Electrics for the Workshop

[OLD]

I agree with all of davy_owen_88 advice and recommend it.
However the master kill switch is a optional extra so fit if you need it there can be a master switch in the cu any way.

 

[wizer]

Sorry to drag up such an old thread but this is based on the advise previously given.

This is for the new workshop but applies the same. Based on the above advise: does this product seem like a good buy?

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CMP6N.html

With 2x6a 1x10a 1x16a & 2 32a RCD's

Works out: £50.75

 

[OLD]

Not correct yet you need a rcd (2 ways) then the mcbs (1 way each) davy_owen_88 post has the info for cct requirements the price looks typical though. If your not sure list what you need to feed.
Just found toolstation 71165 10 way split load box with lots of mcbs page 219 £38.98 easy to convert to non split load if you need all the ways and extra mcbs at £2.48 each

 

[wizer]

absolutely confused beyond belief.

 

[OLD]

If your not sure list what you need to feed.
Or PM for phone number.

 

[wizer]

Triton Workcenter (which is basically a CS)
RSDE2 Extractor
Router/Table
P/T (in post )
SCMS
Electric heater
Radio/TV
All the Chargers (probably 4 or 5)
16amp circuit for future
Main and Task lights
probably 10 double sockets and 5 singles
Alarm system
Possibly an electric garage door opener

Future toys will include a lathe, bandsaw, jointer, probably slightly bigger extraction system

I'm sure there is more, can't thin now tho. I just can't work out which CU I need to buy. The cabline from the CU will come much later when we have moved in.

 

[wizer]

hmm I think this is sinking in. Are you basically saying I need 2 extra slots? so for 6 circuits I need an 8 way CU?

 

[OLD]

I understand:- 2x6a alarm&lights, 10a door opener, 16a ultimate dedicated cct. 2x32 ring & spare, thats 6ways/mcbs. But you need a 63a 30ma rcd (2ways). Thats a total 8ways and no rcd was mentioned in your proposal.
The box i propose would need a extra 10a rcd but the electrician can wire it as above and there will be spare capacity for future.

 

[Shultzy]

Wizer, the difference in price between the 6,8,10, and 12 way cu's is minimal and you don't have to fully populate it with mcb's. BTW it might be prudent to put an outside socket for your garden equipment if you don't already have one.

 

[ByronBlack]

P/T (in post )

That must be a tiny p/t to be sent in the post!

In all seriousness - which model did you go for? (sorry for going off-topic).

 

[RogerS]

Not correct yet you need a rcd (2 ways) then the mcbs (1 way each) davy_owen_88 post has the info for cct requirements the price looks typical though. If your not sure list what you need to feed.
Just found toolstation 71165 10 way split load box with lots of mcbs page 219 £38.98 easy to convert to non split load if you need all the ways and extra mcbs at £2.48 each

Helpful post but I do have reservations about these CU's. I installed one a while ago and they just seemed cheap and tatty compared to, for example, a Crabtree unit.

WiZeR - with my chargers, I had some spare room underneath one of my mobile units and installed a glorified distribution board to feed all my chargers individually via their own dedicated switched circuit. I simply connected some old 13Amp switched double sockets in a line behind the chargers and plugged each charger into one of the sockets. Just turn on the charger you want to use.

As a slight aside, when I wired up my workshop (in 2002 so no part P here thanks ) I installed a separate ring that was switched by a contactor. The sockets were fixed fused outlets (ie not 13 Amp) as the ring was intended to feed small heaters around the perimeter of the workshop. A room thermostat was going to turn the contactor (and hence the heaters) on/off. I never implemented the heaters but now have a spare ring from which I can hang off any 16Amp machines. I replaced a few of the fused outlets with the blue Commando sockets.

 

[wizer]

Blow the expense... what about this?

15-way split with 10 x MCBs. Stylish design with tinted visor and unique shrouded busbar system. 100A DP main switch and 80A 30mA RCCB. (10 x Type-B MCBs; 3 x 6A, 2 x 16A, 4 x 32A and 1 x 40A). BS EN 60439-3.

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro ... 4&id=29699

Does that suit?



Byron: Actually I meant just Thicknesser. I hoovered up the DW733 deal recently displayed on this forum. It's a budget option but gets immaculate reviews on here. I shouldn't realy have splashed out but i'm a sucker for impulse

 

[wizer]

WiZeR - with my chargers, I had some spare room underneath one of my mobile units and installed a glorified distribution board to feed all my chargers individually via their own dedicated switched circuit. I simply connected some old 13Amp switched double sockets in a line behind the chargers and plugged each charger into one of the sockets. Just turn on the charger you want to use.

As a slight aside, when I wired up my workshop (in 2002 so no part P here thanks ) I installed a separate ring that was switched by a contactor. The sockets were fixed fused outlets (ie not 13 Amp) as the ring was intended to feed small heaters around the perimeter of the workshop. A room thermostat was going to turn the contactor (and hence the heaters) on/off. I never implemented the heaters but now have a spare ring from which I can hang off any 16Amp machines. I replaced a few of the fused outlets with the blue Commando sockets.

Roger I like both those ideas. Thanks. My Dad did my Garage in 2002 too, so no Part P

 

[RogerS]

Roger I like both those ideas. Thanks. My Dad did my Garage in 2002 too, so no Part P

Sigh......ah..the good old days :wink:

 

[davy_owen_88]

Wizer, as mentioned having a number of spare ways for future additions is a very good idea, but remember that the larger consumer units only come with a limited number of blanking plates so unless you are sizing your main feed to be able to account for any later additions it might just take up extra space and cost you a few quid unneccesarily.

An 8-way (4ways taken up by isolator and RCD) leaves you 4-ways for your circuits. 1 for sockets, 1 for lights, 1 for 16A and one spare. That is plenty IMO.

I also agree with Roger, get a good quality CU - Crabtree, MK and Hager are all good choices, but my personal preference is MK.

I also suggest you get a metalclad consumer unit so you don't need to terminate your SWA into a separate adaptable box - plastic CU's generally are not strong enough for this. It will also provide protection should you walk into it with a piece of 2x4

My Dad did my Garage in 2002 too, so no Part P

Tut tut... :wink:

 

[wizer]

Getting there slowly.

on TLC we have

MK 5512 12 Way Metal Enclosure - for up to 10 MCB s
MK 5906 6 Amp MCB x2
MK 5932 32 Amp MCB x2
MK 5916 16 Amp MCB x2
MK 5544 Blank for Sentry Boards x2

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MK5512.html

Am I wrong or am I right ?

My Dad did my Garage in 2002 too, so no Part P

Tut tut... :wink:

A qualified spark is doing the work, it just won't strictly be Part P. But the house is staying in the family so there shouldn't be any legal problems.

 

[davy_owen_88]

Getting there slowly.

on TLC we have

MK 5512 12 Way Metal Enclosure - for up to 10 MCB s
MK 5906 6 Amp MCB x2
MK 5932 32 Amp MCB x2
MK 5916 16 Amp MCB x2
MK 5544 Blank for Sentry Boards x2

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MK5512.html

Am I wrong or am I right ?

You won't need to buy the blanks as the 12 way comes with 2 blanks as standard and you are using:

2x for isolator
2x for RCD
2x for 6A MCBs
2x for 32A MCBs
2x for 16A MCBs

BTW, I have 2x 16A MCB's and an isolator surplus to requirements if you are interested. Also, MK accessories are drastically cheaper from screwfix than TLC... £70 vs £110