Can Flex Be Used As Opposed To Twin Core & Earth?

[EViS]

I will be installing an outdoor socket via an RCD which will be located indoors. To keep things looking neat, I would like the cable outside of the house to be black in colour as opposed to grey (or white) as is standard with twin core and earth.

Hence, can I use black flex for this installation? Or is there a reason to stick with twin core and earth (and shrink wrap it with black pvc)? I understand that flex is more UV resistant so is more suitable for outdoor use?

Finally, what size flex can be used for a mains socket?

 

[kai]

This is notifiable works.

You can use 13amp rated flex, typically 1.5.sq.mm, as often supplied with outdoor socket kits sold at B+Q. Flex is preferred because the cable sealing glands can only make a good seal on round flex, NOT t+e.

One way is to run the flex from a 13amp DP switched Fuse-connection unit with a cord outlet, through a small hole in an outside wall, and onto your outdoor socket. The FCU comes in handy for isolating the outside socket when you are not using it - stopping outsiders stealing your electricity!!!

It must be RCD protected (30mA or 10mA), and run along walls (in plastic conduit if at risk from knocks), NOT along fences etc. Seal the cable hole with mastic after installation to keep the rain out.

 

[EViS]

Thanks for the response. The 1.5mm flex sold by TLC is rated at 16amps so will be perfect.

Can 1.0mm flex (rated at 10 amps) be used for outdoor lighting? Or would it be best to also use 1.5mm flex for this in case of future extension to the lighting?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Finally, what size flex can be used for a mains socket?

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• //www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:mcbtocable
  
  
• http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Book/4.3.1.htm (all subsections)
  
  
• http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Book/4.3.11.htm
  
  
• http://web.archive.org/web/20080213151445/http://www.kevinboone.com/cableselection_web.pdf
  
  
• http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/Charts/VoltageDrop.html
  
  
• http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Book/5.3.1.htm
  
  
• //www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:mcb2
  
  
• http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Book/8.1.1.htm
  
  
• //www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:part-p