Gary asks this question, which concerns a spur taken off a kitchen ring circuit, and whether it is OK to run a washing machine and dishwasher simultaneously using this arrangement. It has been answered by SELECT (Theme – Regulations & Legislation):
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Question: I’ve recently changed a number of twin sockets in a kitchen for decorative types.
One of the twin sockets is mounted at low level and is used to supply a dishwasher (2.4kW rating) and a washing machine (1.5kW rating) connected via 13A plugs. The socket is wired as a spur off a twin socket located above the worktop (2m of cable run approximately for the spur), and it is wired on the kitchen ring circuit protected by a 32A Type B MCB.
All cables are 2.5mm PVC/PVC twin & earth type chopped into breeze block walls, plastic capped and plastered over.
Can you please confirm whether the 2m cable run is likely to be overloaded when both the dishwasher and the washing machine are used together?
Could this be considered unsafe?
Answer: This arrangement is permitted under BS 7671, provided that the requirements of Regulation 433.1.103 are met.
Appendix 15 of BS 7671 gives further guidance on the use of ring final circuits.
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