Fitting Electric Fire – Cable Size

[spugh99]

Hi,

Been in our house for about a year now, and this is the first time I’ve had a look at the electrics !

I recently purchased an electric fire with the intension of connecting it to one of the sockets in the living room (That isn't already feeding any spurs) via a 13A FCU.

I was planning on buying some 2.5mm twin and earth cable, then running it as below :

Current 13A Socket-->2.5mm T&E--->13A FCU--->2.5mm T&E--->13A Socket--->Plug From Fire

The problem :

I have had a look at the two double sockets (on the ring main) in the living room. The cable going to and from these sockets looks to me like it is 1.5mm (I measured the copper core of the cable, is that correct or do I include the insulation ?.) I was expecting to see at least 2.5mm as I thought this was the minimum for ring mains. The MCB at the CU controlling these sockets is 32AMP !!

Is it ok to have these connected via 1.5mm or do I need to get all the electrics looked at ?

Can ring circuits use smaller cable than radial as the current is running in both directions, which I’m guessing puts less load on the cables ?

I will check all the other sockets on the same circuit later and see if they all use the same size cable.

Thanks

 

[HullMarc]

The problem :

I have had a look at the two double sockets (on the ring main) in the living room. The cable going to and from these sockets looks to me like it is 1.5mm (I measured the copper core of the cable, is that correct or do I include the insulation ?.)

Did you measure the diameter then work out the area or is that just the diameter?

 

[spugh99]

I just measured the diameter, Is that not correct ?

Thanks

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[spugh99]

Ok think I understand,

So the diameter for 2.5mm t&e cable should be about 1.8mm

Thanks for your help

 

[sparkwright]

I would fit a switched fused spur to act as a local isolator, and fit the socket or FLEX OULET behind the fire out of site, assuminmg there is space to do so.

Does the wiring at all the sockets look the same size?

If so, the chances are it is 2.5 mm.

If in doubt send a photo.
Information like the age of the house and age of the installation may assist.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

So the diameter for 2.5mm t&e cable should be about 1.8mm

//www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:flatpvccables

 

[Steve]

Been in our house for about a year now, and this is the first time I’ve had a look at the electrics !

I bet you have spent a year decorating too. And now you're about to start worrying about the electrics and finding out you need a rewire, only to have to redecorate every room . . .

First thing I did when I took posession of this house is have it rewired. Priorities!!

 

[HullMarc]

OP, just a thought; did you measure the core with green & yellow sleeving?

 

[Taylortwocities]

OP, just a thought; did you measure the core with green & yellow sleeving?

How do you do that?. I'd use a micrometer, or at least a tape measure. But green&yellow sleeving ??