Schneider Electric

Q & A of the Day – Are 16mm T&E cables OK straight to the main cut out fuse?

Published: 7 March 2013 Category: Q&A

Trevor Cole asks this question, which concerns an existing domestic electrical installation’s meter tails and T&E cables. It has been answered by Schneider Electric (Theme – Cables, Wiring & Wiring Accessories):

Q & A of the Day – Are 16mm T&E cables OK straight to the main cut out fuse?
This Q & A is one of thousands posted in our Technical Expertise area, and answered on a daily basis by our Voltimum Experts.

Question: I've recently been to look at a domestic wiring installation and have found that there are overhead cables supplying the main fuse in the bedroom. Also, 16mm twin & earth (T&E) cable is in the fuse where the tails normally go. This then feeds the meter downstairs with an approximately 20m run. From the meter run 25mm tails to the consumer unit.

Earthing is limited and I will need to put in new earth rods.

Is it within regulations for the 16mm T&E cables to be fitted straight to the main cut out fuse?

Answer: The 16mm tails are acceptable, but 25mm is the preferred option.

To see many more Q & A in Voltimum UK's Experts Area, please click on the link:

www.voltimum.co.uk/consult.php?universe=consult.index.questions