hmmm, i'm needing to use my welder on full pwer this weekend, and at full power it blows 13A fuses too quick, so thinking about doing it properly with a blue 16A plug and socket.

I've also got my compressor which is on a 32A circuit, and fancy putting a proper blue plug on that too.

might be a silly question (i think i know the answer) does a 16A plug fit in the 32A socket? (as a temporory measure until i can wire in a 16A supply from the spare cicuit breaker in my consumer unit?)

are the plugs the same, just with a different fuse inside them? are the plugs fused?

16amp plugs are smaller than the 32amp versions. And they don't have integral fuses.

I'd suggest getting a sparky in!

Mike

I thought the answer would be different sizes. my dad used to be a sparky (many years ago right enough) and he's not home just now to ask. and we did rewire the garage a couple of years back, including a new consumer unit with circuit breakers, and new supply to the garage, new sockets, etc etc.

all the wiring's already there, its just really a case of changing a plug, and a socket

[Edited on 7/11/08 by blakep82]

You could put a single socket in as a radial, wired in 2.5mm t&e, on a 20A mcb, assuming the run is short and its not near insulation/heat sources/other cables etc. Then open the plug on the welder, swap the live pin (which has a prong for the fuse) for another neutral pin from another plug (which will have a screw terminal) and hence you have a plug with no fuse.

There are several reasons why this isnt a proper solution. You should check the manual for your welder and see what supply it recommends.

You also really want a spark in to test your socket is good.

However with my safety hat on, id say do nothing yourself.

noooo i won't be doing that to a 13A plug. bit of a bodge that one. i've already got an unused 16A circuit breaker in he consumber box, the welder says to run it on a 16A supply too. i've got a 13A plug on it, because, until now, i've never needed to run it full power.

Now you say that you have a 32A circuit...is this a proper one with it's own breaker and terminated in a yellow socket?

If so, then something from here should help

http://www.idesystems.co.uk/products.php?section=1

Alternatively, pop down to your local disco lighting place - I'm sure they'll be able to help with a suitable PDU.

aren't yellow sockets for 110v?
yep, 32A breaker on consumer box, which the compressor is wired into, but is wired into a junction box. I'd prefer it on a 32A plug and socket. Just to make it easy to unplug if i need to move it or take it apart or something, ie isolating it from the supply.

there is a spare 16A breaker in the cunsumer box, which i want to use for my welder

locost way is to fit a paper clip

(make sure you house insurance policy is up to date before you begin)