Stripping meter tails

[Stroppy]

When installing meter tails into a consumer unit is it acceptable (I know it doesn't seem common practice) to remove the outer grey sheath from the tail leaving the appropriately coloured insulation on within the enclosure? I got told off at college for doing this and don't see why, as when bringing T&E into a consumer unit you strip the outer sheath within the enclosure leaving the coloured conductors and insulation, so why not do this with double insulated tails?

 

[kingeri]

Totally agree, I've always taken the sheath off about 1-2cm before stripping of insulation starts. Mainly for identification purposes. Mind you, most of the tails I've been fitting lately have had blue/brown sheath and insulation anyway!

 

[GLENNSPARK]

This is absolute radish. Ever tried leaving the sheathing on larger tails ( 25,35,50mm) ? It can actually prevent you getting all the way into a terminal sometimes, leaving exposed copper outside of the terminal.
Ignore this rhubarb.

well this could happen anyway without due care....
better to remove the DP switch and then bank the tails round properly before final trimming of cores
better to give yourself room to work rather than fighting it...

 

[GrahamBrighton]

Oh well it MUST be right then!! lol!! NOT!!

It's all getting quite unbelievable what's being taught at these colleges these days!!!

Wasn't suggesting it was correct, just sharing my experience! Will definately challenge the tutor on why this is being taught when i next see him.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Wasn't suggesting it was correct, just sharing my experience! Will definately challenge the tutor on why this is being taught when i next see him.

but just be gentle with him wont you....
you dont want to `hurt his feelings` now ...do you....lol...

 

[jeremy]

I've found that coloured tape to identify can be applied to the wrong cable whereas inner sheath colour is constant from one end to another....

 

[LlandrilloSpark]

Ask your 'teacher' to explain the difference between removing the outer grey sheath of twin and earth and a double insulated single?...the answer is there isn't any, what an idiot he/she is
If it was a hazard to have single unsheathed cables in a consumer unit then everything would be wired In double insulated singles
And as pointed out you get a better termination in the main switch if you remove the grey sheath.
Also are the short lengths of Brown / blue cable which connect the N bars to the RCD's ect double insulated?.....no their not,and they are installed in a factory!

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Ask your 'teacher' to explain the difference between removing the outer grey sheath of twin and earth and a double insulated single?...the answer is there isn't any, what an idiot he/she is
If it was a hazard to have single unsheathed cables in a consumer unit then everything would be wired In double insulated singles
And as pointed out you get a better termination in the main switch if you remove the grey sheath.
Also are the short lengths of Brown / blue cable which connect the N bars to the RCD's ect double insulated?.....no their not,and they are installed in a factory!

no....and neither are they when the grey hasn`t been removed...as the sheath is there for protection to the insulation thats underneath (colours)...the outer is not classed as insulation

 

[LlandrilloSpark]

You know exactly what I mean

 

[GLENNSPARK]

You know exactly what I mean

hmm...
sorry....i may have been `picky` there...lol...
just my nature...lol...

 

[LlandrilloSpark]

To right m8! It's the holiday period....my terminology is off!

 

[GLENNSPARK]

To right m8! It's the holiday period....my terminology is off!

well i`m just annoyed...caus i`m on these crutches...so i cant go anywhere...
chuffin sick of it...

 

[Guitarist]

well i`m just annoyed...caus i`m on these crutches...so i cant go anywhere...
chuffin sick of it...

Mobility scooter?

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Mobility scooter?

well i did see one going by the other day...
i can remember how jealous i felt...lol..
this could be me...you never know:

- - - Updated - - -

look..i`v even got some test gear in the basket...
ideal really...

 

[decolad69]

When installing meter tails into a consumer unit is it acceptable (I know it doesn't seem common practice) to remove the outer grey sheath from the tail leaving the appropriately coloured insulation on within the enclosure? I got told off at college for doing this and don't see why, as when bringing T&E into a consumer unit you strip the outer sheath within the enclosure leaving the coloured conductors and insulation, so why not do this with double insulated tails?

The only major difference is that you can safely isolate the twin and earth circuits using the main switch ? I would strip the sheath just enough to identify the polarity.

 

[LlandrilloSpark]

I strip it an inch after entering the unit, you can safely isolate the Incoming tails by fitting a main switch after the meter, wait 6 weeks to get the DNO out to fit it or yank the cut out fuse and do it yourself !