Has anyone run a radial main in 4mm2 T&E?

[Pensdown]

Rings are ok for domestics, 4mm is fairly expensive..

That’s what I thought but 30mtrs of 4mm is cheaper than 60mtrs of 2.5mm so radials are actually more cost effective.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

If that's how it works out, and not 50m instead of 60m...

 

[scousespark]

Why would you opt for a ring over a radial. Apart from the smaller cable.

Well - let's see.

More complicated to test.
Problems and possibly danger with branches added in the future.
Breaches to the integrity of the ring, and therefore safety, not apparent via non-working sockets.
The need to specially craft wiring regulations to allow the use of 2.5mm² cable on 30/32A protective devices.

There may be more reasons, but I can't think of any right now....

I'm a bit confused here BAS. I asked why You prefer a ring to a radial, but your reply seems to be the reasons why you pick the radial.

 

[Adam_151]

I'm a bit confused here BAS. I asked why You prefer a ring to a radial, but your reply seems to be the reasons why you pick the radial.

The post seems to be written in an odd way , but from hanging round these boards more than is really healthy , I can tell you that BAS much perfers radials to rings

 

[scousespark]

I did think that BAS was a fan of radials.
I prefer radials myself but realise it's each to their own.

As for the OP there should be no problems with using 4mm cable.

 

[Lectrician]

And if you use 4 or 6mm for a ring, it should still be supplied by a 32amp breaker - the size increase would be likely due to volt drop.

 

[JohnD]

I like rings.

 

[scousespark]

When I had my annual NIC visit at the start of the year the inspector was saying that the rumour is that the new regs will recommend us not to use rings. Just a rumour, but have heard it a few times recently.

 

[Lectrician]

I heard it more than 12 months ago.

Lots will change in the new edition....lets wait and see what happens with regards everything!

The regs wont "recommend" not to use - they will either comply - or not

 

[scousespark]

bad choice of words stating 'recommend' agree with lectrician you comply.
does anybody know when the regs are due out, and do they mean our 2381/91 is redundant or are we going to have to take courses to prove we understand them?

 

[securespark]

I like rings.

Well, get married, then!!

I have also heard from high-up bods in ECA that rings are no longer flavour of the regs...

Hurrah!! Death to the ring......LONG LIVE RADIALS!!!!!!!!!

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I'm a bit confused here BAS. I asked why You prefer a ring to a radial, but your reply seems to be the reasons why you pick the radial.

 

[The Jeep]

A 4mm2 radial can supply unlimited number of socket outlets up to an area of 75 square metres, with a 32A breaker.