Can 2.5mm flex ever be wired to a socket?

[Discharged]

As per the title, really. When I say socket, I don't mean on a ring, I mean on the end of a flying lead.

 

[Rockingit]

I can't see why not so long as it's mechanically secure.

I quite often will use 2.5mm flex to wire to a flying socket (from an FSU) as part of kitchen installs - looks a little odd hanging out the bottom of the plaster but once the appliance is plugged into it you get 100% flexibility around pipes, cabinets etc. and don't have to worry pulling fitted applicances in and out.

 

[Discharged]

I have seen one wired in a way that the casing of the socket was not fully closed up - around the cable entry. I know you can get a super mega (for want of a better word) MK socket, that can take the large cable, but not sure about the socket.

 

[SirKit Breaker]

And dont forget, you will get better disconnection times, because your R1 and R2 are the same CSA:smug2:

Cheers..........Howard

 

[Discharged]

Does that apply if it's not on a ring, though?

 

[Discharged]

...furthermore...

If I have a 2.5mm cable as an extension lead - with a 13A socket on one end and a trailing socket at the other, can I plug that into another extension lead that is made up of 1.5mm cable?

What would happen to the capacity to carry higher loads, for example a 3kw heater?

 

[Inteificio]

I do this all the time.

If the 1.5 cable is sufficient to take the load, then there is not an issue.

My way of looking at problems is try to work out why you would not be able to do something.

You are asking if it would be a problem to use higher quality cable than required, no issues by me.

 

[Discharged]

Was I making a mistake in assuming that 1.5mm cable could not be used with a 3kw heater? I know many of my questions might seem basic, but I don't mind admitting that I lack some basic understanding. Thanks for patience.

 

[clicon357]

Just seen a job like this. 4.1kW industrial toaster. 20A breaker at the CU then 4mm armoured to a DP switch, then onto a flex outlet plate with 2.5mm H07 flex to the toaster.

p.s. Ref the CSA, how do I write the "2" for "squared" after the 4mm above? Been bugging me!

 

[Discharged]

So you're saying that there is nothing remarkable or undesirable about this kind of arrangement where differing cabling is used, regardless (almost?) of the end appliance?

 

[Rockingit]

What you have to remember is that anything that involves a plug/socket arrangement also involves a 13A fuse. So as long as the cable, in any combination, is capable of carrying 13A, then you're fine.

The purists will now point out things like lengths of runs, voltage drops and how hot the thing might run to. Also, it's not a good idea to knowingly run the maximum current down the minimum cable just for the sake of laziness. Remember too that cable wound around a drum (as in a drum extension reel) needs to be fully unwound otherwise it WILL get very hot very quickly due to you having made an electromagnet out of it.

 

[i=p/u]

id say ot needs fused down if changing cable size.. but if on a plug top its on a plug top

 

[Discharged]

What you have to remember is that anything that involves a plug/socket arrangement also involves a 13A fuse. So as long as the cable, in any combination, is capable of carrying 13A, then you're fine.

The purists will now point out things like lengths of runs, voltage drops and how hot the thing might run to. Also, it's not a good idea to knowingly run the maximum current down the minimum cable just for the sake of laziness. Remember too that cable wound around a drum (as in a drum extension reel) needs to be fully unwound otherwise it WILL get very hot very quickly due to you having made an electromagnet out of it.

I have a thermostatic controller here that has a 40A relay in it - because the existing relay in the controller itself is 10A. So if this controller is connected to something drawing up to 40A, does that mean that the 13A fuse in the plug is going to blow?

 

[malcolmsanford]

id say ot needs fused down if changing cable size.. but if on a plug top its on a plug top

Luckily the IET have their take on that old mate, and it differs from yours I'm afraid

 

[malcolmsanford]

I have a thermostatic controller here that has a 40A relay in it - because the existing relay in the controller itself is 10A. So if this controller is connected to something drawing up to 40A, does that mean that the 13A fuse in the plug is going to blow?

If you connect a 40amp load to a 13amp fuse .................yes

You do know what these 40amp and 10amp ratings refer to ..............??