Flex in a consumer unit

[Dec1977]

Hello there, Is there any regulation regarding the use of flex in consumer units. eg. Can a 1.5 x 3core be used as a supply cable from an 6a mcb to a fused spur feeding downlights? I came across this the day and I was curious if it was within the regs. Thanks for your time.

 

[LeeH]

The cores have to have crimps on or something of that ilk.

 

[7029 dave]

Not more flex in a cu, rough IMO.

 

[jamie-spark]

Use of flexible cables
521.9.1
A flexible cable shall be used for fixed wiring only where the relevant provisions of the Regulations are met. Flexible cables used for fixed wiring shall be of the heavy duty type unless the risk of damage during installation and service, due to impact or other mechanical stresses, is low or has been minimized or protection against mechanical damage is provided.
NOTE: Descriptions of light, normal and heavy duty types are given in BS 7540.

 

[Geordie Spark]

Hello there, Is there any regulation regarding the use of flex in consumer units. eg. Can a 1.5 x 3core be used as a supply cable from an 6a mcb to a fused spur feeding downlights? I came across this the day and I was curious if it was within the regs. Thanks for your time.

What does you copy of the big green book say?

 

[yellowvanman]

The cores have to have crimps on or something of that ilk.

<picky> Not saying your wrong but fine wire only needs to be crimped if placed under a screw termination, so generally would be needed for the E and N but not necessarily the L.</picky>

 

[Pete999]

Not saying that it is wrong, don't like it, a bit rough IMO I wouldn't do it and if I was still active and a spark working foe me did it he would be down the road, DCM

 

[Aindowsimon]

Rough as hell , only done to get you're self out of trouble , if properly connected why would there be a problem with it ? It's used for immersion's everywhere just isn't common practice

I have got a problem with this some DIY work saw today !

5a connectors 10mm cable it was just a disaster from start to finish



The cores aren't even in the connector it's slipped between the brass and plastic

 

[LeeH]

Not saying your wrong but fine wire only needs to be crimped if placed under a screw termination, so generally would be needed for the E and N but not necessarily the L.

Loving the picky IP board code.

Haven't seen that in the BGB but it does make sense. Although BLF's are an industry standard on screwed and unscrewed terminals so that's my view.

 

[yellowvanman]

Loving the picky IP board code.

Haven't seen that in the BGB but it does make sense. Although BLF's are an industry standard on screwed and unscrewed terminals so that's my view.

526.8 explains all

 

[LeeH]

I'll have a looksie.

 

[moospark]

Rough as hell , only done to get you're self out of trouble , if properly connected why would there be a problem with it ? It's used for immersion's everywhere just isn't common practice

I have got a problem with this some DIY work saw today !View attachment 21628

5a connectors 10mm cable it was just a disaster from start to finish

View attachment 21629

The cores aren't even in the connector it's slipped between the brass and plastic

1. You shouldn't be in "trouble".
2. Immersion would be via fused spur, shirley.

 

[Engineer54]

Using typical flexible cables for fixed wiring in a domestic installation is total pants as far as i'm concerned. In fact i'd go as far to say, it's total pants in any installation, as well as adding additional costs to those installations!!


Oh and i've never seen an immersion heaters fixed wiring using flexible cable, only the connection from FCU to the heating unit!!

 

[Dec1977]

I am of the same opinion as you engineer 54, but how do you go about putting this down on an eicr?

 

[Aindowsimon]

Flex is It's permanently from FSU ,obviously and is perfectly fine and acceptable as such . Excuse me I though that was a given

And for the use of flexible cable as fixed wiring . So yes it's not good practice and I'm not condoning it just it will do the job ! .