extending cables

[wolfiehogan]

hi guys
recently ive came across jobs where the customer wants cables extended in switches and sockets as they are getting there outside walls dry lined for insulation, and am wondering what is the best practice to do this

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Re-wire.
Failing that permanent joints.

 

[prideofengland]

If the sockets/switches are flushed in you will need to fit extension boxes as well as extend the cables. Most electricians consider it good practice to crimp cables when extending them, however single strand cables such as 2.5 or 1.5 should not be crimped as crimps are only designed for multi stranded cables. Therefore extend using connector blocks, as long as you have fitted extension boxes the connections are still enclosed and accessable for maintenance. Hope this helps.

 

[SparkusMaximus]

however single strand cables such as 2.5 or 1.5 should not be crimped as crimps are only designed for multi stranded cables.

Is this correct, does it say this anywhere in the BRB? or is this just a good practice thing. I have never heard this and have seen lots of single core being crimped.

 

[nickblake]

extend the cables with wago connectors push fit end of problem maintainace free and so easy and take up less space than a connector block , as for crimping solid cables its not a problem as long as you use the correct tool ie ratchet crimper and not a hand crimper and the size selected is suitable for the job , i have confirmed this with my trade body too

 

[Deleted member 26818]

No it's not correct.
It depends on the manufactrer's instructions for use.

 

[gpz900jim]

wago type clips are the way to go, connector blocks are screw type fittings and as such need to be accessible for maikntenance

 

[prideofengland]

Is this correct, does it say this anywhere in the BRB? or is this just a good practice thing. I have never heard this and have seen lots of single core being crimped.

No not BRB mut manufacturers information, however as nickblake isproberbly right Wago would do it fine.

 

[topquark]

Yep, wago's are the way to go, love 'em!

 

[telectrix]

talking about wagos.i have just run out of helacons and need new stock. best deal on wagos, anybody know a good supplier at right price?

 

[topquark]

Didn't shop around last time, just got mine from TLC as I wanted them quick

I think someone posted that wagobox.com was still cheap, but don't quote me.

 

[Engineer54]

talking about wagos.i have just run out of helacons and need new stock. best deal on wagos, anybody know a good supplier at right price?

Helacons, are you talking about screw-it type connectors?? Won't allow them on Any of my projects. The times i've seen over tightened joints of this nature and one or more cores have snapped, ending up with a high resistance joint and subsequent over heating ....

 

[mechelec]

Is this correct, does it say this anywhere in the BRB? or is this just a good practice thing. I have never heard this and have seen lots of single core being crimped.

I was told years ago not to crimp single conductor cable. It seems that in recent years it has become standard practice. IMO it is bad engineering practice to crimp single core cables as the it distorts the copper and affects its CSA and mechanical strength. Stranded conductors form to the shape of the crimp much better.

 

[Phil]

talking about wagos.i have just run out of helacons and need new stock. best deal on wagos, anybody know a good supplier at right price?

get mine from the electric ctr about 7 quid a box

 

[Phil]

Helacons, are you talking about screw-it type connectors?? Won't allow them on Any of my projects. The times i've seen over tightened joints of this nature and one or more cores have snapped, ending up with a high resistance joint and subsequent over heating ....

helacons and the wagos are push fit type connections, a lot better than the screw type no over tightening