Power question

[Yianni1066]

Hi,
I am a little confused about something, and I don't want to burn the place down.

I have 2 accessories that draw 2000 watts each, so well within the 13A x 230v maximum of 2990w. so that's the reason those fuses don't blow... however, I have them connected to an extension cable, which has only 1 13A plug.. so will connecting 2 accessories drawing 2000w each, blow the fuse in the one plug?

Also, what would the safest way to do this be? Should I just re-cable both and plug them directly in to the wall socket... and is that any safer considering its going to be the same wall plate that has 2 sockets?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[kjaerligkatt]

It’s not advisable to have those 2 appliances on an extension. Presumably they’re not both pulling 2kW at the same time, otherwise the extension lead fuse would blow - and this is what will protect you from a fire. The issue is down to the cables - if you pull too much current for their rating, they will overheat, melt and potentially cause a fire. This is what fuses are designed to prevent.

Your ring main and wall sockets are wired with cable capable of much higher current, and U.K. wiring is designed to allow for 13amps per socket almost throughout (and your ring main is protected by a higher amperage circuit breaker) So plug those 2 high power devices into wall sockets and feel safe.