Shower Cable Size

Glyn1959 · 3 Dec 2003

I am fitting an 8.5Kw shower in a downstairs shower room. I have read varying repoorts regarding the size of cable to use and need some clarification. Is the maximum length 18 metres, 20 metres, or what? Please advise, Thanks

oilman · 3 Dec 2003

It's the voltage drop that you need to consider. If the cable's big enough, it can be very long (though perhaps a little impractical). The voltage drop gives rise to power dissipated in the cable.

I can't give you the correct figures as I don't have the 16th IEE regs, and I don't know what the changes are since the 15th.

breezer · 3 Dec 2003

what size cable are you using?

alexnic · 4 Dec 2003

Try this calculator... doesn't cover everything but it will give a very good indication of what you need

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/Charts/VoltageDrop.html

ban-all-sheds · 4 Dec 2003

My 2-pennorth:

Even if the calculations show that you need 6mm, install 10mm.

It's a pain to work with, but less of a pain than having to rip out the 6mm and put 10mm in anyway when you fit a bigger shower, which you will next time.....

Extrasolar · 4 Dec 2003

Sorry to use someone elses post but can you guys possibly tell the size of a cable from a picture? I'm not sure wether mine is 6 or 10mm. Or can I find out by measuring the thickness of the entire cable including the sheathing?

supersparks · 4 Dec 2003

Extrasolar said:
Sorry to use someone elses post but can you guys possibly tell the size of a cable from a picture? I'm not sure wether mine is 6 or 10mm. Or can I find out by measuring the thickness of the entire cable including the sheathing?

there is a big difference between them so yes probrably

AR

bussiebuss · 4 Dec 2003

were the cable is run eg in walls/through loft insulation etc can also have a large effect on the current carrying capicity of the cable

ban-all-sheds · 5 Dec 2003

Extrasolar said:
Sorry to use someone elses post but can you guys possibly tell the size of a cable from a picture? I'm not sure wether mine is 6 or 10mm. Or can I find out by measuring the thickness of the entire cable including the sheathing?

You should have one of these:

available from here

Not just for this particular instance - it's a generally useful tool, only a tenner, and unless you're a mechanic or an engineer, robust and accurate enough.

Scoby_Beasley · 7 Dec 2003

10mm t&e cable is roughly 18mm wide (looking at a roll of it now, think its me crimble prezzy !!)

breezer · 7 Dec 2003

Scoby_Beasley said:
10mm t&e cable is roughly 18mm wide (looking at a roll now, think its me crimble prezzy !!)

well don't eat it all at once

Scoby_Beasley · 7 Dec 2003

breezer said:
well don't eat it all at once

ban-all-sheds · 7 Dec 2003

I hope you like currents....

Scoby_Beasley · 7 Dec 2003

ban-all-sheds said:
I hope you like currents....

Getting used to them

diynot

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Shower Cable Size

breezer

supersparks

breezer

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