frustrating breaker situation

[thaibeachlovers]

Down in the village to wire up a new extension on the house.

Need a 10 amp breaker for the lights, so went to the "shop" that sells all the building hardware, but the only thing they had was a consumer unit with minimum 20 amp breaker ( and 32 amp breakers ).

What uses 32 amps that would be applicable in a village area where the meters would be mostly on the lower amperage range, and I have yet to see anything like an AC on a house? Most of the houses would just have normal appliances, like fridge and tv, etc.

Seems strange they don't have 10 amp breakers, but I'm guessing TiT.

[Crossy]

I suspect it's because most small homes are wired with lights and power outlets on the same circuit (2.5mm² cable and those 20A breakers).

Not sure why they include 32A breakers as well mind, water heater perhaps.

[Pib]

Bigger the breaker the less chance of it tripping....I'm trying to think like a Thai sparky now.

[Crossy]

Bigger the breaker the less chance of it tripping....I'm trying to think like a Thai sparky now.

The really scary thing is, you're spot on

[thaibeachlovers]

Thanks guys.

I'll just have to connect the whole thing to an existing 10 amp breaker, and next time we come down to the village I'll bring a consumer unit with appropriate rated breakers.

BTW, is it better to use 16 amp or 20 amp for the plug circuit? It's for the kitchen area.

Thanks.

PS. I just noticed yesterday that they have the water pump wired with 1 mm cable! So it was off to the shop for some 2.5.

Edited August 23, 2013 by thaibeachlovers

[Crossy]

Assuming you've wired the outlets with 2.5mm² cable then a 20A breaker is appropriate (and won't open when the kettle, toaster and microwave are on together).

[thaibeachlovers]

Assuming you've wired the outlets with 2.5mm² cable then a 20A breaker is appropriate (and won't open when the kettle, toaster and microwave are on together).

Thanks Crossy, but too late. I've already got out of Dodge, leaving it all on 10 amps.

I've actually wired up the light circuit with 1.25, so I guess 20 amps wouldn't be a good idea. On our next visit, I'll take a consumer unit with me. I would have done the last time, but I was informed that I'd be wiring up the new extension the night before we left .