Converting Single Plug Sockets To Double. How Many Is Too Many?

[MyShakySpaniel]

Hello all,
Haven't been on Answer Bank for about 10 years. Memories!
Anyway, most of the plug sockets in my house are single sockets. I'm planning on getting them switched to double sockets. Is there a limit on how many I can have or can every one in the house be switched to a double?

:)

[-Talbot-]

No limit on sockets single or double on a ring main.

[Buenchico]

There's no rule that says that can't all be changed to double sockets. (After all, you can plug a 4-socket, or even 6-socket, extension lead into a single socket and then, if you wanted to, plug further multi-socket extension leads into them. It's not the number of sockets that matters but what you plug into them).

Each ring circuit in a domestic property normally has either a cartridge fuse (rated at 30A) or a circuit breaker (rated at 32A) protecting it. You can plug dozens of low-current devices (such as phone chargers) into the sockets on any ring circuit without exceeding the maximum load. However if you were to plug just three 3kW heaters into sockets on the same ring circuit, the fuse should blow or the circuit breaker should trip.

So, as long as you're aware of the maximum total load which can be plugged into any one circuit, there's no reason why you can't switch to double sockets.

[Old_Geezer]

You ain't going to run into issues in a normal domestic residence.

[bhg481]

I've used these in a couple of places where I need lots of sockets with little power-draw. They are fused at 13amps and easy to fit yourself if you're at all competent with DIY. Much easier than having to channel-out the wall to get a larger box in to convert a single socket to a double.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001GJV5KI?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

[Old_Geezer]

Actually just occurred to me to say that single or double gang, the 13 A current limit applies to the whole outlet. Both types still have the same single supply connection at back.

[bhg481]

No OG, each outlet on a ring main can take 13 amps. It's not a single connection at the back, it's a ring, so 2 connections at the back. If the socket is a spur there's only one connection to the back but still 13A to each socket is allowed (the cable is "man" enough).

[Old_Geezer]

No. The is a single connection to the back. Take a look at the back of one. One screw for live, one for neutral.

[bhg481]

Nearly every outlet on the main will be on the ring, with 2 cables running to it. Only spurs have a single cable running to them - even they are allowed 13A per socket, but you are only allowed 2 sockets on a spur (hence the converters I recommended needing a 13A fuse - they count as a sort of extension lead). You are allowed to have as many spurs on a ring as you have sockets on the ring (or you were when I looked up the regulations many years ago to add extra sockets to my house). If you've looked at the back of an outlet and it has only one cable running to it then it is a spur. Look at back of most of the sockets and you'll find they have 2 cables.

[Old_Geezer]

Spur or ring isn't relevant. The issue is the outlet. I came across this argument between experts on a professional electrical forum some years ago and became convinced that the rating is for the outlet. If experts argue I'm not going to justify but just saying I was convinced otherwise.

[bhg481]

I will agree that it's not WISE to take 13A from both sockets on an outlet at the same time, especially for prolonged periods. I think the fact that you are allowed to install them and there is no warning does mean that it's allowed.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Twin sockets made to BS1363 pt 2 are rated at a total of 13A.However some will tolerate 20A before the maximum operating temperature is reached.Very few will tolerate 26A for prolonged periods.