On Saturday, 30 May 2015 21:47:13 UTC+1, Fredxxx wrote:
On 27/05/2015 22:12, nt wrote:
On Wednesday, 27 May 2015 21:03:28 UTC+1, ARW wrote:
"GB" wrote in message
...


I did wonder whether the cable is overspecified to allow for this. There
must be loads of ring mains with breaks or dodgy connections, but the
number of electrical fires is fairly small.


Most ring circuits are underloaded. If there is a bad connection at a socket
then the socket usually packs up before the wiring (there may be some small
localised wire damage).

The minimum Iz of the cable for a ring is 20A. That's the maximum a double
socket can supply without burning out.

No, its the maximum current a double socket is rated to provide continuously without getting hot.

Correct, as per BS1363.

It takes more to burn it out.

That is irrelevant when it comes to design. 20A is the limit full-stop.
Anything over that and you're outside the safe working conditions and in
no mans land.

quite incorrect. Its common for 13A loads to draw well above 13A short term. All parts of ring circuits can & do handle well above their continuous current rating. It was ever so.


NT