using Twin and Earth ourside and UV protection

[Gavin John Hyde]

Wondering about T&E outside, not ideal we are told due to the UV rays overtime breaking down the outer sheath.
Saying that I come across quite a bit when house bashing that has held up well and shown good IR tests.
On a data sheet for some T&E I ordered was this little paragraph:-
"Not suitable for unprotected use outside as the outer sheath is vulnerable to attack from UV, however Alkyd paint is enough to protect it from UV."
From what I know Alkyd paints are made of certain synthetic oils and dry much like a resin overcoat.
Anybody got thoughts on this Alkyd paint idea? just never noticed this info on the paperwork before.

 

[Cadgey123]

The sun will perish most cables. I worked in Australia and our cable trays after installation were always covered with lid.

 

[tlangdon12]

It looks like it is viable; have a look at these 3M products (there are red and clear versions):

Insulating Sprays : 3M UK & Ireland - http://solutions.3m.co.uk/wps/portal/3M/en_GB/ElectricalMkts/ElectricalSupplies/products/sprays-coatings/insulating-sprays/

 

[davesparks]

Wondering about T&E outside, not ideal we are told due to the UV rays overtime breaking down the outer sheath.
Saying that I come across quite a bit when house bashing that has held up well and shown good IR tests.

Be wary of putting too much faith in the IR test, a cable with perished insulation could test out fine but then have all the insulation fall off with the slightest movement.

 

[Pete999]

It looks like it is viable; have a look at these 3M products (there are red and clear versions):

Insulating Sprays : 3M UK & Ireland - http://solutions.3m.co.uk/wps/portal/3M/en_GB/ElectricalMkts/ElectricalSupplies/products/sprays-coatings/insulating-sprays/

Probably the best option would be to use the correct type of cable in the first place, nothing like bolting the stable door after the Horse has bolted, cheap is not always the best, and the best is not always the cheapest.

 

[EbolaSideRoom]

I’m with Pete999 and davesparks. I find plenty of externally mounted Flat T&E that looks like rhino hide, and that falls apart without too much interference.

 

[WillWX]

I never use T&E outside, as already said it perishes badly and looks really awful. I tend to go into a wiska box and then gland out in whatever cable suits.

 

[Pete999]

Be wary of putting too much faith in the IR test, a cable with perished insulation could test out fine but then have all the insulation fall off with the slightest movement.

Bit like the old Rubber cable, OK when left alone at least IR wise, start messing with it is when the heartache begins.

 

[Octopus]

I never use T&E outside, as already said it perishes badly and looks really awful. I tend to go into a wiska box and then gland out in whatever cable suits.

Hituff for wall attached cabling out side

 

[WillWX]

Hituff for wall attached cabling out side

Yep, love that stuff!

 

[sparkdog]

Hituff, wasn't that what the big bad wolf used on the three little pigs' house.