Q & A of the Day - Is 2.5mm2 stranded twin & earth cable OK in this house?

BookmarkThis 08.04.2011
BASEC (The British Approvals Service for Cables)
 

Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This Question of the Day, about the use of stranded twin & earth cable in a home, is answered by BASEC:

Ordinary twin & earth cable or stranded?
Ordinary twin & earth cable or stranded?
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Question: I've been working in a house of new(ish) build - about five years old - and the kitchen ring is wired in 2.5mm2 stranded twin & earth cable.

I've never come across 2.5mm2 stranded twin & earth cable in harmonised colours before - is this legal and acceptable?

Answer: Yes, 2.5mm2 twin & earth cable having a stranded conductor is permitted.

Normally most twin and earth cable of 2.5mm2 is found with a single solid conductor (class 1 conductor). This complies with Table 8 of BS 6004.

Table 9 of BS 6004 specifies alternative conductor options for 1.5 sqmm and 2.5mm2 twin and earth cable, using a stranded conductor (Class 2 conductor). At 4mm2 and above, all conductors are specified to be stranded (Class 2 conductor).

Most small twin and earth cables sold and used comply with Table 8, but it is permissible to use Table 9 cable in its place. There should be no difference in cable marking or performance.

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 Related contacts
The British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC)
23 Presley Way, Crownhill,
Milton Keynes MK8 0ES
Tel: 01908 267300
Fax: 01908 267255
Email: mail@basec.org.uk
Web: www.basec.org.uk
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Source: BASEC & James Hunt

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