What cable to use?

[Hack 73]

Hi,
I'm just about the change the lights in my bathroom from 1 pendant to 4 x 9w LED Downlights. I'm clear how to do everything. My question is due to the size of the terminals in the LED Lights can I use 1mm cable rather than the standard 1.5mm?

Thanks in advance.

Graeme

Graeme

 

[securespark]

Is 1.5 the standard?

What size is the fuse or circuit breaker for the lights?

 

[JohnW2]

My question is due to the size of the terminals in the LED Lights can I use 1mm cable rather than the standard 1.5mm?

You may not realise it, but securespark's questions were essentially rhetorical.

Although, for some reason, 1.5mm² cable is commonly used in the UK for lighting circuits, there is virtually never (if ever) a need for it in domestic installations, and 1.0mm² is more than adequate.

Buried in a solid wall, or clipped to a wall, 1mm² cable can safely carry 16A and even in the worst possible situation (cable totally surrounded by thermal insulation) it can still safely carry 8A - so it is always OK for a 'standard'; 6A lighting circuit. It is also, as you imply, easier to get into the tiny terminals of some light fittings etc. than is 1.5mm².

Kind Regards, John

 

[Hack 73]

Thanks John

 

[JohnW2]

Thanks John

You're welcome

Kind Regards, John