Can someone take a look at this wiring..

[enigma27]

Hi All.

can anyone see any problems with the below diagram? both banks of double sockets will be in a cabinet under a fish tank... I have added a double socket in the location with an inbuilt RCD style...

Only part connected directly to the house mains is the double RCD socket.

Untitled

• enigma27
• 25 Apr 2014
• 1

 

[Monkeh]

You shouldn't terminate T&E into a plug.

Plus, there's no need for two plugs, 2.5mm² cable, or the expense of putting that lot together.

Buy two 6-gang extensions and be done with it: http://www.kenable.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=3213

 

[enigma27]

You shouldn't terminate T&E into a plug.

Plus, there's no need for two plugs, 2.5mm² cable, or the expense of putting that lot together.

Buy two 6-gang extensions and be done with it: http://www.kenable.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=3213[/QUOTE]

1. Why? normal extension leads bought of the shelf have L,N and earth in the plug? I have just used the same cable they use...

2. The point of putting it together is its being put into a cabinet where sticking a couple of extensions is not an option as there is water and lots of it and the plug sockets have been attached high and out of the way.. plus the plugs dont always fit and they have silly sized chargers.

 

[Monkeh]

1. Why? normal extension leads bought of the shelf have L,N and earth in the plug? I have just used the same cable they use...

That's not T&E, that's three core flex. T&E has solid conductors and is oval in shape, it does not work properly in plugs. If you've got that, fine, but you'll need to terminate it appropriately to fit in a socket (search for bootlace ferrules, you'll need a crimp tool and appropriate size ferrules).

2. The point of putting it together is its being put into a cabinet where sticking a couple of extensions is not an option as there is water and lots of it and the plug sockets have been attached high and out of the way.. plus the plugs dont always fit and they have silly sized chargers.

I don't see how the water is a concern with extension leads and not sockets. Normal socket or extension lead, neither wants to get wet.

I also don't see how individual sockets and back boxes will be superior to the likes of these:

If you insist on going this route, electrically, it'll be fine, so long as you terminate the cables properly. Please invest in a basic crimper and some ferrules. Flex does not fit well in socket terminals.

 

[JohnW2]

You shouldn't terminate T&E into a plug.

T&E has solid conductors and is oval in shape, it does not work properly in plugs. If you've got that, fine, but you'll need to terminate it appropriately to fit in a socket (search for bootlace ferrules, you'll need a crimp tool and appropriate size ferrules) ... Please invest in a basic crimper and some ferrules. Flex does not fit well in socket terminals.

I think there is some uncertainty/confusion about what cable/flex the OP has got - it was described as "FLEX 2.5 twin and earth".

Kind Regards, John

 

[Monkeh]

I think there is some uncertainty/confusion about what cable/flex the OP has got - it was described as "FLEX 2.5 twin and earth".

Kind Regards, John

He also described '1.5m twin and earth' for the cables running out to the 2-gang extension.. So yes, some uncertainty.

 

[enigma27]

Sorry its not solid core terminating into the plugs its just standard cable like you would get on any extension..

now argument over why i have done this as you would need to see pics of the unit its going in to understand... The cupboard has no back and no floor space as its has a 110ltr glass tank sitting inside it.. If your really interested as to why i will post pics later to explain..

 

[Monkeh]

I think I can accept that you've determined traditional extension leads won't work.

Invest in these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251487549261
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111189915946

Stick to 1.5mm² cable, 2.5mm² is excessive, and mixing conductor sizes in screw terminals is not advisable.

 

[JohnW2]

The point of putting it together is its being put into a cabinet where sticking a couple of extensions is not an option as there is water and lots of it and the plug sockets have been attached high and out of the way..

As has already been implied, if there is a 'safe' place (water-wise etc.) to install the 2-gang sockets, why can't a 6-way extension go equally safely in the same place?

... plus the plugs dont always fit and they have silly sized chargers.

That can be a problem with some extensions. However, if you look around (particularly at ones which have switches between each socket outlet, like in Monkeh's pic), you should be able to find extensions which have as much space for chargers etc. as does a standard 2-gang socket.

Kind Regards, John

 

[enigma27]

This may explain it more... I have secured the sockets to a board and the board to the back of the cabinet... gives me all the space i need for the different size plugs plus its up and away from the sump tank in case it ever floods... last thing i need is the electrics getting wet and blowing..

 

[flameport]

Only part connected directly to the house mains is the double RCD socket.

Does your consumer unit have an RCD in it?

If it does, you do not need the RCD socket.

 

[enigma27]

yes it does.. newly fitted unit last year.

the socket is already installed any harm in leaving it?

 

[winston1]

I think I can accept that you've determined traditional extension leads won't work.

Invest in these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251487549261
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111189915946

Stick to 1.5mm² cable, 2.5mm² is excessive, and mixing conductor sizes in screw terminals is not advisable.

WHY? Complete waste of money. Ordinary flex goes into sockets as easily as into plugs. If it is really a problem double it up by folding it back on itself. Fish tank equipment is not exactly a high load.

 

[Monkeh]

I think I can accept that you've determined traditional extension leads won't work.

Invest in these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251487549261
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111189915946

Stick to 1.5mm² cable, 2.5mm² is excessive, and mixing conductor sizes in screw terminals is not advisable.

WHY? Complete waste of money. Ordinary flex goes into sockets as easily as into plugs. If it is really a problem double it up by folding it back on itself. Fish tank equipment is not exactly a high load.

Not the sockets I've used, the terminals are way too big and it's far too easy to crush and break the strands.

Another reason would be pride in your work. Ferrules are the correct way to terminate stranded cable in normal screw terminals.

If you like doing it the cheap and easy way, that's fine, but don't call a proper job a waste of money.

 

[winston1]

I think I can accept that you've determined traditional extension leads won't work.

Invest in these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251487549261
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111189915946

Stick to 1.5mm² cable, 2.5mm² is excessive, and mixing conductor sizes in screw terminals is not advisable.

WHY? Complete waste of money. Ordinary flex goes into sockets as easily as into plugs. If it is really a problem double it up by folding it back on itself. Fish tank equipment is not exactly a high load.

Ferrules are the correct way to terminate stranded cable in normal screw terminals.

Really. So many houses I've come across wired in imperial 7/029 cable and never seen a ferrule. So many fitted 13A plugs on bought equipment and have occasionally seen a ferrule.
Hey why not just twist and tin it with a soldering iron?