treble electrical sockets?

I've seen double (and maybe even quadruple sockets)

but I don't think I've seen trebles

do such things exist?

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Reply to
Gill Smith
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I've never seen a "proper" triple socket, but you can get single to triple converters, such as this ...

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Reply to
Andy Burns

Reply to
ARWadsworth

Yes I've used those before.

I've wondered a few times whether the fuse is to protect all the sockets (meaning 13A total load max, lower than a normal double socket) or the triple sockets are effectively a double socket with a single on a fused spur all within the same chassis (meaning you technically shouldn't add another spur off them).

Easy enough to work out before you install by removing the fuse and testing continuity between L holes with a meter I guess.

Reply to
funkyoldcortina

The spec sheet at

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says "Current rating: 13A per socket outlet (except 3 gang which is 13 amp in total)"

Nick

Reply to
Nick Leverton

The 13A protects all the sockets.

Even if it was a double socket with a single on a fused spur you would still be able to spur off from it.

Reply to
ARWadsworth

There's now a variant (seen in B&Q) which is a double to triple socket converter and which isn't fused at all.

Reply to
Windmill

I was aware of the unfused convertors. I mentioned it a few months ago to John Rumm. It was this one

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would not want to fit one if there is a chance of a customer overloading it.

Reply to
ARWadsworth

Yes.

I have a triple unswitched socket in my garage and I have seen switched/unswitched triple sockets in B&Q and Wickes.

Reply to
Gareth

Would it not be compliant if (and only if) fitted directly to the ring? the The instructions mention it only needs one 2.5mm cable feeding it which certainly wouldn't be compliant unless fed from a 20A MCB.

Reply to
<me9

No idea. I am hoping that Andy Wade is watching this thread:-)

Reply to
ARWadsworth

Isn't that unrelated to the type/number of socket or sockets in use, but instead a question as to whether the wire gauge is properly matched with the fuse or CB in the CU?

ISTR someone here saying that regulations permitted more than one socket on a radial circuit. Which could of course be an irritant if the CB repeatedly tripped because of overloads, but would not be especially dangerous. I'd bet they left a large safety margin when deciding on wire sizes.

Reply to
Windmill

I've never used them (the unfused variety) but it seems obvious they would be safe on a ring main. Or at least as safe as anything else providing three sockets (which must be allowable).

Wouldn't a radial fitted with 2.5 mm cable be *expected* to be fitted with a 15A or 20A fuse or CB? Which could of course be overloaded by even one double socket, but which seems to have been regarded as safe.

If rewiring I suppose 4mm. cable would be better in such a case, but is

2.5mm a problem in real life?
Reply to
Windmill

Do you mean unfused spur instead of radial? ie a 2.5 branch from a ring ciruit.

Reply to
ARWadsworth

No, I was thinking of a true radial circuit.

AIUI spurs off a ring main are normally unfused, and commonly wired with 2.5mm cable, and are permitted as a connection for one double socket which could (though unlikely) be a 26A. load.

The use of an unfused triple socket to replace a double on a 2.5mm spur cable sounds more dubious, but I doubt if it would in reality be much of a risk. Sensible safety factors are usually 100% or more so I would have expected a 2.5mm cable to handle a 39A load without much trouble. The CB for that ring circuit might trip, of course, but probably not quickly.

If I were wiring a new spur to an unfused triple socket I'd probably use 4mm. cable, but I'm often over-cautious.

A *fused* triple socket should by comparison be quite safe. No different from plugging a 3-way fused adaptor into a single socket.

It would seem that a 2.5mm true radial feeding a double socket would be quite well protected by a 15A or 20A fuse or breaker. Which would seem to also be the case if an unfused triple socket was used to replace the double.

I realise it's possible to think of extreme scenarios which might cause trouble, but if total safety is the plan, permanently disconnecting the electricity supply is the only way.

Reply to
Windmill

I am not sure that I would want 39A down a 2.5T&E for an extended period!

BS 1363 says that an unfused multiiple socket (>2 sockets) must be able to withstand a total load of 28A. This is greater than the 20A that a double socket is required to handle.

Of course in the real world I doubt that anyone would actually run a continuous 28A from a multiple socket.

Reply to
ARWadsworth

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