Need to get 3 core electrical wire that is regulation compliant

[Brightspark2]

Ok, but why? because they will fracture and cause me problems? What is the official take on this? Why can you not use a good solid flat flex cable with a 13A plug? Something that doesn't crack or fracture...

No because it wont fit...crack or fracture isnt a worry.

The cable grip and plug are designed for round cable.

Think about it.


EDIT:

Thats not a challenge by the way because you may get a plug and force it in LOL.

 

[alitech]

Alltech, it might be easier for everyone if you actually explain exactly what your trying to achieve and why. Tell use the loads involved etc. It may be that what you doing could be "double insulated" in which case a cpc would not be required, or it could be that you must have one. Remember, if you wish to sell something that has a plug on it the Law required it is a molded plug and not a hand wired one.

Thank you outspoken. I appreciate all the feedback here already. I really cannot divulge a lot of information here unless I know for sure that its not worth it.

The plug will of course be molded and mass produced if it ever is approved to be sold in the UK, so not to worry there. I am just starting off with an idea that I have and trying to get as much information for the design before I invest any capital into it.

I am very new to this and trying to figure out whats legal and what isn't.

I may not need the cable to be fully flat.

Example, I have seen that some cables are thinner than others.

Example of thick = kettle lead that is used in computers
Example of thin = hair dryer cable (slightly oval)

Both cables are attached to a UK plug but perhaps not with a 13A fuse.

I may find that the thinner variety I am referring to for the hair dryer may be all I need if I were to power a TV set or a computer but I just wanted to find out if there are any legalities I need to consider.

Thank you all. Appreciate the feedback.

 

[alitech]

No because it wont fit...crack or fracture isnt a worry.

The cable grip and plug are designed for round cable.

Think about it.


EDIT:

Thats not a challenge by the way because you may get a plug and force it in LOL.

Thanks, have a read of my latest post.

 

[Fox]

Hairdryers are generally class II appliances that don't require an earth, hence why the cable is flat.

 

[Adam W]

You can't terminate flat T&E in a plugtop, for one 'reason' because the IEE code of practice for in service inspection and testing of electrical equipment says you can't. There's even a picture in the back of the book saying you can't do it, so that's absolutely clear.
You can use a 2 core unearthed flex if the appliance is double insulated, otherwise I don't think I've ever seen any 3 core flex that isn't in the 'trefoil' configuration. I can't think of any situations where you'd need a flat cable going into a plug.

 

[alitech]

Hairdryers are generally class II appliances that don't require an earth, hence why the cable is flat.

Thank you. Is there a list of family of appliances that are class 1 or class 2 anywhere? I am assuming Class 1 requires earth and Class 2 doesn't.

 

[Fox]

It's down to experience and competancy. I think it's time to hit the books before you take the idea any further!

IET Code of Practice 4th Edition

 

[markc123]

Or how about the OP could pass the work onto a qualified electrician - some decent sparks are struggling for work at the moment.

You could still make a bit of cash on the job if you sub it out. + you don't have to do anything, it's a win/win.

 

[Fox]

If you happen to successfully design a product and patent it, I'll be happy with 50% of your profit. I'll give 5% to charity and split the rest with the forum 50/50

 

[alitech]

If you happen to successfully design a product and patent it, I'll be happy with 50% of your profit. I'll give 5% to charity and split the rest with the forum 50/50

Haha, of course. I think I am a long way from a product let alone a patent. I don't think you can patent a new UK plug anyways.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

deleted

 

[SirKit Breaker]

You will need to modify the plug to accept a flat cable without damaging it. I appreciate that you are doing a project for whatever purpose that maybe, but if you are looking to market something it needs to be viable and cost effective. Not wanting to put a dampener on your enthusiasm etc, but why try to invent the wheel? Our plug and flex and set up has been around forever, you will need to be radical to get things changed to flat cable and modified plugs, the tooling alone would cost millions, and i doubt very much that any manufacturer would want to invest in a product that already has a well established one in the marketplace.

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

 

[Brightspark2]

For the people who dont know, heres flat felxible cable in its common use.




On crane/hoist controls...


FYI

 

[SirKit Breaker]

For the people who dont know, heres flat felxible cable in its common use.

View attachment 18814


On crane/hoist controls...


FYI

I know of a lot of applications using flat flexible cable, especially in robotics. But he is wanting to terminate in to a standard 13a plug top.

 

[snowhead]

For the people who dont know, heres flat felxible cable in its common use.


On crane/hoist controls...


FYI

In 3 core G/y, Blue, Brown, 1.5mm or whatever?

.