Testing Station

budget888 · 01-31-2010, 04:48 PM

Hi,
I am trying to wire up a testing station. It will test 8 washing machines at once.
If I use a consumer unit with 4 separate mcb's (4 double sockets) which size mcb's do I need?

The washers are normal household 13 amp 240v washers.

Also, with this loading which size cable should I run to the consumer unit.
thanks
Fred

Scuba_Dave · 01-31-2010, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by budget888

Hi,
I am trying to wire up a testing station. It will test 8 washing machines at once.
If I use a consumer unit with 4 separate mcb's (4 double sockets) which size mcb's do I need?

The washers are normal household 13 amp 240v washers.

Since when is a 240v washer normal ?

I've never had one
Are these combo washer/dryers ?

Billy_Bob · 01-31-2010, 07:38 PM

If you intended to say the washers are 13 amp 120 volt...

If you are testing, then to be scientific, I should think you would want the same electrical supply as in a home...

8 separate 20 amp breakers.
8 separate GFCI outlets.
1 washer to each GFCI.

12 gauge wiring to each. Separate wiring to each outlet. [No shared neutrals (no multi-wire branch circuits)].

jerryh3 · 01-31-2010, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scuba_Dave

Since when is a 240v washer normal ?

I've never had one
Are these combo washer/dryers ?

It is when the OP is from Wales.

Scuba_Dave · 01-31-2010, 07:46 PM

Yup, UK according to the IP...I was thinking Swansea MA
So (8) 20a 240v circuits

Billy_Bob · 01-31-2010, 08:20 PM

Re: Wales... GFCI = RCD (Or whatever would be in a typical home).

RCD...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Residual-current_device

spark plug · 01-31-2010, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scuba_Dave

Since when is a 240v washer normal ?

I've never had one
Are these combo washer/dryers ?

Still, in the Good Ol' USA and in Canada (to the best of my knowledge), a washer runs on 120v. The dryer (if heated by electric heating elements, is 240v.) to the OP!