Can You Run Two Kettles At Once If They Are Both Electric?

Are you interested in knowing what would happen if two electric kettles were run together? Will these two work properly or will the system trip?

Using the same power outlet to power two electric kettles simultaneously is not advised. Utilizing a single power outlet to run two electric kettles simultaneously might overload the circuit. 

By doing this, You can also trip the circuit breaker or blow a fuse. It may harm the electrical wiring or the appliances themselves.

It could be dangerous if both kettles use the same fuse and phase. Along with checking your breaker box, you must include the kettles’ ampères. The total amperage cannot be greater than the fuse or breaker rating.[1]

Why Two Electric Kettles Should Not Be Operated Together?

According to my experience, it’s not a good idea to operate two kettles simultaneously. Here are two main reasons for not operating them together. 

Tripping Of Circuit Breaker:

The maximum current that the fuse is rated for is 13A, and it can carry this current continuously for years at a time, with thousands of on/off cycles. 

When utilizing your “cube” with two kettles, the fuse will eventually blow. But, if you only use one kettle, it should last indefinitely, barring a short circuit. A circuit breaker trip or a fuse can burst when two electric kettles are used concurrently from the same power outlet.

Heating Up Of Wires:

Additionally, when two kettles use a single socket, neither kettle will function at its maximum power rating. This is because the high current use results in a bigger than typical voltage drop across the resistance of all the supply cables. 

Since the high continuous current heats the cables and melts the insulation, it will eventually damage the wiring. I believe you should quit using two kettles at once. Because high continuous current will eventually cause the wiring to break down as the wires heat up and melt the insulation.[2]

Also Read: Can I Put Cold Water In An Electric Water Kettle?

What Measures Should We Take For Running Two Electric Kettles At Once?

However, it is not advisable to run two electric kettles at once. But if you want to use it then you should follow some measures to avoid any damage.

• First, use different circuits for both kettles to avoid any damage. If it’s a ring main circuit rated at 30 or 32 amps, you can operate both at the same time; however, if it’s only a radial circuit rated at 15 or 16 amps, it’s not practical.

• Secondly, you shouldn’t use an extension cord to operate them at the same time. Because if it is of low quality, it can overheat. 

• And thirdly, to reduce the possibility of overheating, directly connect the kettles to wall outlets. I will advise you to put both electric kettle cords into two different power outlets.[3]

Also Read: Is It Dangerous To Boil Water In A Plastic Electric Kettle?

What Type Of Circuit Is Preferred For Operating Multiple Kettles simultaneously?

Ring Circuits:

I prefer to use a ring circuit for running two electric kettles simultaneously. Because it can carry a current of up to 30 amperes. You can arrange as many outlets close as you desire with ring circuits. Ring circuit helps you in the kitchen and workshop areas.

An average normal electric kettle uses 13 ampere currents. So, if you put two kettles in the same outlet of the ring circuit, it can easily bear this load. 

If the circuit is merely radial and rated at 15 or 16 amps, it can’t carry two kettles of 13 amperes. In this case, there is a high chance of tripping the circuit.[4]

Conclusion:

We can’t avoid the use of an electrical kettle in our kitchen due to its efficient and quick approach to boiling water. We can use two electric kettles together or not, it depends on the circuit more than the kettles.

It is practically feasible if your circuit can carry 30 to 32 amperes. But you should follow safety precautions to avoid any unwanted incident. But according to my experience, two kettles should be used alternately rather than all together.

FAQs:

What safety measures apply to electric kettles?

Whenever you handle the plug or turn on the kettle, make sure your hands are dry. Utilize the kettle only on a stable, dry, and level surface. 

Never leave the extra length of the power cord inside the base unit. Make sure there is no visible damage to the power cord by checking it regularly.[5]

Which amount of amps does an electric kettle use?

Usually totally enclosed, the heating element has a 2-3 kW power rating. This indicates that an electric kettle may use up to 13 amps of current. The majority of homes have main fuses that range from 20 to 100 amps.[6]

What is the difference in kettle voltage In the UK and the USA?

The majority of US homes are powered by 100–127 volts, but many other nations, like the UK, use 220–240 volts. Electric kettles would not heat water as quickly in the US as they would in the UK due to the lower voltage.[7]

What might harm an electric kettle?

When you are not using the appliance, make sure you drain all of the water from it. Limescale accumulation from storing water in the kettle wears down the device.[8]

Why is my electric kettle tripping the breaker?

An electrical short, overheated appliance, overloaded circuit, or ground fault issue can cause the tripping of the breaker.[9]