Hi,
I want to spur off an existing socket to add an additional one. Is there any reason why I can't spur off the socket for the microwave in a cupboard?
This is the only socket which is close to where I want the additional socket but I guess this feeds off a larger fuse?
Not really any reason against doing so, BUT (there's always a but!) the mains circuit breaker (almost certainly a circuit breaker not a old fashioned fuse) covering that feed will likely be no more than 10A rated (2.4kW total load) and could well be less, 6A (1.44kW total load) is quite common! That means you may not be able to use the microwave AND any appliance on the new socket at the same time, or a high powered appliance without tripping breaker. Microwaves may be rated at 800/900W but that is the microwave output power, they often draw 1.2kW (5 Amps!) from the supply AND with big surge currents on top as the microwave producing magnetron powers up with each energy pulse.
It's doable and electrically safe (subject to compliant wiring and installation practice) but may be compromised in use. A sticker ("Not for use at same time as Microwave") adjacent to socket may be wise. The circuit breaker should NOT be uprated without first ensuring existing installed wiring is also suitably rated.
It's usability depends very much on what appliance(s) you intend to plug in to it, if the microwave would be used at same time, and what the circuit breaker is rated at.
When it comes to mains electrical work, always a little cautious about people asking questions like this, as they obviously don't have the electrical background and knowledge, so urge extreme caution in DIY works, and advise to get a qualified electrician to do works. Both fire and electrocution risk, plus damage to van electrical installation for the unwary. Health & Safety disclaimer over!
The trouble with caravans and motorhomes is that they often don't have 230v sockets near where you want to use them? As Monty says it depends what you want to use it for. On the worktop where our television sits there is a single socket so I have a four gang extension socket on a fairly sort lead so we can watch the TV and also charge our phones. No risk of overload with that usage. I appreciate you don't want cables across the floor but would an extension lead do the job?
Mains sockets on a caravan cannot be treated like mains sockets at your home. Treat the mains sockets in your caravan like one socket with a multi socket extension lead plugged in.
Your total draw in amps can only equal the amps supplied by ehu. So yes you can add an extra socket in the way you describe or more simple just use a multi socket extension lead.
Thanks to Monty15, David Klyne and billy who have all replied so far your help and advice is much appreciated.
The socket is for very occasional use for a caravan toaster and it is very unlikely that we would use the microwave at the same time although it could happen I guess!
I will get a friend of mine, (an electrician) to install the additional socket but just wanted to understand if it was possible before I bothered him.
Quote: Originally posted by Rovert1801 on 22/2/2022
Thanks to Monty15, David Klyne and billy who have all replied so far your help and advice is much appreciated.
The socket is for very occasional use for a caravan toaster and it is very unlikely that we would use the microwave at the same time although it could happen I guess!
I will get a friend of mine, (an electrician) to install the additional socket but just wanted to understand if it was possible before I bothered him.
Thanks to all,
Rovert1801
Thanks for coming back to say 'thank you' and taking advice given on board. Far too many never acknowledge efforts of contributors and just vanish and/or insist on doing their own (dubious/erroneous) thing anyway flying in the face of good advice. I'm sure I can speak for others in saying much appreciated.
We have used a low wattage toaster in our caravans and motorhomes for years. Can't remember off hand the wattage but much lower than the usual domestic version. Makes perfectly good toast, actually I think my wife prefers it to the rather lovely Dualit toaster we have in the kitchen at home!!!
I needed to add a socket to our Coachman. We were having problems with the microwave oven overheating so I decided to ad a small fan underneath supplied from a 12 volt adaptor. With only one socket in the cupboard to power the oven, I got a new double socket and fitted to the wall using a short flex from it to plug into the existing socket.
That way, I have avoided tampering with the existing electrical wiring.
I took a spur off the outside locker socket to run the laptop sat at the table. Theres never anything plugged into the locker socket, so its fine. I also took a 12v USB feed off something else which escapes me now to charge phones etc. And given the vans just been serviced, i am assuming both new sockets are fine.
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Topic: Adding additional socket
via mobile 22/2/2022 at 7:41am
