A typical lighting circuit uses 5A cable - typically 1 mm² (older installations) or 1.5 mm² (current standards). You could use thinner cable rated for 1A but you might then need a fused connection unit with a 1A fuse to protect the 1A cable from setting fire to your house in the event of a fault in the light fitting. Outdoor use
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What size outdoor power cable do I Need?
That is usually something around 6-10 times the diameter, so for a typical small-ish outdoor cable as you might put in for the light/13A socket circuits with a diameter of something like 8-12mm you need to keep any bends to around 10cm radius and not a sharp 90deg as it exits from a hole in a wall!
What size armoured cable for reptuable electricians?
Now i have had a couple of qualified electricans come and give me a quote they advise 6mm armoured cable will do the trick. i have phoned a reptuable electrian company to double check and they suggest using 10mm armoured cable??? does anyone know the correct size for this type of job
Can I use 6mm armoured cable in a 32 amp supply?
One electrician has said to use 16mm armoured cable and the other has said 6mm armoured cable. Which one is correct?? An armored 6mm cable direct in the ground is rated 44A. So in term of your 32A supply the 6mm cable is absolutely fine. No reason for unnecessary additional costs.
Is 6mm too small for a power cable?
I believe 6mm is too small. A 16mm cable will be ample for the required load and also satisfy Volt drop requirements. Literally, using 16mm will be energy saving as Energy lost through Volts dropped across the length of the cable run will be at a minimum. Quick cable calc suggests 10mm SWA for a load of 50A 33M away.
What size cable do I need for outside lights?
Once outdoors, you should supply your lights via 1.5mm² three core steel-wire-armoured cable (SWA). Make sure that you only fit weatherproof lights that are suitable for outdoor use and that your circuit is RCD-protected.
What size armored cable do I need?
As a rule of thumb, the further the distance, the higher the cable size. Increase the armoured electric cable one size up for every 100 feet of additional distance. Another rule of thumb to determine armoured electrical cable size is the amount of voltage involved.
What is 2.5 mm Armoured cable used for?
2.5mm 3 Core Armoured Cable is commonly found supplying mains voltage electricity to powered devices and networks. For example, it could be used to power outdoor buildings such as garden sheds or workshops as well as garden features such as jacuzzi/hot tubs.
What is 1.5 mm Armoured cable used for?
1.5mm 2 Core Armoured Cable is a form of electrical cable, primarily found in electrical installations such as powered devices and networks, powering outdoor features such as lighting and jacuzzis, as well as industrial installations.
What is 16mm armoured cable used for?
16mm Armoured Cable is a power and auxiliary control cable, designed for use in mains supply electricity. Used for underground systems, cable networks, power networks, outdoor and indoor applications, and cable ducting.
How thick does armoured cable need to be?
A 16mm cable will be ample for the required load and also satisfy Volt drop requirements. Literally, using 16mm will be energy saving as Energy lost through Volts dropped across the length of the cable run will be at a minimum.
What armoured cable do I need for outdoor sockets?
Another method, especially suitable if the run of cable can in any way be accidentally damaged by garden equipment including spades, shovels or forks, requires that the cable should be steel wire armoured (SWA).
What is 4mm armoured cable used for?
4mm x 3 Core Armoured Cable is a form of SWA Armoured Cable that is commonly used for mains electrical supply. With a current rating of 42 amps, you can use this cable for a variety of applications, including: Sockets & Switches in a shed or outhouse. External Pond Switches & Lighting circuits.
How many amps can 2.5 mm armoured cable take?
The 2.5mm outdoor cable is designed with PVC material which makes the 2.5mm SWA cable suitable for all conditions. The 3 Core 2.5mm SWA cable current capacity is 31 amps.
How many amps can 1.5 SWA take?
23 AmpsThe 1.5mm 3 Core SWA Cable can take 23 Amps.
What diameter is 1.5 mm Armoured cable?
12.6mmSpecificationArmour Thickness0.9mmCross Sectional Area1.5mm²Dimensions(L)1 mExternal Diameter12.6mmGland Size20mm16 more rows
How do you cut Armoured cable?
First bend the cable until the armor begins to pop open. Next take the saw blade and cutting at a 45° angle, cut through the remaining armor avoiding coming into contact with the conductors. Once the armor is cut through, remove the armor sheath to expose the conductors.
Can a 16mm swa cover all possibilities?
Yes i'd say 16mm 3 core swa, (steel wire armoured) that should cover all possibilities.
Is 50m a good length of run?
I've not calculated it but 10mm would give you a degree of "future proofing". 50m is a reasonable length of run and voltage drop has to be considered. You need to add up the total amount of wattage you think you'll want to use, will you want to use any heating in there?
What is important for outside use?
What is important for outside use is insulation durability. It has to stand up to UV from sunshine and extremes of hot and cold plus mechanical strength. You need cable rated for outdoor use.
Can you run electrical cables through masonry?
Running cable through masonry walls should be protected in conduit. At the inside there should be something to indicate the presence of any electrical cables channelled into the plaster - e.g. a back-box with blanking plate. Ideally you'd use T&E cable through conduit through the wall and flexible cable to a lamp.
Can armoured cable be straight forward?
Also, have you worked with armoured cable before? It may not be a straight forward fit at the supply end depending on what you're connecting it to.
Does UV light damage PVC cable?
Of course, I am fully aware of the degradation caused to PVC cable by UV light. But you will note that (if you read my post) that I did not specify PVC cable. I also qualified my response by the environment.
How many cores for a garage light?
Depends on length of cable and current draw at the end I would normally fit 6mm 3 core to garage or shed fit a garage consumer unit and out to the lights with 1.5 3 core your question suggests you don’t have the experience to do this job get a tradesman in!
Is cable installation a diy job?
This is a notifiable job. It needs to be tested certified and notified. It’s not a diy job. Let your registered electrician decide on the cable design. You can assist him with the job if he’s willing but don’t do it yourself as you will have a potentially lethal installation
How to fit 300W flood light?
You can fit the 300w flood light using 1mm 3 core TRS (tough rubber sheath) cable, it will withstand the elements and sunlight better than PVC twin and earth. Idealy if this is froming part of a permenent installation it should be in soild core conductors as much as possible, rather that stranded cores.
Why is my PVC cable black?
The main thing is sun light which can degrade PVC so normally any outside cable will be black to protect from UV light. Depending on where it may need mechanical protection but normally lights fitted as DIY which have to be on house wall with no external connections for Part P would be OK with any black flex.
Do you need a fuse on a fused spur?
Also as this conductor will be changing environments such as indoors to outside, it will need to be protected by a fuse, on the inside (such as a fused spur). If he argues then quote Regulation 434.2.1 (BS7671 2008 17th Edition Wiring Regulations).