Single phase socket from 3 phase outlet query

You could make up an extension lead with appropriate connector on the source end, and a trailing socket (with RCD if require) on the other end. (caveats about ensuring the insulation on the flex is good for 400V given the proximity in the plug)

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Extension leads are banned as unsafe, and anyway the extension lead would then be facing the whole output of the 32A mcb. This has to be a permanent 240vac, 13A socket outlet; that's why I was going to put the 13A fcu between the socket and the 3ph outlet, which by the way is a wired outlet with a rotary switch, not a socket.

Rob

I was thinking 6" long adaptor lead rather than reach across the room lead!

Chances are 1.5mm^2 flex would be adequately fault protected by the 32A MCB anyway.... (a single socket would impose the overload protection)

Ah, sorry my bad. I got the impression that it was a socket outlet of some sort. In which case, yup a hardwired solution will be better. A fused spur won't do any harm, although may not strictly be necessary if ones follows the rules for adding an unfused spur to a 32A circuit (i.e. no more than one single or double socket).

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Thanks John - sorry about the confusion - so easy to write something inadequate ! Yes of course the 13A plug fuse protects the line doesn't it. There's not an RCD on the 3 ph line (can you get 3ph rcd's ?) so I'll use an RCD socket.

Rob

You can get 3 phase RCDs, although I expect you will like the price of a single phase RCD socket much better! ;-)

=46rom memory: you have to worry about which phase you choose if there are other single phase outlets within some distance. This is many many years ago for me though.

R.

That never was a requirement, but it's good practice. The requirement was to provide a 400/415V warning label where 3 phase is present and not expected. Not sure if that's still a requirement off the top of my head.

In message , Andrew Gabriel writes

I seem to remember from my (proper) computer days when processor supplies were 3 phase any single phase equipment such as tape decks had to be more than 6ft (arms length) away from any other single phase equipment on a different phase. I think this was to avoid the possibility of a 400v shock. Whether this was a "regulation" or just a "Rule" I couldn't say.

It was often quoted, but was never in the wiring regs.

Dunno if it was the law, but in the school physics lab in the 60s, we had three phases, one per bench, IIRC, and it was a right soandso getting all three together to power a linear motor I built. We had extension leads running all over the place.

The safety elves would have had a nightmare if it was tried today.