On Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:52:59 +0000
David Hansen wrote:

On Wed, 3 Feb 2010 01:33:30 -0800 (PST) someone who may be JP
Coetzee wrote this:-

We have a new kiln rated at 3.6kW. It requires a single-phase supply.
3600/230=15.7A. It has 16A 2P+E plug on it like this one:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:16A-plug.jpg

In the shed I have a 30A ring with standard 13A dual-gang switched
sockets. Can I use one of these: http://www.toolstation.com/images/li...bbig/47166.jpg
?

You can. However, doing so would not be sensible as it is likely to
get rather hot and even if it doesn't cause a fire the plug will not
last that long.

If not, what are those connectors for?

Caravans. They have the those sort of plugs and sockets. Caravan
places also tend to offer leads with a French/German plug on one
end.

They can also be used to connect tools and other low power devices.

And what is the best way to power the kiln?

It is best to connect it via one of these
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/52616/Electrical-Supplies/Industrial/240V/200-250V-MK-Commando-Interlocked-Angled-Socket-2P-E-IP44

Other suppliers are available and this sort of socket is even
available in the larger big orange sheds ("Depots", unless they have
changed the name recently).

The socket could be connected to the ring main, if that is not
already heavily loaded, via a 16A circuit breaker.

There is a consumer unit in the shed with space for another breaker.

However, it would be far better to install a 20A circuit
breaker/fuse in the consumer unit and run a radial circuit to the
socket. You could install more than one of these sockets on the same
circuit, but you will not be able to run more than one kiln.
Multiple sockets arranged in this way are for flexibility.

I hope (and pray) you
meant:http://www.screwfix.com/prods/45929/...ocket-32A-240V

as the link's picture is a plug, whatever Screwedfix call it.

R.