| Forum Home | ||||
| PC World Chat | ||||
| Thread ID: 80423 | 2007-06-22 08:33:00 | Kitchen fuse blowing | wmoore (6009) | PC World Chat |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 561725 | 2007-06-22 08:33:00 | Hi New kitchen, sparky put Microwave, fridge and dishwasher on same fuse. The fuse is rated at 16amps. Dishwasher is going and I put something in the microwave to heat...CLICK...the fuse goes. I would really like to use the dishwasher and microwave at the same time. What can be done to solve this problem. Also we can't use our dryer and washing machine at the same time. Thanks |
wmoore (6009) | ||
| 561726 | 2007-06-22 09:01:00 | You should get the electrician back in to have a look at it, because I'm fairly sure that a fridge + dishwasher + microwave shouldn't pull enough current to blow a 16A fuse/circuit breaker. Add up the wattage ratings and see if it is more than around 3800W. Depending on what sort of wiring has been used, it may be as simple as putting in a different size fuse/circuit breaker, or it might involve some rewiring. |
somebody (208) | ||
| 561727 | 2007-06-22 09:09:00 | Sounds like your sparky was not very bright!, and has used too low rated wire. We have our dishwasher separately fused. Similarly you should be able to use your dryer and washing machine at the same time. I would go back to your sparky and get an explanation, as it appears that his work does not fit the purpose intended. It may be possible to put in a higher rated fuse say 20 amps but you would have to check the current rating of the wire first. Other than that you may be in for some rewiring. I would also suggest that you replace the fuses with circuit breakers on key circuits for push button resets. | tutaenui (1724) | ||
| 561728 | 2007-06-22 09:19:00 | The fuse is rated at 16amps . Dishwasher is going and I put something in the microwave to heat . . . CLICK . . . the fuse goes . I take it that the "fuse" is actually a circuit breaker, (nobody uses fuses these days) and if so it could be a faulty breaker or maybe it is a 10 amp . Microwave ovens do draw a fairly heavy surge current as the transformer takes up the load so it is more likely that which is popping your CB . I'd change it to a 20 amp, that should fix it and won't compromise safety, presuming your electrician used the correct rating for the cables . 1 . 5mm TPS is a bit light, but 2 . 5mm should be fine . Cheers Billy 8-{) |
Billy T (70) | ||
| 561729 | 2007-06-22 09:26:00 | New work will be on circuit breaker already. Dishwasher probably on cold fill with heating element using maybe 10Amps on its own when going. | PaulD (232) | ||
| 561730 | 2007-06-22 09:33:00 | Yes it's a circuit breaker. I will get the sparky back to fix it. | wmoore (6009) | ||
| 561731 | 2007-06-22 09:35:00 | 1.5mm TPS cable is rated at 15 amps. 2.0mm TPS cable is rated at 20 amps. Without seeing your setup, I would say that you had the smaller. If there is a fuse behind it you should only have a Max of two double p/pts. On 2.0mm & a 20 amp circuit breaker you can have more than two p/pts on the circuit. On 1.5mm I would put a Max of 3 double P/Pts. I imagine that the dish washer has a water heater in it? This will take a lot of your 15 amps. Fridge is negligible, except, momentarily, on motor start. The microwave could draw, 5 amps at least, (ours is 5.8 amps on High). As an ex electrician I always seperated kitchen P.pts out, due to heavy appliance loadings. That dishwasher should have been on its own circuit. As should a waste disposal unit. Fridge & Freezer P/pts were together on their own circuit as well. My opinion. PJ ps. You say a fuse blows. Is it a fuse or circuit breaker? If it is a rewirable fuse, does the 'Blown' part of the fusewire look as if it has"Exploded" or slowly oxidised away? pj |
Poppa John (284) | ||
| 561732 | 2007-06-23 03:47:00 | Would a qualified electrician use 1.5mm wire for a power circuit? It might be legal, but ... :( | Graham L (2) | ||
| 561733 | 2007-06-23 04:02:00 | Hi WMoore.... Did the electrician supply you with the required Electrical Certificate of Compliance? It should contain reasonable clues as to Work Details. | Scouse (83) | ||
| 561734 | 2007-06-23 04:06:00 | Would a qualified electrician use 1 . 5mm wire for a power circuit? It might be legal, but . . . :( Well, I can tell you that it is definitely legal, just so long as the cable is protected by a suitably rated CB or fuse . It would not be good trade practice of course, however it has been known to be done and that ends up as a commercial argument about fitness for purpose . Personally I would argue (and have done) that it shouldn't be interpreted as legal because it creates a latent hazard . If a later electrician, or just the homeowner (relying on well intentioned advice from an internet forum for example) were to install a higher rated CB then a fire risk would be created . If the wiring is inside an insulated wall cavity it gets even hairier . I have seen cables melted together by just those circumstances . Cheers Billy 8-{) |
Billy T (70) | ||
| 1 2 | |||||