electricity

rog123 · Post by **rog123** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 5:46 pm

Hi - I've heard that a lot of homes here have unearthed sockets...does anyone know how you can tell, and what you need to do to make them earthed?
Also trying to work out what sort of power supply/wattage you need to put 3 air conditioning units in a 3 bed house...any comments much appreciated.

flying fish · Post by **flying fish** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 7:32 pm

All 230 volt sockets in Pt. or anywhere should be earthed. If you have any reason to doubt that yours are earthed then you need to consult an electrician. He will also advise you about the capacity of your supply to handle the 3 A/C units which you mention. Remember: If you plug in a metallic object into your sockets and it is not earthed and it developes a fault, then you or someone else could die.... it's as simple as that. I think there is an english chap called "The Saint" (a sparky, like me) who could advise you. I don't know him by the way!

Al Garb · Post by **Al Garb** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 9:23 am

Probably 1 to 1.5 KW per room assuming split units with wall mounted inside unit and condensers outside and if you plan to use them for winter heating since this consumes more than cooling. You may wish to check the potencia contratada - the max kw of electricity your villa is contracted for at any time. Add air con to any other electrical appliances likely to be running at the same time to make sure your supply won't trip every time the ac cuts in.

After turning the power off.
A single screw holds the front plate on most sockets in Portugal. Have a look inside for an earth cable. Similarly you can undo a couple of screws and take the front off the consumer unit on the wall and look at the wiring on the breakers

rog123 · Post by **rog123** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 9:42 am

Thanks Al Garb. I was thinking maybe there was a little gadget you could buy to check the earthing...

Al Garb · Post by **Al Garb** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 6:51 pm

Yes you need a socket tester. Plug into socket and lights come on to show correct connections. Common in UK for a fiver (Maplins or the like) but I don't recall seeing them at Max Mat, Mestre Maco or anywhere.