2.5mm twin & earth cable - round vs flat

[elsmandino]

I would be grateful if anyone could explain when I must use flat cable as opposed to the round type.

I know that you would always use the flat type for your ring main and the round for an applicance but does this have to be the case - i.e. according to the building regulations?

Does it make a difference if the wiriting is being buried or surface mounted?

Thanks

 

[EFLImpudence]

They are both the same.

The only time round cable should be used is if the cable restraint on your fitting has a round hole.


Plus flat T+E should not be exposed outside.

 

[elsmandino]

So is there any reason why you could not use the round cable for a ringmain?

 

[JohnW2]

Plus flat T+E should not be exposed outside.

... and, FWIW, nor should PVC-sheathed round flex.

Kind Regards, John

 

[EFLImpudence]

So is there any reason why you could not use the round cable for a ringmain?

No but it costs more.

 

[JohnW2]

So is there any reason why you could not use the round cable for a ringmain?

One consideration is that, if attached to surfaces, round flexible cable needs a lot more support.

The real question is why one would want to use round flex (rather than flat T&E) for, say, a ring circuit. Apart from anything else, round 2.5mm² flex is much more expensive than flat 2.5mm² T+E. About the only reason would be if one already had a lot of flex to use up!

Kind Regards, John

 

[deadshort]

The OP has not stated they wanted to use flex ?


DS

 

[JohnW2]

The OP has not stated they wanted to use flex ?

(S)he hasn't. However, can you think of any type of round cable they could be talking about other than flex?

Kind Regards, John

 

[deadshort]

FP 200, PYRO, SWA.


DS

However............

 

[JohnW2]

FP 200, PYRO, SWA.

Are you seriously suggesting that you believe that the OP was thinking/talking about any of those?

Kind Regards, John

 

[deadshort]

I was answering your question.


Very best wishes,

DS

 

[JohnW2]

I was answering your question.

You were, but unless you seriously believe that the OP was thinking/talking about FP200, pyro or SWA, I think I need some help in understanding what useful point you were trying to make with your initial comment.

Kind Regards, John

 

[wundaboy]

I wonder if the OP is not local, i.e. from a jurisdiction where round fixed wiring cable is in common use, and is therefore thinking of that.

http://www.screwfix.de/mantelleitung-nym-j-3x2-5-50m-grau.html

 

[JohnW2]

I wonder if the OP is not local, i.e. from a jurisdiction where round fixed wiring cable is in common use, and is therefore thinking of that.

Not impossible, I suppose (although, if we're being told the truth, clearly 'under UK jurisdiction' now!) - but, if that were the case, I imagine that (s)he would be hard-pressed to find such cable, at any price, in the UK!

Kind Regards, John

 

[Taylortwocities]

I wonder if the OP is not local, i.e. from a jurisdiction where round fixed wiring cable is in common use, and is therefore thinking of that.

His location is shown as Essex. Maybe that's the reason..