White armored cable

djelectric · Mar 24, 2016

I briefly visited my uncles house the other day as hes asked me to install an outdoor socket in his back garden. I noticed some light fittings installed in the garden, fed using what appears to be white flex.. its all very neatly done, but was curious about the flex as it runs along a wall where i feel it is prone to being damaged.. I had a closer look and it seems to be armoured (or very very rigid when i felt it). Almost like MI cable!

I have never come across white armored cable before and cannot find anything similar (online at least). Was going to enquire in the wholesalers over the weekend.

Has anyone else seen or used this before? Or am i mistaking it for a certain type of (very) rigid flex..

Thanks

snowhead · Mar 24, 2016

Maybe FP200;
4.0mm² FP200 Gold Fire Cable 2 C+E White (Cut Length Sold By The Mtr) | City Electrical Factors

Darkwood · Mar 24, 2016

Are you sure its not MICC with a white sheath - the glands would give you a clue on that, there are a multitude of cable variations out there that most never come across and are not generally stocked by your average wholesalers.

Without more info, I can albeit speculate as to which of many possibilities it could be, although strange to be white as these tend not to be UV tolerant although like you say its not something you seem to have come across yourself so could be a special.

djelectric · Mar 24, 2016

snowhead said:
Maybe FP200;
4.0mm² FP200 Gold Fire Cable 2 C+E White (Cut Length Sold By The Mtr) | City Electrical Factors

Ah this looks very similar.. Thanks

Darkwood · Mar 24, 2016

snowhead said:
Maybe FP200;
4.0mm² FP200 Gold Fire Cable 2 C+E White (Cut Length Sold By The Mtr) | City Electrical Factors

If it is this then its not suitable for outdoor use exposed to direct sunlight as I cannot see any UV resistant notes, seen loads of similar badly damaged by the sun, it goes very brittle and crack letting moisture into the inner cores.

djelectric · Mar 24, 2016

darkwood said:
Are you sure its not MICC with a white sheath - the glands would give you a clue on that, there are a multitude of cable variations out there that most never come across and are not generally stocked by your average wholesalers.

Without more info, I can albeit speculate as to which of many possibilities it could be, although strange to be white as these tend not to be UV tolerant although like you say its not something you seem to have come across yourself so could be a special.

Could be MICC with a sheath as it does feel armored but i could be mistaken..

Aesthetically it looks good, and theyve used AP7 clips too, thats why im inquiring as id like to use it myself in the future. Will have a propper look when i go over to fit the socket and let you know what it is once i know. Thanks

snowhead · Mar 24, 2016

From the Spec it would appear it is suitable for outdoor use; Page 2

(https://04646a9cf351cc0d3888-b8b406...c32d2131e4ef3e00a86012ba7aff97.pdf?1397744696)

FP200 Gold should be installed in accordance with BS7671 / IETWiring Regulations and/or other appropriate regulations or codes.
For outdoor installation use white sheathed cable, red sheath requires additional suitable UV protection.
Ideal for surface, tray, direct burial in plaster or other methods that benefit from a dressable product.

Darkwood · Mar 24, 2016

It would appear so, like I say, its common for white not to be UV tolerant and the Spec on the CEF site made no mention of outdoor or UV protection but always best to confirm. There are quite a few brands out there and not every one has the same outersheath thus suitability would vary.

shanky887614 · Mar 24, 2016

djelectric said:
I briefly visited my uncles house the other day as hes asked me to install an outdoor socket in his back garden. I noticed some light fittings installed in the garden, fed using what appears to be white flex.. its all very neatly done, but was curious about the flex as it runs along a wall where i feel it is prone to being damaged.. I had a closer look and it seems to be armoured (or very very rigid when i felt it). Almost like MI cable!

I have never come across white armored cable before and cannot find anything similar (online at least). Was going to enquire in the wholesalers over the weekend.

Has anyone else seen or used this before? Or am i mistaking it for a certain type of (very) rigid flex..

Thanks

how was the cable terminated? did it have shrouds over the ends or was it stuffers?

could it be hituff? ive heard that is quite rigid.

Marvo · Mar 24, 2016

Sounds like Surfix, it's pretty hard and rigid especially when it's cold. I'm not sure you get it in the UK though.... Round Surfix Cable [CAB03-2,5MM SURFIX] .::. Communica Online