4mm/2.5mm T&E

[AlmondSauce]

Hi all, looking to potentially wire some new sockets in a 4mm radial rather than 2.5mm RFC. Been my preference for ages, find it less hassle to install, and 25A is plenty.

That being said, something I've always been a bit tetchy over is the potential worst case touch voltage given the "normal" 1.5mm CPC. I'd feel much happier, and prepared to spend the bit extra to get 4mm/2.5mm T&E to bring that figure down a bit. I'm sure this used to be readily available years ago from the usual wholesalers, but these days I can't see it anywhere.

Am I going mad, or is this stuff impossible to find these days?

 

[ElectroChem]

I'd be happy to send you a few rolls, postage might be a bit much though.

 

[Electrics]

I don't understand the point of using 4mm. Why not just use 2.5 on a 20a?

 

[Pretty Mouth]

Hi all, looking to potentially wire some new sockets in a 4mm radial rather than 2.5mm RFC. Been my preference for ages, find it less hassle to install, and 25A is plenty.

That being said, something I've always been a bit tetchy over is the potential worst case touch voltage given the "normal" 1.5mm CPC. I'd feel much happier, and prepared to spend the bit extra to get 4mm/2.5mm T&E to bring that figure down a bit. I'm sure this used to be readily available years ago from the usual wholesalers, but these days I can't see it anywhere.

Am I going mad, or is this stuff impossible to find these days?

I have never come across 4mm/2.5mm. Even when I have come across very old 4mm (eg copperclad from early 70's), it had a 1.5mm CPC.

 

[telectrix]

I don't understand the point of using 4mm. Why not just use 2.5 on a 20a?

not in a kitchen. overload would be a problem.

 

[DPG]

I don't understand the point of using 4mm. Why not just use 2.5 on a 20a?

Maybe runs through insulation.

 

[littlespark]

I thought it would be easier to wrangle a couple of 2.5 t&e in a ring at each socket than 4mm as a radial. Still got 2 in a box apart from last one.

 

[AlmondSauce]

Maybe runs through insulation.

not in a kitchen. overload would be a problem.

Both of these in reality. Needs to run through insulation, and it's heading to a (light use) workshop where 20A could cause load issues. Could just run a 2.5mm RFC, that's just... well, not my first preference shall we say, without getting into the ring vs. radial bloodshed!

I'd be happy to send you a few rolls, postage might be a bit much though.

Thanks for the offer but yeah, wouldn't be too keen to pay the postage on that lot! I'm curious as to where you get that from though? Think I got some from TLC last time, but that was a long time ago. Might have even been in old colours.

I'll probably just use the standard 4/1.5 stuff, was just wondering if there was an obvious place I was missing.

 

[Electrics]

Could just run a 2.5mm RFC, that's just... well, not my first preference shall we say, without getting into the ring vs. radial bloodshed!

That was gonna be my next question....i'll say nowt!

 

[ElectroChem]

Thanks for the offer but yeah, wouldn't be too keen to pay the postage on that lot! I'm curious as to where you get that from though?

Anywhere really, the standard in Oz is for 2.5-6mm2 twin and earth to have a 2.5mm2 earth conductor. Probably related to the fact that we use C-curve MCBs as our standard breakers, quite uncommon to see a B32 here.

 

[R-fur]

What about buying from Ireland, I believe they now have full size insulated earths in their T&E.

 

[AlmondSauce]

Anywhere really, the standard in Oz is for 2.5-6mm2 twin and earth to have a 2.5mm2 earth conductor. Probably related to the fact that we use C-curve MCBs as our standard breakers, quite uncommon to see a B32 here.

Ah, interesting, the things you learn. Had no idea C curve was standard there!

What about buying from Ireland, I believe they now have full size insulated earths in their T&E.

I'm not sure I'd even go to those lengths really, though my understanding is that 4mm is basically unheard of over there anyway.

 

[littlespark]

my understanding is that 4mm is basically unheard of over there anyway.

so their rulers go 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 5mm, 6mm?

must be tricky to measure anything.



Sorry.

 

[Markyd]

Agree with the 4mm radial argument but what happens a year down the line when they want an additional spur from a socket...3 x 4mm cables in a socket, a bit tight or not?

 

[AlmondSauce]

Agree with the 4mm radial argument but what happens a year down the line when they want an additional spur from a socket...3 x 4mm cables in a socket, a bit tight or not?

Not sure about other brands, but all the normal MK sockets I've seen are rated for 3x4mm (search for "terminal capacity" in this doc: https://www.mkelectric.com/Document...Dimensions tech pages for catalogue FINAL.pdf)

In any case, that's actually an advantage in my book - you can branch from a radial all day long without too much consideration, whereas the number of times I've seen cowboy style ring spurs (6 double sockets hanging off a single unfused spur, plus sometimes broken the ring in the process) makes me uneasy.