Installation for welder

[JakubKot]

I'm thinking about buying MIG welder. Machine in question in sigle phase with max supply current of 16A. Soon after I moved into my house I disconnected electric shower (9,5KW). Question is if I can connect welder to existing shower circuit with B32 breaker (only welder will be connected to that circuit) or perhaps I should change breaker for one with lower amperage. I been told that welders in industrial use are connected through different D type breakers. Is B type breaker going be fine in my case? 

 

[Andy™]

how do you plan on plugging it in?

C & D are common, but it may work fine on a B

 

[JakubKot]

I'm going to use existing cable. It looks like 10mm cable no more than 7m long. I'll also have to buy 16A socket.

 

[Andy™]

I'm going to use existing cable. It looks like 10mm cable no more than 7m long. I'll also have to buy 16A socket.

and you think 32a MCB on a 16a socket that doesnt have a fuse is a good idea? suppose itll be fine providing youre happy for it to melt and potentially burn down the house. that and 10mm wont fit into a 16a socket either.

 

[JakubKot]

OK. So how should it be plugged in in correct way? Do I have to get electrician to change fuse for one with lower amperage slightly higher than 16A if I want to use it with 16A socket?

 

[Andy™]

youll need a 16a interlocked socket (normal 16a wont comply with BS7671 for household use). on a 16a MCB. itll also need RCD protection (which it should already have, however on its own would be prefreable). and do you have MCB's or fuses, youve mentioned both... tbh, this isnt really a DIY job

 

[JakubKot]

Thank You for help Andy. Apparently it's way above my expertise. Thought I might be able to sort it out on my own but it's got too complicated and I'm not going to take a risk. (I got MCB's and they are RCD protected)

 

[Phoenix]

and you think 32a MCB on a 16a socket that doesnt have a fuse is a good idea?

Amazing how many sparks don't see a problem with that, tapped off an adjacent 32A socket, or off the nearest ring, or is it it just the folk I seem to be following round that do that

Often the culprit has trouble seeing the error of their ways when it is pointed out to them (In the few cases where it is known who did it)

 

[Andy™]

Amazing how many sparks don't see a problem with that, tapped off an adjacent 32A socket, or off the nearest ring, or is it it just the folk I seem to be following round that do that

Often the culprit has trouble seeing the error of their ways when it is pointed out to them (In the few cases where it is known who did it)

you following them too? thought it was just me

 

[roys]

Amazing how many sparks don't see a problem with that, tapped off an adjacent 32A socket, or off the nearest ring, or is it it just the folk I seem to be following round that do that

Often the culprit has trouble seeing the error of their ways when it is pointed out to them (In the few cases where it is known who did it)

Totally agree, however just to play devils advocate in that a mcb is there to protect the cable, if a suitably selected cable is selected for the 32A mcb and that is then terminated into the 16A socket would it comply?

Not something I would do, but just saying for discussion purposes.

 

[Andy™]

Totally agree, however just to play devils advocate in that a mcb is there to protect the cable, if a suitably selected cable is selected for the 32A mcb and that is then terminated into the 16A socket would it comply?

Not something I would do, but just saying for discussion purposes.

no because the socket is still the weak point rated to 16a

iirc its in the OSG that you can use a 20a mcb on a 16a socket though

 

[roys]

no because the socket is still the weak point rated to 16a

iirc its in the OSG that you can use a 20a mcb on a 16a socket though

Good point, actually didn’t realise it was mentioned in the OSG, not opened an OSG in a while, all I was thinking about (wrongly)  was getting told about on my 15th, 16th and 17th courses is that the protection is there for the cable, I understand the socket still being the weak point, just couldn’t get that cable protection out of my head, I was drinking a large glass of port last night when I wrote it though

 

[Phoenix]

iirc its in the OSG that you can use a 20a mcb on a 16a socket though

Just to muddy the waters, I think OSG says you can use a 20A to feed multiple 16A sockets where there is an expectation of diversity.... a 20A circuit feeding just one point would be wrong then, because you are expecting upto 20A through that one 16A socket (Or didnt have a 16A breaker but did have a 20A)

 

[Andy™]

Just to muddy the waters, I think OSG says you can use a 20A to feed multiple 16A sockets where there is an expectation of diversity.... a 20A circuit feeding just one point would be wrong then, because you are expecting upto 20A through that one 16A socket (Or didnt have a 16A breaker but did have a 20A)

1 socket or multiple you would still have a 20a ocpd

 

[JakubKot]

Hi.

I'm planning to buy single phase welder with 16A input current. In my breaker box there is not used 32a mcb. I want to replace that mcb with 16A type D, than use 4mm 6m long cable and interlocked 16A socket. Socket in garage that is a part of house.

Need advice. What are U thinking about my solution. Is it safe enough and in accordance with house electrical safety regulations?

 

[Murdoch]

not wishing to shoot down your idea but I do think you need to involve a local competent spark

There is more to this than meets the eye and who is to say your installation is currently safe and suitable for the added load. Then there is part P to consider....

 

[Doc Hudson]

Hi.

I'm planning to buy single phase welder with 16A input current. In my breaker box there is not used 32a mcb. I want to replace that mcb with 16A type D, than use 4mm 6m long cable and interlocked 16A socket. Socket in garage that is a part of house.

Need advice. What are U thinking about my solution. Is it safe enough and in accordance with house electrical safety regulations?

I have merged this question with your previous question from July, as they appear to relate to an identical topic. And some of the answers will still be relevant and will give other members a better idea of what you are aiming for and what you existing knowledge, ability and competence are.

I would suspect your previous conclusion of July 30th is still true.

Apparently it's way above my expertise. Thought I might be able to sort it out on my own but it's got too complicated and I'm not going to take a risk. 

Doc H. 

 

[Andy™]

I would suspect your previous conclusion of July 30th is still true.

that probably changed when he got an estimate / quote to dot he job properly