse you as its your fault if anything did happen

becareful within rented propertys

Thank you, I'll bear all that in mind.

 

[julianf]

If its a balcony, watch out for sparks getting on any glass.


And, yes, i speak from experience! : (


Even grinding sparks can do nasty things.

 

[barracuda816]

I agree with the others. Stick with a 2.5mm in something like H07 and plug it into the ring main if it has one and not just radials. I doubt a small welder will trip a 32a type b. Running a welder and compressor off the same circuit that is not designed for it wouldn't be a good idea imho, especially as the compressor and welder will have a decent start up draw. In a small rental, I would just have two extensions, welder to the ring main and compressor on any other circuit.

Oh and I second the grinder/welding sparks. I ruined a windscreen when I was young.

 

[Jack Pattenden]

I agree with the others. Stick with a 2.5mm in something like H07 and plug it into the ring main if it has one and not just radials. I doubt a small welder will trip a 32a type b. Running a welder and compressor off the same circuit that is not designed for it wouldn't be a good idea imho, especially as the compressor and welder will have a decent start up draw. In a small rental, I would just have two extensions, welder to the ring main and compressor on any other circuit.

Oh and I second the grinder/welding sparks. I ruined a windscreen when I was young.

Checking for ring main added to the 'check tonight' list, thank you!

 

[Turbo]

If you change the mcb on the circuit that supplies your shed everything else on that circuit will then be on a higher rated mcb.
Not a good idea to run domestic appliances on a type c mcb or a higher rated mcb.

You could run your tools from a extension lead made with 2.5mm2 rubber flex but the limiting factor will be your 13a socket. It will get quite warm running high powered equipment through it. It has been shown that a 13a plug fuse will actually take 20a before blowing.
I don't think a domestic rated 13a socket will last very long before melting!

Is there an electric cooker in the house? Any way you could take a tapping off the cooker circuit and fit a 16a commando socket or a heavy duty 13a socket?

How do you get along with your neighbours? I can't imagine a lot of people would be very happy with their neighbour running a compressor or welding/grinding in the flat next door!

 

[hotponyshoes]

What do you need a 3hp compressor for?
If you could get away with something like a dental compressor they will run fine from a 13a socket. Much cleaner and quieter as well..

 

[Jack Pattenden]

If you change the mcb on the circuit that supplies your shed everything else on that circuit will then be on a higher rated mcb.
Not a good idea to run domestic appliances on a type c mcb or a higher rated mcb.

You could run your tools from a extension lead made with 2.5mm2 rubber flex but the limiting factor will be your 13a socket. It will get quite warm running high powered equipment through it. It has been shown that a 13a plug fuse will actually take 20a before blowing.
I don't think a domestic rated 13a socket will last very long before melting!

Is there an electric cooker in the house? Any way you could take a tapping off the cooker circuit and fit a 16a commando socket or a heavy duty 13a socket?

How do you get along with your neighbours? I can't imagine a lot of people would be very happy with their neighbour running a compressor or welding/grinding in the flat next door!

There is an electric cooker I could tap, but would then have a cable that needed routing across the flat in a very convoluted manner...

I think for now, I'll try the simplest route since the 13A supply is the bottleneck - keep the type B MCB, 3-pin plug into ring main (if I have one), 2.5mm H07, either a 1x socket or 4x distributor in the 'shop', if that choice makes any difference.

If that doesn't work, or hobbles me in a noticeable way, I can work up through the more solid solutions later, instead of sitting umming and ahhing about it!

 

[Jack Pattenden]

What do you need a 3hp compressor for?
If you could get away with something like a dental compressor they will run fine from a 13a socket. Much cleaner and quieter as well..

My most taxing application would be paint spraying, after that I'd be using it with air cleaning tools and plasma cutting. My understanding is that ~9.2cfm FAD, I'd be at the bottom end of what HVLP wants but totally fine for LVLP.

I was also considering air power tools, but not sure about mixing since I've already got a few LXT tools and batteries. Maybe for tools that would never need to go down to the car, or parts that could come upstairs to the compressor, I could buy those in air?

Other reason was to get access to belt drive and oil lubrication.

 

[indy4x]

Despite many people saying 13A plug and 3HP compressor is a no, I've successfully run several different 3HP compressors off a 13A plug without fuses blowing every 5mins, infact, they all came with a 13A plug from new

Granted you couldn't plug it into a multi socket extension lead as the compressor plus something else coming off the extension will blow fuses

Saying that, my current compressor has a 16A commando plug, only because its located next to a 16A socket so saves using an extension lead

 

[bourbon]

I think you really need to re think your expectations. What do you want to spray? Have you thought about overspray? neighbours might not be happy with a compressor running. let alone the sparks from a welder.

 

[skotl]

Despite many people saying 13A plug and 3HP compressor is a no, I've successfully run several different 3HP compressors off a 13A plug without fuses blowing every 5mins, infact, they all came with a 13A plug from new

Granted you couldn't plug it into a multi socket extension lead as the compressor plus something else coming off the extension will blow fuses

Slight qualification on your point: my 3HP compressor still runs on a 13A plug but only on a C curve MCB. It trips a B curve both at home and on my neighbours rings instantly.

 

[Turbo]

My most taxing application would be paint spraying, after that I'd be using it with air cleaning tools and plasma cutting. My understanding is that ~9.2cfm FAD, I'd be at the bottom end of what HVLP wants but totally fine for LVLP.

I was also considering air power tools, but not sure about mixing since I've already got a few LXT tools and batteries. Maybe for tools that would never need to go down to the car, or parts that could come upstairs to the compressor, I could buy those in air?

Other reason was to get access to belt drive and oil lubrication.

Air tools are very hungry on air and your compressor will be running all the time to keep up.
A compressor running constantly in a small shed will get very warm and the noise will annoy you and your neighbours. Plus you will be using a lot of electricity.
I would suggest electric or cordless. It's a lot cheaper to run a 600w electric sander than a 2.2kw compressor.
You've already got makita lxt tools. There are plenty of decent fake makita tools out there that use the lxt batteries.
Or get an adaptor and use the Parkside x20v batteries on the fakita tools.
I wouldn't like to spray paint in a small shed as everything will get covered in overspray. After a minute the air will be thick with paint mist.
If you leave the door open the overspray will end up everywhere including any cars parked nearby.

You will not run a plasma and your compressor together of a 13a supply.

 

[Jack Pattenden]

I think you really need to re think your expectations. What do you want to spray? Have you thought about overspray? neighbours might not be happy with a compressor running. let alone the sparks from a welder.

In the immediate future, I've got a few sets of steelies and alloys that want some cosmetic repair and spraying - this will work out quite a bit cheaper than taking them to the pros for powder coating, about a third to half of the cost, and they don't need pro quality.

Containment (including acoustic) is factored in, as well as a promise to only do the noisy stuff during banker hours. Nearest and only directly affected neighbour I have a very good rapport with and she's actually excited and looking forward to it!

 

[tom2207]

In the immediate future, I've got a few sets of steelies and alloys that want some cosmetic repair and spraying - this will work out quite a bit cheaper than taking them to the pros for powder coating, about a third to half of the cost, and they don't need pro quality.

Containment (including acoustic) is factored in, as well as a promise to only do the noisy stuff during banker hours. Nearest and only directly affected neighbour I have a very good rapport with and she's actually excited and looking forward to it!

have you done this sort of work before , or is this a new venture ,,,, its a fair undertaking to start a welding business from a balcony

 

[Jack Pattenden]

have you done this sort of work before , or is this a new venture ,,,, its a fair undertaking to start a welding business from a balcony

No this is not a business, just for personal needs and pleasure, and a favour for a loved one.

 

[MetalMonkey]

In your situation, cordless tools 100%.
The only real tools that can't be replaced would be an air hammer and the spray gun.

If you are only spraying small parts rather than entire vehicles, you could potentially downsize your compressor, a 2hp belt driven machine is a rare beast but they do exist.
Coupled with a spray gun optimised for low volume, it could be a way around it.

Another thing you could do is swap out one of your sockets for an "EV Granny charger" socket. They are a 13A socket but better rated for continuous higher current draw.

Just a note regarding your wheels, pay somebody to blast them and then just spray them - blasting of any sorts on that sort of setup will be out.

 

[Memmeddu]

I've been always using a 2.5mm² 12m long extension cord for welding.
Never got a problem with it
In Italy most standard houses have a 3kW only consumer unit installed.
But we have 10 and 16A civilian plugs.
I'd don't bother much about just wire the thing up using 4mm² if you want but you'll be fine with 2.5mm² already

 

[Jack Pattenden]

In your situation, cordless tools 100%.
The only real tools that can't be replaced would be an air hammer and the spray gun.

If you are only spraying small parts rather than entire vehicles, you could potentially downsize your compressor, a 2hp belt driven machine is a rare beast but they do exist.
Coupled with a spray gun optimised for low volume, it could be a way around it.

Another thing you could do is swap out one of your sockets for an "EV Granny charger" socket. They are a 13A socket but better rated for continuous higher current draw.

Just a note regarding your wheels, pay somebody to blast them and then just spray them - blasting of any sorts on that sort of setup will be out.

Like so?

13A EV Sockets Compliant with BS 1363-2 EV

Weatherproof BS 1363-2 EV compliant high quality single socket designed for the connection of a granny charger. BS 1363-2/EV

toughleads.co.uk

It's just the faceplate that needs changing?

 

[tom2207]

No this is not a business, just for personal needs and pleasure, and a favour for a loved one.

unless you have a fleet of taxis,,, it would be faster and cheaper to pay someone to do the welding , then finish them off at home yourself , its quite an undertaking for a few rims ,,, but Ill look forwards to the pics . I take it you can weld already too ,,,, alloy tig ?

 

[Agroshield]

It's just the faceplate that needs changing?

Yes.

The one you found is a good price. See:

Weatherproof Switched Power Wall Socket for EV Charging | IP66 Rated | BS 1363-2 EV | Single or Double Socket - EV Charge Kit

This IP66-rated weatherproof switched power wall socket is built for reliability in any environment, providing safe and secure power for electric vehicle charging, garden tools, outdoor lighting, and heavy-duty equipment. Designed for harsh weather conditions, it ensures uninterrupted...

ev-charge-kit.com

UK 3 Pin Socket Outlet | Designed for EV Charging | BS 1363/EV

1 Gang Double Poled Switched 13 Amp UK 3 Pin socket ( IP66 rated) specifically designed for EV Charging. Manufactured to a higher standard than normal socket outlets to withstand charging an EV or a PHEV on a long term basis from a 3 pin UK socket

ev-extras.com

for the same thing at three times the price.

Note that the EV ones are only available in single gang.

The ev-charge-kit listing is somewhat deceiving as it lists a double socket in the same breath, but the double does not have the EV mark.