Electricity question.

[gixer1]

Hey folks - am I correct in saying if you run a 240v supply to a house through a 16A plug the max wattage would be 3,840w? (240 x 16)

Also - I have a generator with one 16a plug and one 13a plug - could I change the 16a to a 32a without issue if I am not using the 13a side? To allow the output wattage to be increased to 7,680w (the generator is fine for this wattage but not sure if it’s ok through a single plug)

Regards,
Gixer

 

[Littlekilmory]

Your first point is correct.
As to the generator - without seeing the internal wiring I would avoid overloading one circuit.

 

[muddy42]

Theoretically yes, that is the wattage that would just blow the 16A fuse. P = VI, Power (watts) = Voltage (volts) x Current (amps).

I am no electrician, but understand you need to be more cautious than this, in case something surges when you turn it on, there may be a sensitive RCD etc. etc. I understand that a sensible max is 3kw per ring or c.13 amps. You only really need to worry about anything with a heating element, its quite hard to overload a ring with anything else.

If you are generating your own power, there are other things to think about - earthing, isolating the mains power. You should speak to a good electrician!

 

[gixer1]

There is an proper switch over switch, it’s earthed etc - the question is due to only having one plug to feed the power from the generator to the house and external inlet - I have just received info back from the generator supplier and I am fine to swap the 16a socket for a 32 amp socket which makes it easier!

Thanks for the input folks!

 

[Jamouk]

Is it not 230v now since harmonisation?

 

[PMA]

Measurements are taken as 230 volts
Be careful with the size of cable you use as length and installation method can vary the load greatly
2nd question answer is no !!

 

[vitalspark]

Hey folks - am I correct in saying if you run a 240v supply to a house through a 16A plug the max wattage would be 3,840w? (240 x 16)

Also - I have a generator with one 16a plug and one 13a plug - could I change the 16a to a 32a without issue if I am not using the 13a side? To allow the output wattage to be increased to 7,680w (the generator is fine for this wattage but not sure if it’s ok through a single plug)

Regards,
Gixer

Gixer, is the 16A outlet protected by a circuit breaker on the generator? If so this will determine the maximum load you can draw from it.
ATB

 

[gixer1]

Gixer, is the 16A outlet protected by a circuit breaker on the generator? If so this will determine the maximum load you can draw from it.
ATB

Will have a look but I don’t think so - it is fused though I think.

 

[vitalspark]

Will have a look but I don’t think so - it is fused though I think.

Did you notify the genny supplier that you intended to draw a load current of 32A? If so then you can assume that the cable cross sectional area (CSA) to the 16A socket is sufficient otherwise, you'd like to think, they wouldn't have given you the go-ahead, although personally I'd want to check this. You'll obviously need to check the fuse rating currently installed and perhaps need to upgrade this if insufficient for the current you intend to draw. The rating of the fuse must be less than the current carrying capacity of the generator cable supplying the 16 A socket. As others have mentioned, any cables upstream of the new 32A socket will need to be of suitable CSA to prevent fire or issues with significant voltage drop e.g. over 3 or 5%.
ATB

 

[gixer1]

Did you notify the genny supplier that you intended to draw a load current of 32A? If so then you can assume that the cable cross sectional area (CSA) to the 16A socket is sufficient otherwise, you'd like to think, they wouldn't have given you the go-ahead, although personally I'd want to check this. You'll obviously need to check the fuse rating currently installed and perhaps need to upgrade this if insufficient for the current you intend to draw. The rating of the fuse must be less than the current carrying capacity of the generator cable supplying the 16 A socket. As others have mentioned, any cables upstream of the new 32A socket will need to be of suitable CSA to prevent fire or issues with significant voltage drop e.g. over 3 or 5%.
ATB

Yes sir, got the below -

 

[vitalspark]

Fingers crossed then. Just keep a fire extinguisher handy

 

[vitalspark]

On another note is the 9.5kW peak power rating or continuous rating (usually quite a bit less), given you are looking to run at a max power of 7.3kW (32A @ 230V)?
ATB

 

[gixer1]

On another note is the 9.5kW peak power rating or continuous rating (usually quite a bit less), given you are looking to run at a max power of 7.3kW (32A @ 230V)?
ATB

I doubt I would be running at that but I just want to make sure I have a little safety margin - with non-essential items turned off - I have a gas hob, 13amp oven so no high wattage items other than the usual toaster/kettle etc.

Thanks for the advice!

Regards,
Gixer