12 gauge wire UK usage

[terrynye]

I'm after a little advice I have a fair amount of 12 gauge hot neutral and ground cable. Is there any reason apart from the colours being different I can't use this in my upcoming extension?
I believe from my basic research it will take 230volts and in the US they use it for 20 amp circuits, so will be ok on a 16amp trip switch.

Many thanks
Terry

 

[Wilko]

Hi Terry and Welcome to the Forum!
Does the cable have a Standards compliance printed on it?

 

[Octopus]

TBH for the sake of a reel of cable, wouldn't it be better to use UK approved kit?

This may save you heaps of hassle later on!

What does the builder / spark say?

 

[terrynye]

Hi Wilko good question, will have to look and get back to you.

 

[terrynye]

It has Romex 12-2 600v (ul) printed on it, it's like twin & earth. A mate of mine uses it on US motorhome restorations / UK conversions he has loads of the stuff and says I can have what ever I need.

 

[Pete999]

I'm after a little advice I have a fair amount of 12 gauge hot neutral and ground cable. Is there any reason apart from the colours being different I can't use this in my upcoming extension?
I believe from my basic research it will take 230volts and in the US they use it for 20 amp circuits, so will be ok on a 16amp trip switch.

Many thanks
Terry

Does the cable you have comply with BS7671,

 

[terrynye]

Does the cable you have comply with BS7671,

Apart from the colour (as I stated in my post) I can't see why not. It's just like the twin and earth I have installed in the rest of the house.

 

[terrynye]

TBH for the sake of a reel of cable, wouldn't it be better to use UK approved kit?

This may save you heaps of hassle later on!

What does the builder / spark say?

Hi Murdoch thanks for the reply, tbh you have a good point 2.5 is only £30 from Screwfix. I thought how my last electrician spoke it was expensive, it was obviously him who was expensive!!

 

[telectrix]

Hi Murdoch thanks for the reply, tbh you have a good point 2.5 is only £30 from Screwfix. I thought how my last electrician spoke it was expensive, it was obviously him who was expensive!!

that's only for 50m though.

 

[Octopus]

Hi Murdoch thanks for the reply, tbh you have a good point 2.5 is only £30 from Screwfix. I thought how my last electrician spoke it was expensive, it was obviously him who was expensive!!

FYI copper prices have varied a lot over the last few years and cable is a bit like petrol - quick to rise, slow to reduce!

If you don't "trust" the sparks, just get a few quotes ......

 

[ruston]

As an aside. Is it solid core , if so is it allowed in motor-homes he is converting for use in the UK

 

[Spoon]

What about the CE side of things. You can't use cable in the Us unless it's UL rated. Doesn't the same apply for our cables and they have to be CE rated.

 

[KEV 1 N]

As an aside. Is it solid core , if so is it allowed in motor-homes he is converting for use in the UK

Solid core not allowed in caravan / motor homes, more risk of snapping due to movement whilst traveling, must be flexible cables

 

[ruston]

Yes, that's why I was asking.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

As far as I am aware, BS7671 does not specify types of cable that may be used.
It does specify electrical equipment must comply with relevant British Standards, but also allows for equipment that complies with other standards to be used.