Wire identification...

[Jabbajaws]

Hi Guys,

Can anybody tell me how to determine a 6sq mm twin & earth, from a 10 sq mm twin & earth?

If there are no markings on the grey sheathing stating so, how would l know which one l had?

To mistake a 6mm for a 10mm cable could be a deadly mistake.

How could l tell by measurement, by using a vernier, for instance?

 

[Sintra]

External sizes for 6 & 10 mm 6242y cables

6mm T&E 14 x 7.5mm approx
10mm T&E 19.4 x 9.4mm approx

 

[johnr]

you could cut samples of 10mm and 6mm from the reels, strip some of the sheathing back to expose the conductor and put each one next to the cable you're not sure about, and this may help you gauge the size. hope this helps.

 

[lucus]

the way i usually tell is that the earth on a 6mm is 2.5 solid and the earth on a 10mm is a 6mm stranded, hope this helps.

 

[ezzzekiel]

experience and cable clips

 

[Amp David]

the way i usually tell is that the earth on a 6mm is 2.5 solid and the earth on a 10mm is a 6mm stranded, hope this helps.

experience and cable clips

2 very good points IMO

 

[Jabbajaws]

Thanks for all your feedback guys. Its something that l have encounted before and know that l will again.

At least now ive an idea of what to look for.

Thanks...

 

[ghost]

Sometimes distinguishing between 4 and 6mm cables can also be difficult, more so than 6 and 10. If you are unsure of the cable sizes, carry a few offcuts of known size cables that you can reference against. As mentioned before, experience is the best teacher!

 

[pennywise]

Just compare it to an offcut of 10mm green and yellow which you'll probably have kicking around, and as others have said 4mm and 6mm are far harder to differentiate between.

 

[mogga]

Im sure I saw somewhere a list of cable diamaters and insulation thicknesses but cant find it anywhere I think it was pirellie

 

[pennywise]

That would be Prysmian cable now.

 

[pmac10]

if you have 10mm^2 & 6mm^2 bootlace ferrules, try shovin your suspect into a 6mm^2 ferrule, sort of an electrical 'go/no go' gauge
.

 

[IAMCALLEDDDD]

Old thread I know but wanting some advice- I'm no electrician, i'm just wanting to know the cable size i have in existing shower- Had a look in attic above shower and have attached pics of the cables against a measure (starting at 10 cm/ tape was broken)

Can anyone confirm of these are 10mm or 6mm please?

Wanting to know what kw of shower my cable can carry for the spark to put in.

LINK:

Dropbox

www.dropbox.com

 

[i=p/u]

Hard to be 100% as some cables were thicker years ago.. I. Measured a 6mm i have in cupboard and its 14mm..

 

[IAMCALLEDDDD]

Hard to be 100% as some cables were thicker years ago.. I. Measured a 6mm i have in cupboard and its 14mm..

Cheers. I posted in a different forum. One of the tips was to isolate electric. Remove the front of shower just to view. If the earth has twisted wires as opposed to a single solid copper wire then it’s a 10mm. Turns out it’s a 10, which means we’re in league for a more powerful shower. Woop.