Flex for heater lamp

tim01 · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 4:57 am Post Subject: Flex for heater lamp

Hi. I want to replace a flex feeding a quartz heater lamp on my patio wall. The lamp is 1.3kw which, using your chart above, I would consider a 1.0mm flex more than adequate (I have some 1.0mm kicking around).

The original flex fitted by the manufacturer is 1.5mm and the label states \\\"heat resistant flex to be used\\\". I find the heat resistant note odd as the flex clearly does not touch the casing at any point. Why would I need to use heat flex? Is this a reg?

Also, the existing flex looks like the rubber type which I can only find available in Black. My whole aim is to fit a white flex (my wall is painted white). Do I need to use the rubber flex? What is the purpose of rubber instead of PVC?

Many thanks

Albert · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 9:01 am Post Subject:

The manufactorers will give the instructions in a way that if something happens they will be covered.

You can find white heath resistant flex even in B&Q.

I would strongly recommend that you follow the manufactorers instructions; for insurance reasons and as well they might have a reason that you don't know about.

Although it seems that 1mm2, would be ok, I would replace it like for like.

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Qedelec · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 9:05 am Post Subject:

Use HOFR
Heat Oil Flame Retardant
Manufacturer knows best, do you think they use more expensive cable than they have to?

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JohnD · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 9:34 am Post Subject:

Remember that the last few inches of the flex go inside the lamp casing. This has a very hot lamp inside it, so the case, and the parts and air inside it, are going to be very hot. You might even find the manufacturer has supplied some fibreglass braid to go over the ends of the insulation just before the terminals (this is extra resistant to heat).

ban-all-sheds · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 10:47 am Post Subject:

They should ban the sale of those things.

tim01 · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 12:50 pm Post Subject:

Thanks all, and I will go and get the White!

Qedelec: Good point.

JohnD: I take your point. In this case a separate pvc housing is outside the metal casing and away from any real heat but I can see the sense in replacing like-for-like for good measure and avoiding the unforeseen.

Steve · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 4:56 pm Post Subject:

ban-all-sheds wrote:

They should ban the sale of those things.

why? if people want to waste their money heating fresh air, so be it.