1.5mm SWA, Acceptable or bad practice ?

[andyb]

Personally i cant see a problem, however, i do see it as good practice to use 2.5 for socket outlets.

So is it better pratice to use 4mm and even better practice to use 6mm?

 

[Spudnik]

So is it better pratice to use 4mm and even better practice to use 6mm?

Depends what you are installing it for.

 

[flukey]

i can see what your saying and agree in principal but i still see it as good practice to use 2.5 radials

if however, the powers that be come up with a 1.5mm A4 radial circuit that features in 7671 then i would reconsider

 

[pevvers]

Well if you're referring to the nice pictures in appendix 15 at the back of the BRB, you'll see a nice note at the bottom saying that these cables sizes refer to BS6004 "flat twin & earth" cable...

 

[flukey]

Well if you're referring to the nice pictures in appendix 15 at the back of the BRB, you'll see a nice note at the bottom saying that these cables sizes refer to BS6004 "flat twin & earth" cable...

hi pevvers,
in answer to the op i would say that it is acceptable, but not good practice. my opinion only

 

[pevvers]

Well if that's the way you see it, then that's the way you see it!

What is the reason for it not being good practice then?

 

[xraytek]

I want to know if its acceptable to run a radial to 2 x outdoor sockets using 1.5mm SWA on a 16a mcb

As the designer of the circuit you need to establish the likely current demand (taking into account diversity). Then select the appropriate protective device, and choose a cable that is rated for that device.

If Zs and volt drop calculations are also within the requirements, and all meets BS7671 then I dont see what good or bad practice has to do with it.

It either complies with BS7671 or it doesnt.

 

[flukey]

theres the potential to run 26 amps through this double socket, what if he wants to add more at a later date

i know everything cant be future proof but i personally will keep to 2.5mm radials

stubborn old sod aint i

 

[pevvers]

Well what would be the point of putting it on a 20A breaker then?

Might as well just go for a 16mm and 63A MCB just so that he can add on another double socket and 1 single socket and then he can load them all up nearly fully with 65A!

 

[flukey]

now now pevvers, you know sarcasm is the lowest form of wit

these are after all personal opinions, you stick to yours and il stick to mine

 

[pevvers]

Oh I know that, but unfortunately that's the only form I possess...

But I think that the argument stands, if the original question is about a radial circuit, which with a 2.5mm twin would have overcurrent protection rated at 20A max, then if more wanted to be added then the overcurrent protection would have to be upgraded as well, along with the cable.

Of course, 2.5mm 90 degree armoured clipped direct could take more, but what crazy person would put a 2.5 on a 32A,

 

[flukey]

Oh I know that, but unfortunately that's the only form I possess...

But I think that the argument stands, if the original question is about a radial circuit, which with a 2.5mm twin would have overcurrent protection rated at 20A max, then if more wanted to be added then the overcurrent protection would have to be upgraded as well, along with the cable.

Of course, 2.5mm 90 degree armoured clipped direct could take more, but what crazy person would put a 2.5 on a 32A,

the original question was acceptable or bad practice, i answered acceptable but not good practice, there is a difference

also why would you upgrade overcurrent protection when adding another socket to a 20amp radial in 2.5

 

[pevvers]

Ahh, I admit defeat, but only because I've had a very long weekend and haven't got the brain power for all this at the moment, or the energy to read through it all again....

Until next time!

 

[flukey]

cant wait

 

[ICE]

Hi,
Personally I would use 2.5 backed by a B-type mcb of 20a

ICE