16amp surply

[Shedendman]

Can i use 1.5 T+E(rated at 18amps) for a 16amp supply or should i use 2.5 T+E?

 

[Robotstar5]

2.5mm² would be best

 

[Shedendman]

Thought it would,got loads of 1.5 no 2.5,oh well thanks anyway

 

[Robotstar5]

Thought it would,got loads of 1.5 no 2.5,oh well thanks anyway

Just don't be tempted to run 2 x 1.5mm² in parallel, I've seen it done before

 

[octo0072000]

lecky

also depends on how far from the main you are running it more than 25/30 metresi would go up to 4mm
Sons runs 160amp mig his garage is 35 metres from mains cooker socket (cooker socket not used)so using 16amp plugs into cooker circuit) was using 2.5 kept tripping out think D type breaker now using 4mm no tripping out so run from mains 4mm 35 metres extension lead 16 amp 10 metres now works all ok

 

[tigler]

It's not just a case of what will do it but one of correct working practice. 1.5 is for lighting circuits.

 

[Shedendman]

I only need about 5m of cable,just thought i could do it with 1.5 as i have a reel of it,beter to be safe and go shopping for 2.5,thanks anyway chaps

 

[piman]

Hello Robotstar,

"Just don't be tempted to run 2 x 1.5mm² in parallel, I've seen it done before "

Why not?

Alec

 

[brightspark]

u can run 2 cables in parallel to double the rating providing there of both equal length. without going to the far end of a f ,.,.t its the same as running a ringmain . 2,5mm radial max fuse rating would be 20 amp. ring main 2 x 2.5mm = 5mm max fuse rating 32 amp. doubling up is quite comonly used on heavy feeder cables mainly

 

[Windy Miller]

Chris - do you want that SWA I have in my garage - it's your for the taking. I think it's 6 or 8mm2. That should do you a treat if it's long enough...

 

[steve_morris]

It's not just a case of what will do it but one of correct working practice. 1.5 is for lighting circuits.

Depending on certain factors, it can be acceptable (and correct working practice) to wire it in 1.5mm. same as you may need to wire your lighting circit in 2.5 or even 4mm

 

[madkayaker]

Would have to dig the regs book out but I'm fairly sure the rating of 1.5mm is less than 16amp. The rating that is given on the cable in the likes of b and q is very optermostic and the rates where changed during the revision from 16th to 17th. 1.5 is normally for domestic lighting circuits

 

[steve_morris]

Would have to dig the regs book out but I'm fairly sure the rating of 1.5mm is less than 16amp. The rating that is given on the cable in the likes of b and q is very optermostic and the rates where changed during the revision from 16th to 17th. 1.5 is normally for domestic lighting circuits

1.5 is rated to 19.5a under best conditions, worst case 14a

and the current capacity did not change between 16 & 17th either.

and just because something is usually used for one thing doesnt mean it cant be used for anything else.

 

[madkayaker]

The current carrying capacities did change with the 17th. Get your facts straight

 

[steve_morris]

well unless someone has been altering my wiring regulations, the current carrying capacity for 1.5mm T&E is the same in my 16th blue & brown and 17th red & green book. and i very much doubt that would change unless the laws of physics & ohms law etc suddenly changed.

there were many difference between 16 & 17th. this was not one of them

 

[Robotstar5]

Hello Robotstar,

"Just don't be tempted to run 2 x 1.5mm² in parallel, I've seen it done before "

Why not?

Alec

I once found a shower fed by 2 x 2.5mm², one core had broken and the remaining cable melted trying to carry the current! been wary of "parallel feeds" since then.

 

[brightspark]

I once found a shower fed by 2 x 2.5mm², one core had broken and the remaining cable melted trying to carry the current! been wary of "parallel feeds" since then.

no diffrent to a broken leg in a ringmain carrying 30 amp on a piece of 2.5mm its a fault that happens as regular as clockwork not good but who am i to say i dont make the regs just adhere 2 them. thats the downside to ringmains

 

[Robotstar5]

no diffrent to a broken leg in a ringmain carrying 30 amp on a piece of 2.5mm its a fault that happens as regular as clockwork not good but who am i to say i dont make the regs just adhere 2 them

At least you would have fed the shower with 6mm²!

 

[brightspark]

At least you would have fed the shower with 6mm²!

i would have personaly. i dont like seeing it even if it is above board. just in a domestic enviroment

 

[tigler]

Edited quote as above

Depending on certain factors, it can be acceptable (and correct working practice) to wire it in 1.5mm. same as you may need to wire your lighting circit in 2.5 or even 4mm

In domestic applications 1.5 is typically used for lighting circuits and anyone using it to wire a 16 amp cicuit is mental !
The whole point of using cable overated for the circuit is to give a generous safety margin.