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Electrical

Replacing Spur Switch to a Single Socket

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 2.55 PM

I am looking at replacing my existing panel radiators which currently run on spur switches on the wall which are connected to 16 amps fuses on the new RCD consumer unit. I am looking to see if I can change the spur switches to 13A plug sockets as the new radiators are supplied with plugs. 2 Bedroom panel heaters (16 amps fuse on RCD) Hall & Lounge panel heaters (16 amps fuse on RCD) I am looking at relocated the lounge radiator and I would also like to know if I can have the new lounge radiator (1.8kw) plugged into a 13A double wall socket which runs 20 amp fuse? When my electrician was installing the new RCD consumer unit last year we found that the ring circuit was broken we suspect in the kitchen (when the kitchen was refitted by previous owner but we can't confirm this as I didn't want to start ripping out the floor units to get to the socket where we think the circuit has been broken to install it back to a full ring circuit). Would the 20 amp fuse have enough head room to run my electrics (tv, virgin box,telephone, pc and radiator) without blowing the fuse? Cheers Scott

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1 Answer

Hephaestus Solutions Ltd

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

Burton On Trent

Hi. There is no problem removing 13amp fused spurs and replacing with socket outlets. You just need to ensure that those circuits (fuses/mcb's) are backed up by a 30ma RCD as they will now be used to supply mobile equipment rather than fixed. You explain you have a new consumer unit, which would normally mean all of your circuits are now RCD protected, but it is wise to have this verified if you have any uncertainty. Regarding the 'load' placed on your 20amp fuse, this all depends on the 'wattage' of each device - i would hazard a guess that your tv, virgin box, telephone and PC power requirements are small, check the label on your radiator for 'Wattage', it will say 2KW for example = 2000W. To calculate how many amps each device needs, divide the Wattage by 230, this will give you the current requirement in amps. Then add up the amps for each device, if it is less than 20 amps, you are fine. Even if it is close or slightly over the 20 amp rating, you will probably be fine due to a thing called diversity - this has nothing to do with dancing however. :) good luck. J

Answered27 February 2018