This discussion is locked.

You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion

Cable size

Hi all,

I am extending the lighting in my garden with no way of identifying the swa cable size? I have purchased some vernier callipers, measured the individual core to be 0.48, as there are 7 cores I work out the csa of the cable to be 1.26mm2.

Unfortunately depending on what table I look at, SWG, AWG, of which each seems to have a number of contradictory ones, I cannot confirm if it is 1mm2 or 1.5mm2.

the issue is I have spent days trying to find someone who stocks 1mm2 SWA, I assume due to cost no one uses it any longer as just as cheap to get 1.5mm2.

re wiring with 1.5mm2 back from the rcd is not really an option, the cable is buried under concrete and having to re wire would mean drilling through the house and re laying a new cable?

so guess the short question is, anyone know of anyone selling 1mm2 SWA?

thank you all for your time and assistance.

Andy

Already registered? Log in and reply

Parents

0 mapj1 over 5 years ago

If you are that bothered, you can get the CSA from a resistance measurement, if you know the length (given the values are low for short lengths - 1mm2 is about 16 ohm per kilometre, the reliable way is to look at voltage drop on a known heavy load).

Or just chain on the new stuff in in 1,5mm2 but set the fuse or breaker to be safe even if it was less than 1mm - i.e. less than about 10Amps. There is no rule to prevent mixed sizes in one circuit, so long as the protection is adequate for the thinnest section.

Is it old enough to be imperial perhaps? The newer stuff (last 20 years or so) normally has it printed on the jacket, which makes life very easy.

Much more importantly, are the cores dry and shiny and is there any evidence of damage to the armour ? if not you may need to cut back and join onto it cleanly. And, when you have it all hooked up, please verify the earthing is continuous in the armour jacket.

Reply

0 mapj1 over 5 years ago

If you are that bothered, you can get the CSA from a resistance measurement, if you know the length (given the values are low for short lengths - 1mm2 is about 16 ohm per kilometre, the reliable way is to look at voltage drop on a known heavy load).

Or just chain on the new stuff in in 1,5mm2 but set the fuse or breaker to be safe even if it was less than 1mm - i.e. less than about 10Amps. There is no rule to prevent mixed sizes in one circuit, so long as the protection is adequate for the thinnest section.

Is it old enough to be imperial perhaps? The newer stuff (last 20 years or so) normally has it printed on the jacket, which makes life very easy.

Much more importantly, are the cores dry and shiny and is there any evidence of damage to the armour ? if not you may need to cut back and join onto it cleanly. And, when you have it all hooked up, please verify the earthing is continuous in the armour jacket.

Children

No Data

Cable size

Community Rules & Guidelines