How to join multi strand cable/flex.

timtheenchanter · 27 Aug 2007

Hi,
I seem to remember reading/seeing somthing that says you cannot (or not supposed to) join multi strand cable/flex with choc bloc, or junction boxes.

Just re-wiring my caravan, and you have to use a flex type cable for this, but how do you join it if not using a choc bloc or junction box?

The sockets are no problem, these each have their own supply from the C/U, as does the charger, but i was going to use one supply for the lights (2 of, one front, one 2/3 of the way down.

Is this true or am i imagining it, I cant find it anywhere in my books!

jj4091 · 27 Aug 2007

I do not know of any reason why you should not use the correct size choc block connector, but crimp joints are better

Lectrician · 27 Aug 2007

If this is a touring van, and you are not wiring in conduit, you do have to use flexible type cables, and these must have a minimum size of 1.5mm

I see no reason why you cannot terminate flex into terminals or terminal blocks, however, due to the small strands it is best to fold over the conductors to fill the terminals. You could also consider furrel crimps which are crimped onto the end of the flex and present a pin type conductor to the terminal.

I hope you are bonding the chassis with some 4mm earth aswell

timtheenchanter · 27 Aug 2007

thanks, yes the chassis will be earthed, although theres not much chassis anyway, its an old steel chassis jobbie.

can i get a second opinion on the regs, looking at 608-03-04, am i right in thinking the body doesnt need bonding?

RF Lighting · 27 Aug 2007

Why would you want to not earth the chassis?

plugwash · 27 Aug 2007

if possible try to use terminals that have a metal clamp plate (you can get terminal block with theese if you look arround a bit). Failing that make sure you are carefull to actually get the flex well clamped under the screw and avoid mixing flex and solid cable in the same terminal.

timtheenchanter · 27 Aug 2007

I will be earthing the chassis, I just need to know if the body panels need earthing, from what i read it doesn`t

Lectrician · 27 Aug 2007

No, if they did, you would be earthing sooooo many things! They are not stricktly speaking an extraneous conductive part as they are not in contact with the ground.

Adam_151 · 27 Aug 2007

I think maybe what you remember hearing is that stranded cables ideally shouldn't be under the same screw connectors as solid ones, so if joining solid to stranded then use something that grips using separate screws, like a terminal strip in choc block rather than a traditional JB

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How to join multi strand cable/flex.

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