Re-doing workshop (elec questions)

[Kent]

Standard industrial (commando) sockets are available in 16A & 32A, never heard of 24.5A so do them all in 32A.

Yes that is the plug rating though is it not you then fuse it accordingly and yes I haven't looked yet but I assume the 24.5 amp will need a "nearest match" then mark each accordingly at the plug, it cant be wise to go so much as 7.5 amp over on an input fuse rating surely?

 

[Robotstar5]

Yes that is the plug rating though is it not you then fuse it accordingly and yes I haven't looked yet but I assume the 24.5 amp will need a "nearest match" then mark each accordingly at the plug, it cant be wise to go so much as 7.5 amp over on an input fuse rating surely?

The fuse/mcb is to protect the wiring/cable to the socket. The appliance you plug in should have it's own suitably rated protection onboard (fuse or mcb).

 

[daleyd]

I imagine the 24.5 amp may refer to a minimum supply required for operation at full power settings, rather than a protection requirement? (Not sure though, just a guess!)

As robotstar says, it should be suitably protected anyway internally.

 

[Kent]

The fuse/mcb is to protect the wiring/cable to the socket. The appliance you plug in should have it's own suitably rated protection onboard (fuse or mcb).

ok, thanks

 

[daleyd]

Though some machinery is better stopped by other means (I forget the exact name...DC Generation???)

Yes, sometimes inverters don't take kindly to having their supply switched off while still connected to a spinning load (Changed a few through this happening in various factories over the years!)

If you have a large load some inverters can inject dc into the windings to slow it faster than freewheeling, in which case it may be better to have the stop connected to enable this. Proper fancy ones can regenerate from the motor, effectively turning it into an alternator and dumping the energy back into the mains, but you wouldn't normally find these in a home workshop!

 

[Robotstar5]

Consider fitting a couple of non-maintained emergency lights over door and CU.

 

[Kent]

Have spoken at length with a spark and got a guy coming up to check it out as to exactly what I have and what can be done. On the face of it the existing SWA to the building I put in 4-5 yrs back seems like it could be adequate but might need some changes in another building, will wait and see seems I am asking a bit much without a pro having a look see on site

 

[steviec_lj]

Consider fitting a couple of non-maintained emergency lights over door and CU.

Probably one of the best bits of advice I've heard for a while.

Emergency lighting is a seriously good idea!

 

[dannyp]

The control side of the contactor would need to remain live to operate it, if for any reason it dropped out while you were working, you would be left without lighting.

Easier option would be a main isolator switch, pull a lever instead of pressing a button?.

i got load of contactors for free and with boxes for them

the lighting board isn't switched by the contactor, but it's pritty obvious when the the lights are on its more about an easy way to ensure all equipment is off.

actualy have a few emergency lights i mean to put up at some point as the power dose go off sometimes

 

[li150ss]

I have 35mm from house to workshop coz i,m special

im tapped into next doors garage daren't ask him if its 35mm, but it looks like it

 

[SmartWerks]

I got my old man to do mine, additional lighting and 13amp sockets plus 3 16amp and 1 32amp supply. The 3 16amp supply is to run my compressor, oven and spray booth and the 32amp for when I get a twin 3hp compressor in the future. If your no good with leccy get someone who is, we can't be good at everything!

 

[Kent]

Sorted it today! putting in 16mm2 SWA direct from meter switch, already on 10mm2 SWA although that will just do there is too great a temptation later to put more in so am upgrading. Besides as the 10mm terminates in a box just outside the shop it might come in handy for external work via a new covered area without running extensions from the shop, gotta have it right aint ya just!
Got a 50mtr reel coming Monday now I just need to have a nice word at my neighbour about a mini digger

 

[Kent]

Mini Digger??
WIMP :P get a digging hoe / spade Earn man points lol

Mate,I have been across that drive once with a pick and spade over half the distance only and its hell blooming rocks big ones and lots of them! I have about 30 mtrs to go and frankly I want to do more than scratch the top off as I have waggons drive over it regular. So yeah I am wimping out this time

 

[dan.taylor.1]

How much was the roll of swa out of interest? Also what's the crack with doing your own electrics in a workshop? Do you just need to get it checked/signed off or is it just get a spark in to do the lot?

Dan

 

[SmartWerks]

How much was the roll of swa out of interest? Also what's the crack with doing your own electrics in a workshop? Do you just need to get it checked/signed off or is it just get a spark in to do the lot?

Dan

You just have to be considered competant to do your own work, ie done it before or have a good understanding. Obviously different if money is involved.

 

[dan.taylor.1]

Well I'd consider myself competent, and I've helped out friends of the family when they've done stuff on the farm. No money involved as its my building,or at least will be once it's up.

I have a few sparky mates I'll probe ask anyway.

 

[Kent]

How much was the roll of swa out of interest? Also what's the crack with doing your own electrics in a workshop? Do you just need to get it checked/signed off or is it just get a spark in to do the lot?

Dan

£220 inc vat for 50mtrs, strangely I could only do £10 cheaper on line so I bought local. I have cut 20-25% less online in past, though cable prices fluctuate so it depends when you catch the ball I suppose.
As for doing it myself, well read the thread people have all sorts of ideas- try sorting through them. Personally if I am not 100% sure I ask for qualified exact guidance and do totally as told or get someone in to do it, even the pro gets it wrong at times aint you ever welded something up wrong handed or the like - I know I have with electrics you might not a second chance to put things right

 

[Robotstar5]

Also what's the crack with doing your own electrics in a workshop? Do you just need to get it checked/signed off or is it just get a spark in to do the lot?

There's a few ways, but for a workshop it's covered by Part P regs - useful link

 

[Wendelspanswick]

There's a few ways, but for a workshop it's covered by Part P regs - useful link

Only a domestic workshop.

 

[Robotstar5]

Only a domestic workshop.

I thought it was domestic the OP was asking about?.