Socket Ampage Query.

[digitalb]

how do I test the amps on a socket using a DMM? some of my circuit breakers are 32 amp & I don't know which socket(s) is (are) 32 amp. Also so I don't over load & use the correct number of devices & appliances. I tried using the 10 amp leads on my DMM (DC) but the circuit breaker tripped & there was a shot & spark. How do I calculate them. I have to DMMs : a clamp one & a one with leads. What settings & sockets do I use on the DMMs ?

 

[batty]

Not sure what you are trying to do but if you are shorting something out you are doing something seriously wrong. Please don't carry on as electricity is dangerous and can kill. 

 

[Apache]

In a house each socket is rated 13A. A double socket typically cannot handle 13AX2 for long. Assume a max of 20A from a double socket.

32A is the total amount of current that you can draw from the entire circuit.

What exactly do you want to know? What are you trying to do?

 

[Bruspark]

You have already said enough to convince me you have no idea how to test circuits safely let alone live circuits .  Please please stop trying.

Making a number of assumptions about your wiring in order to try to be helpful (but therefore carrying no guarantees):

The 32 amp Circuit breakers are designed to protect the wiring should the total current taken from the entire circuit exceed 32A and a bit more for the manufacturers/ standard current/time margin

Your sockets are presumably UK BS1363 3 pin types.   A single socket is rated to supply 13A   A double socket is rated to supply a TOTAL of around 20A (i.e. less than 2x13A)

All the sockets on your 32A breakers circuit - if each one was loaded with a heater taking say 10A each - would far exceed the 32A limit imposed by the circuit breaker and by the WIRING

 - the circuit breaker therefore trips to protect the Wiring if the total load becomes too great

In practice whoever designed your installation made a decision that in real life every socket would not have a fan heater in it and that the number of sockets installed was reasonable for the parts of the house the circuit supplies.

SO    If this installation and property is as originally built. installed and properly designed you are unlikely to apply a combination of loads that trips the 32 A breaker. 

If it seems outdated or you have other concerns or If it does trip in normal use you have a fault and/or need the wiring altered (e.g. to supply kitchen equipment separately)

in which case you need a qualified electrician to update it and TEST IT

When you stuck your DMM leads in the socket you tested the maximum current that could be supplied.  The breaker acted to protect the wiring.  It is likely you also blew a fuse in your DMM.  It is also possible you have damaged the socket.  You could easily have damaged yourself !    Please respect electricity and know your limits of ability

 

[Manator]

A few harsh but well intentioned comments from above.

In addition to the above, if you are trying to establish how much any item is drawing from your circuit you have to measure it in amps, the easiest way is to use a clamp meter for direct measurement or by calculation if the item is labelled properly.

Do not probe into the socket outlet without knowing what you are doing. fortunately on this occasion no real damage has come of it.

 

[ProDave]

... some of my circuit breakers are 32 amp & I don't know which socket(s) is (are) 32 amp. 

NONE of your sockets are "32 amp"

If you want to find out which circuit breaker feeds which socket, then turn them ALL off first. then turn ONE of them on and go round with something like a plug in light and see which sockets have power.

Then turn that one off and turn on just the next, and repeat the test.

Then you will know which circuit breaker feeds to which sockets.

But all this is pointless in a normal house. Unless you are going to be setting up a welding workshop in your living room.

As others have said, don't try any more antics with the DMM. for your own safety.

 

[Andy™]

how do I test the amps on a socket using a DMM? some of my circuit breakers are 32 amp & I don't know which socket(s) is (are) 32 amp. Also so I don't over load & use the correct number of devices & appliances. I tried using the 10 amp leads on my DMM (DC) but the circuit breaker tripped & there was a shot & spark. How do I calculate them. I have to DMMs : a clamp one & a one with leads. What settings & sockets do I use on the DMMs ?

Call someone competent before you kill yourself. luckily for you, the MCB has worked and done its job of disconnecting the circuit after you introduced a dead short on it

and depending on a few factors, you will have a lot more than 32a flowing if you try it again, more likely a few hundred amps

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

32A sockets will probably look something like this......

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/GW240slash32slash3S.html?source=adwords&kw=32%20amp%20socket&gclid=CPCrh6-q270CFdShtAodsjEABg

NO need for a meter or poking probes into things that you do not understand....

P.S.

13A sockets look like this...

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/BG921.html

:coat

 

[Richard-the-Ninth]

digitalb. I have to ask, what gave you the idea you should put the meter probes in the socket with the meter set to read current?