A little wiring help please.

[Bluenose1940]

Hell folks,

I need to make up a 4 metre extension lead to take a TV and a DVD player. Can someone please advise as to what size twin and earth cable will be suitable for this.

Many thanks.

 

[pc1966]

Twin and earth is not suitable for "flexible" applications such as this.

For most extension leads the choice would normally be 1.5mm 3-core so it is rated at the full 13A. If indoors then you can choose whatever type/colour you like (but for outdoors use something like H07RN-F rubber cable as it is tough and UV-resistant).

 

[pc1966]

Example of the rubber flex (sold by the metre):

Superlec 3CORE 1.5MM 3183P H07RN-F EPR / PCP FLEXIBLE MAINS CABLE - EN60332-1-2

H07RN-F Cable is a non armoured flexible mains and control cable designed primarily as a trailing cable for use in the supply of energy for portable or mobile equipment.The cable is Ideal for use with transformer pumps, welders grinders, temporary lighting cable and feed cables to heavy mobile...

www.superlecdirect.com

 

[pc1966]

Typically PVC wire is sold in reels or significant sections, this might do as a cheap-ish option:

Time 3183Y White 3-Core 1.5mm² Flexible Cable 10m Coil - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. PVC-sheathed cable suitable for washing machines and extension leads. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

But you might find it as cheap to simply buy a made-up lead in the first place!

 

[Pete999]

Hell folks,

I need to make up a 4 metre extension lead to take a TV and a DVD player. Can someone please advise as to what size twin and earth cable will be suitable for this.

Many thanks.

.Just go to your local DIY or electrical outlet and purchase a propriety extension lea, B&Q sell them as do Homebase. wast of time and money making your own, in my opinion.

 

[Bluenose1940]

Thanks for your input Pete999 but I already have the socket end (quite a few of 'em in fact) I just need to know what size cable is required to comply and be safe.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

As above, do not use 6242Y or similar solid conductor 'twin and earth' cable; it is only suitable for permanently installed, immovable wiring. Ordinary 3183Y PVC circular flex is the usual choice for indoor domestic purposes.

Commercial 13A-rated extensions and appliances are normally fitted with 1.25mm² cable, which has a rating of 13A in free air. However, 1.25mm² flex is not widely available in shops. 1.5mm² is common, rated at 15A and is the largest cable that 13A plugs and trailing sockets are designed to accept. Extensions made with either of these two sizes of cable may be used for any purpose since the cable is of equal or higher rating than the plug.

The combined load of the TV and DVD player will not be more than a couple of amps, so in theory a smaller cable could be used. However, it would be reliant on the correct plug fuse being fitted for protection and could not be pressed into service for a higher load application, or might overheat if this was not observed. Personally, I detest under-rated extensions; life is too short to faff around with one cable rated at 10A vs. another rated at 13A. Any lead I make for any purpose is fully rated to 13A and I need not think about it any further. I recommend the same here.

TL, DR; 1.5mm² 3183Y circular PVC flex.

 

[Bluenose1940]

As above, do not use 6242Y or similar solid conductor 'twin and earth' cable; it is only suitable for permanently installed, immovable wiring. Ordinary 3183Y PVC circular flex is the usual choice for indoor domestic purposes.

Commercial 13A-rated extensions and appliances are normally fitted with 1.25mm² cable, which has a rating of 13A in free air. However, 1.25mm² flex is not widely available in shops. 1.5mm² is common, rated at 15A and is the largest cable that 13A plugs and trailing sockets are designed to accept. Extensions made with either of these two sizes of cable may be used for any purpose since the cable is of equal or higher rating than the plug.

The combined load of the TV and DVD player will not be more than a couple of amps, so in theory a smaller cable could be used. However, it would be reliant on the correct plug fuse being fitted for protection and could not be pressed into service for a higher load application, or might overheat if this was not observed. Personally, I detest under-rated extensions; life is too short to faff around with one cable rated at 10A vs. another rated at 13A. Any lead I make for any purpose is fully rated to 13A and I need not think about it any further. I recommend the same here.

TL, DR; 1.5mm² 3183Y circular PVC flex.

Thank you for this comprehensive response Lucien, much appreciated. The identification number of the cable is most helpful. I'll get on with the job now. Thanks again.