Plugs and wiring

[crookedeyeboy]

Im going to make my first boiler out of a blue barrel and was wondering about how people plug them in.

Do you stick both plugs in the same 4 way extension or do they have to go in different sockets...?

And whats all this about having to use 'proper' kettle leads not computer ones....where can I get them cheap if this is the case?

Thanks I know im being lazy but i really dont like the search facility on this forum.

Ta

[delboy]

Nope with two plugs in the same socket or extension, you'll pull to much current and it'll overheat pretty quicky, if at all possible try and get them into two seperate sockets.

Same thing with the cheapo power leads, they aren't built for high currents and will quickly overheat. Your on your own looking for the propers one though (i got mine from h&G along with my two element boiler).

[crookedeyeboy]

I take it when you bought it from H&G they gave you some kind of guidance as to plugging them in to separate sockets..?

[boingy]

Focus and Homebase both stock suitable leads and there is probably also a little electrical stall on your local market. The thing to look for is the little notch at the kettle end. This is what indicates that it is a high temperature lead.

http://www.homebase.co.uk/webapp/wcs/st ... ber=920731

http://www.focusdiy.co.uk/TV-and-Audio- ... nvt/218941

[crookedeyeboy]

Nice one thats great thanks...

[DrewBrews]

Plugging them both into a four way extenstoin will, at best, result in a blown fuse (in the extension lead plug) at worst, a fire. Use two leads into different sockets.

I got my kettle leads from homebase and they weren't exactly cheap. People on here have reported success using PC leads (they will fit but don't have the notch) but you'll probably have to change the fuse and in my opinion it's not worth the risk.

It's probably also worth using an RCD on each lead. (this is an extra expense though)

[crookedeyeboy]

Yeah good thinking what sort of fuses should I put in all the plugs...ext included?

[dcq1974]

definately use an RCD on each element. Only £5 each on ebay etc

[DrewBrews]

Yeah good thinking what sort of fuses should I put in all the plugs...ext included?

Standard 13 Amp fuses all round.

[crookedeyeboy]

Thanks guys, nice quick to the point responses.

[Horatio]

Not sure if you can products by a company called Jegs where you live? I got my Jegs leads from a local shop and they were a fiver each; proper 'hot' ones too. http://www.jegs.co.uk/default.asp

[Blackaddler]

Your local Freecycle group should be good for a couple of kettle leads. [Kettles too, if you fancy cleaning the limescale off the elements].

I've just sourced a couple of proper leads myself, this way. One did have a 5Amp fuse in the plug though!!!!

[crookedeyeboy]

Good idea that forgot about freecycle. I can get some descaler from work which works a treat.

[Blackaddler]

My freecycle wanted ad went along the lines of...

"...a proper "hotplug" [C15 or C16] kettle lead, rated to over 120°C.

Not to be confused with the similar looking [C13] leads found attached to computer equipment etc, which are only rated to 70°C.

The C15 has a notch in the plug, and looks like this... http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... 20_C15.jpg

Should get the job done, but if not, there may be other freecycle groups in your area. I have 4 around my way!

[Chard]

your one step ahead of me crooked. it may become obvious when i dismantle the kettle but it looks like most of these builds use the £5 kettles from tesco/argos/asda which are all chordless. do you hack up the base aswell to get the rest of the plug. also why not use the plug from the kettle? why do you need to get another.

all the boiler build threads i see seem to gloss over this section and me being slightly naieve in the ways of wiring i would love to see it spelt out for me if anyone can point to a good link with pics!