Patio Heaters - cable

dazzlerpalmer · 20 Jun 2008

GentleFolk

I have just had 2 patio heaters installed (each running 1.4 kw).
They have been wired each to a central weatherproof box (for the remote).

From this box they have been run into the house (2 meters) with 1mm round flex. I metre is tacked to the wall and the other goes into the house

My question: Is this heavy enough? The pre-installed cables on the heaters are alot thicker.

I have a feeling this is on the limit.

Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks

holmslaw · 20 Jun 2008

Veglen · 20 Jun 2008

I have just had 2 patio heaters installed (each running 1.4 kw).

1.0mm flex is rated at 10Amps.

Are you sure it's 1mm Flex? Full load of heaters would be 12.17Amps!

The installation method sounds dodgy.

FWIW it sounds dodgy to me too!

V

dazzlerpalmer · 20 Jun 2008

I am going to put it on a fused RCD protected 4mm cable I think.

I am also dubious about cable outside - any recommendations?

Veglen · 20 Jun 2008

What type of patio heaters are they?

What is the circuit protection at source?

What type of 4mm cable are you considering?

Did you receive any certificates for the installation?

V

electronicsuk · 20 Jun 2008

dazzlerpalmer said:
I am going to put it on a fused RCD protected 4mm cable I think.

For simply running along a wall, 4mm arctic flex would do nicely. Sadly it comes in blue and yellow (blue generally used for 230v) so it isn't going to look too pretty. Other options include Hi-Tuf (available in black), SWA (although this seems like overkill) and possibly even TRS, but it's debatable as to whether or not this is suitable for continued outdoor use.

Click-Sure · 20 Jun 2008

Even along a wall I'd generally use SWA, bulky but fine done neatly. Problem with non-armoured cables along walls is people grow climbing plants up said wall and cut them back from time to time with shears and the like, and RCD's are never a 100% guarantee.

Or am I just being over-cautious?

Fuseblower · 21 Jun 2008

Maybe I'm old fashioned, but, doesn't anyone use MICC (Pyro) anymore?

I used a lot of it for outdoor installations years ago, I like working with it to be honest, can be very neat and tidy if run and clipped correctly.

Lectrician · 21 Jun 2008

I wish people would stop recommending ARCTIC flex.

It is designed for extension leads etc that are moved, coiled and used in cold conditions, as it remains flexible in cold condtions, hence 'arctic'. It is not designed for fixed installations, and has no benefits of being installed as such.....

If it was designed for fixed installations, dont you think they would produce it in white and black!

Forget arctic. Stupid suggestion.

plugwash · 22 Jun 2008

Fuseblower said:
Maybe I'm old fashioned, but, doesn't anyone use MICC (Pyro) anymore?

I used a lot of it for outdoor installations years ago, I like working with it to be honest, can be very neat and tidy if run and clipped correctly.

MICC is a nice option but it is pricey both in terms of the cable itself and in terms of the labour to install it so it rarely gets used in domestic and low end commercial situations. It is very common in public buildings though.

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Patio Heaters - cable

holmslaw

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