[garyfindlay]

I have been given the contract to clean the communal stair areas in a new block of flats, but have encountered a couple of problems. when I try to hoover with a dyson etc, the electricity trips. The breaker is only 6 amps. Is this the normal ampage for this type of  breaker, and if so what vac could i use, that is less than 1250 watts. also what do you use to clean/shine the plastic strips on the front edge of the stairs?

[Bertie Boo]

Gary

A 6 amp breaker is only supposed to be for lighting and will trip. Even though it can handle a balanced load of 1400watts,  the enormous surge of power that  a vacuum cleaner uses on start up will throw it, even a machine with a wattage around 800watts.

Unless they can change the circuit the only option you have is to find a vacuum cleaner with electronic variable power. You will have to start the machine on minimum and gently increase to full. This will work perfectly OK on the 6amp breaker, but i am still puzzelled as to why the socket is on a 6 amp breaker in the first place???

Stephen

[garyfindlay]

its my first job, and with a electronics back ground i was puzzled too, thinking of the initial burst,but wanted your opinion before i said anything to the site manager.it is for 2 sockets, the other is for the tv aerial.any ideas about the stair strips?

[Bertie Boo]

Hi gary

no, no idea about stair strips sorry. You will need to mention the breaker to someone.

Cheers

Stephen

[John Kelly]

These are usually specified as low ampage in order to stop people plugging in from their flat. Unfortunately in this case they have forgotten the reason for having the sockets in the first place. Have a word with the manager and get them uprated.