Electrics...

[405mi16]

So we have a cheap chinese inverter 180a jobby, just read the back (after 4 years) and says 32a input current (might explain it blowing 13a fuses anywhere above half power).

So, what I'm wondering is, will it be fine just to put a 32a plug on it and plug it into a C40 MCB?
Also, umm, would a 25m 6mm2 extension be ok for say a portamig 335, also on said C40 MCB?
And would it be frowned upon to have a short 13a plug to 32a socket with a blown 13a fuse holding 15a wire in the plug for welding where there is no 32a socket?

There was alot of other guff there, but after reading it it was mostley irrelevant rubbish!

Surprised there isn't a dedicated electrical section here actually...

Thanks, JF.

 

[madkayaker]

So we have a cheap chinese inverter 180a jobby, just read the back (after 4 years) and says 32a input current (might explain it blowing 13a fuses anywhere above half power).

So, what I'm wondering is, will it be fine just to put a 32a plug on it and plug it into a C40 MCB?
NO! a 32 socket needs a 32 fuse/ circuit breaker
Also, umm, would a 25m 6mm2 extension be ok for say a portamig 335, also on said C40 MCB?
yes if you use properly rated flexible cable (not twin and earth or SWA)
And would it be frowned upon to have a short 13a plug to 32a socket with a blown 13a fuse holding 15a wire in the plug for welding where there is no 32a socket?
VERY MUCH SO! thats how you burn houses down
There was alot of other guff there, but after reading it it was mostley irrelevant rubbish!

Surprised there isn't a dedicated electrical section here actually...

Thanks, JF.

from the question s you ask its time to look at your skills honestly and ask your self if your safe to be doing the job

 

[405mi16]

Fair enough, would seem some of the other guff was relevent...

2 years ago our shed was burned down, when the job came of reinstating it we decided to pull a couple of older sheds down and get rid of all the old 6mm twin and earth wires overhead. So we then ended up with a big shed and 16mm underground cable from a 80a switchfuse in the house which is on a 100a supply. All this was done by pro electricians, when wiring the shed I said to put in a couple of 32a sockets for welder and for a 20ft portacabin we parked in the shed. In all I think the job was about £2500 including lighting etc... they are the ones that put in c40 fuses, I asked the question because I was concerned. Got a certificate and everything since it was an insurance job.

Was looking at H07 rubber cable? Someone said the blue arctic stuff isn't actually meant for 240v.

To be fair I should have been able to guess an electricians reaction to suggesting the last one, I'll just stick to regular 13a fuses when working without the big sockets. To be honest I only asked that because thats how my brother inlaw runs his murex 251 and I find it a little concerning.

Cheers, JF.

 

[madkayaker]

h07 rubber would do great as would blue artic (although there is an issues as what is ment by "artic" as the relivent BS only refures to 110V yellow stuff) or my first choice woud be SY cable as its got a braded armarage. C40 protection on a 32A socket is apparling and if done by a NICEIC/ NAPIT/ SELECT (as your in scotland) firm they want reporting to there trade body. A adaptor from a 13A plug to 32A socket is fine as long as you leave in the 13A fuse and work to the lower end of the welders power

 

[405mi16]

oh no, 3rd time lucky, keep writing this out and losing it!

Thanks for putting me onto the SY cable there, about the same price as I was going to pay for H07. Yeah, cable supplier I was speaking to said blue arctic isn't actually meant for 240v. Electrician all SELECT reg'd and everything, runs a few vans aswell. Curent setup is 6mm single wires 1m from C40 to 32a socket, so I should replace both C40's with C32's? Also all 13a sockets are on C16 breakers, and 1750w lighting on 2 (maybe 3, can't remember) C6's, these all ok?

Now, had look at the Portamig specs, " 32/45A (slow)", is that going to work ok on a C32, or do I need a C50 and 63a socket and switchgear? And would 6mm not be getting to its limit there?

Thanks, JF.

 

[madkayaker]

blue artic is suitable for 230V as the BS standard it is made to is for flexable cables. its the artic bit that is questinable as that refures to a BS for low tempature use 110V constrution use cable. SY would be my faverate cable but the brade MUST NOT be used as the earth conductor but must be earthed at both ends. the C40's imho should be changed to C32's. the rest sounds fine.

A 13A socket on a 16A braker is fine as the plug has a fuse in it. I would use a 32A C type supply for the MIG as 63A is just a silly size!! as for cable size alot depends on earth loop impedance at the point you wish to supply from. If you whish to PM me the test results that you have for the existing system i can work it out for you.

 

[405mi16]

I take it that " 32/45A (slow)" means either a 32a MCB or a 45a traditional fuse wire type? I agree, 63a is a little extreme.

I'll see if I can dig out the test cert, but its all earthed to the steel frame shed which goes 1m underground, and its quite moist down there, no more than 1m copper from socket to shed, then 2m steel to ground.

Thanks, JF.