Published: 2 July 2014
Category: Q&A
John asks this question, which concerns a spur off a ring circuit in a kitchen that powers a washing machine and a dishwasher. It has been answered by SELECT (Theme – Regulations and Legislation):
This Q & A is one of thousands posted in our Technical Expertise area, and answered on a daily basis by our Voltimum Experts.
Question: I’ve recently changed a number of twin socket outlets in a kitchen for decorative types. One of these 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 (a 2m cable run approximately for the spur), which is wired on the kitchen ring circuit and protected by a 32A Type ‘B’ MCB.
All cables are 2.5mm PVC/PVC twin and earth type, chopped into breeze block walls, plastic capped and plastered over.
Can you confirm whether the 2m cable run is likely to be overloaded when both the dishwasher and the washing machine are used together?
Can this arrangement 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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