Dressing in 10mm cables

[dnjr]

Dear All
Have to terminate 2 x 10mm t&e cables in a back box and isolator switch ( for a shower )
Gone for a double 46mm box and cooker switch but can’t find a tidy way to dress the cables into the box
So. What do people do. Cut them shorter and pre bend etc or leave them longer and curl them around the box
Don’t have popeye hands and am struggling
Advise appreciated
Ta

 

[PEG]

All good advice,but two additional things to assist,are warming things up,by using a fan heater,or similar,can ease tight bends.
Also,leave final insulation stripping,until after cables are curled in position,so cores remain even and exposed correctly.

 

[NDG Elecs]

10mm is a pain in this instance. Agree with much that has been said, and I would also make sure that the cables were coming into the back-box correctly. By that I mean decide on what switch is being used, and bring the cables in accordingly - i.e. neutrals on the left, lives on the right, or vice versa. A nice deep 2G pattress as you have decided on will help a lot. Also try to get as much as the grey sheath off as possible. Finally, I think it would be easier also if the supply and feed cables came in from top and bottom, rather than both cables entering together through the top or bottom.

 

[Ian1981]

Shower switch outside the bathroom in a 47mm double metal backbox buried if possible is the best looking solution in my opinion.
Pull switches are outdated but if you have no choice then Crabtree’s is the one you want.
Nice and round so you don’t have to worry about lining it up as well.
Go either side of the joist if in the loft area with the cable entries into the switch ,fix with a couple of 2” 10 screws to joist, job done.

 

[dnjr]

Thanks all
I’m going in !!

 

[Midwest]

Never had a problem connecting 10mm in a 2 gang 47mm back box. Try a single gang 35mm box, that someone thought would be jolly jape.

 

[PEG]

Never had a problem connecting 10mm in a 2 gang 47mm back box. Try a single gang 35mm box, that someone thought would be jolly jape.

Loads of room...unless you want the neon,as well...

 

[robd]

How did it go? On the edge of my seat here

 

[dnjr]

hi robd
Only got round to 2 today first one left them too long second one better but not as tidy as I would like
They are in an awkward cupboard and my finger strength just isn’t up to it
Cheers for all the advise. Good to know it’s not just me that struggles

 

[Octopus]

I'm guessing you didn't do the 1st fix ......... and now you have learnt an important lesson ................ not only is terminating 2 x 10mm cables tricky, but in a tight cupboard its a PITA.

 

[mossep]

Are you using 2 gang or 1 gang sized switches? Id go for 2 gang if I had to put 2 10mm's into one

 

[Midwest]

Me thinks the OP mentioned that in his OP. If you get me OP

 

[HandySparks]

Pic of 10mm² into a Crabtree 50A switch on a surface backbox. Both cables in from the top, then looped back from the bottom of the box to give a good length to work with. Most of the sheath removed inside the box. If I can arrange it, it's my preferred switch for showers and cookers.

 

[dnjr]

Pic of 10mm² into a Crabtree 50A switch on a surface backbox. Both cables in from the top, then looped back from the bottom of the box to give a good length to work with. Most of the sheath removed inside the box. If I can arrange it, it's my preferred switch for showers and cookers.

View attachment 40960

Very tidy handy

 

[willy fixit]

Try these!

 

[DPG]

A good length?
Sheath?
Give it a good rub to warm it up?

Jeez I've got a juvenile mind.