UK How do we solve the long meter tail problem?

[Snailspark]

Just seen a you tube video by Artisan, he mentions there is a 15 meter run that goes in the fabric of the building from the meter/100amp cut out to the consumer unit.
it started a debate as to whether to code it a c2 or c3. The question that I have is how would you fix/solve the problem?
the house was a relatively new build as well so how did it pass initial verification?
Discuss.....

 

[Andy78]

he might have something actually - singles not run in containment should have mechanical protection and there own earth 6241Y like when you run that neutral to the upstairs light it has it's own earth.

They are PVC sheathed cables and don't require containment.

 

[Mark Wright]

Yep - normally each cable without containment needs mechanical protection and it's own earth like 6241Y doesn't it?

 

[Andy78]

Yep - normally each cable without containment needs mechanical protection and it's own earth like 6241Y doesn't it?

No. 6241Y is sheathed. If a cable is required to carry a cpc why do we have 6181Y ?

 

[Mark Wright]

mechanical protection = sheath

I'm not saying it's fact, I don't know more asking for BS 7671 reference that Singles not in
containment require mechanical protection(sheath) and own Earth(CPC) like 6241Y?- it's something I've heard before.

 

[Andy78]

mechanical protection = sheath

I'm not saying it's fact, I don't know more asking for BS 7671 reference that Singles not in
containment require mechanical protection(sheath) and own Earth(CPC) like 6241Y?- it's something I've heard before.

Yes the basic insulation of cables should not be exposed in a finished installation (526.8)

Yes containment such as metal trunking and conduit provides mechanical protection and may be used as a cpc. It would need earthing regardless of use as a cpc or not (411.3.1.1 and 543.2)

Yes a cpc should be present at all points and accessories in a circuit (411.3.1.1)

I know of no reg which states sheathed cables need to have integral cpcs.

 

[davesparks]

Yep - normally each cable without containment needs mechanical protection and it's own earth like 6241Y doesn't it?

No a cable does not have to have a protective conductor contained within it to be installed.
You can install insulated and sheathed singles such as 6181Y or single core H07-RNF with a seperate protective conductor.

 

[Mark Wright]

got me thinking so I just did a search I actually can't see any single-core cable for standard circuits i.e 1.5mm or 2.5mm/lighting sockets etc with a sheath and without a CPC ? am I missing something?

 

[123]

got me thinking so I just did a search I actually can't see any single-core cable for standard circuits i.e 1.5mm or 2.5mm/lighting sockets etc with a sheath and without a CPC ? am I missing something?

It wouldn't be common, or cost effective, to wire entire lighting and sockets in PVC/PVC singles. I've not come across any PVC/PVC 2.5mm, it would likely be a bit of a pointless cable as 2.5 T&E will do what is required at less cost.

It's very common in these parts (Northern Ireland) to use PVC/PVC 1.5mm single brown, blue, either with CPC or not for lighting circuits, but they would be for switch line drops to multigang switching etc, the majority of the circuit would be in T&E and looped at the rose. I generally loop at the switch and use 3 core and earth for 2 way, but I'd be in the minority here doing that. For alterations and additions the singles & singles and earth are really useful.

 

[Andy78]

got me thinking so I just did a search I actually can't see any single-core cable for standard circuits i.e 1.5mm or 2.5mm/lighting sockets etc with a sheath and without a CPC ? am I missing something?

6181Y is available from 1.0mm to 35mm or maybe 50mm.
I see it all the time in existing lighting circuits.

 

[Risteard]

I've not come across any PVC/PVC 2.5mm

Believe it or not it does exist. I had to get a coil of 2.5mm^2 PVC/PVC single brown around a year or more ago for a job. CEF were able to get me it, but obviously it wasn't a stock item.

 

[123]

Believe it or not it does exist. I had to get a coil of 2.5mm^2 PVC/PVC single brown around a year or more ago for a job. CEF were able to get me it, but obviously it wasn't a stock item.

I'm curious as to what it was needed for?

 

[Risteard]

I'm curious as to what it was needed for?

Basically I took over a job which had been sitting for years and the original installer had since retired. He had wired a dual element immersion heater to the wrong location.

 

[Mark Wright]

Sorry I'm asking 1.5 2.5 etc
With Sheath
Without CPC

obviously it common without sheath and fairly common with sheath and CPC 6241Y

trying to prove singles with sheath don't need a CPC on standard circuits not talking about 16mm+ tails etc.

 

[Risteard]

Sorry I'm asking 1.5 2.5 etc
With Sheath
Without CPC

obviously it common without sheath and fairly common with sheath and CPC 6241Y

trying to prove singles with sheath don't need a CPC on standard circuits not talking about 16mm+ tails etc.

A sheath has no bearing on any requirement for a cpc. The sheath is there solely to provide mechanical protection to the insulated core of the cable and nothing else.

 

[Mark Wright]

Thanks I'm asking for link to single core
With Sheath
Without CPC