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:
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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