Identifying 10mm\16mm T &E

[gonstartrek]

I realise this question has been asked before, and looking at these posts I am beginning to realise that what I thought was 10mm, might actually be 16mm T &E. Is there any way to be definite ?

We're basically putting in a new kitchen, however the existing cooker cable (on a 45A fuse) is very chunky - I think it is was put in in the 70's and is the old colours. The total width of the cable is about 20mm x 10mm and according to the TLC site that is the size of their 16mm.

The existing T &E cable I have has got 7 strands in each wire, each at least well over 1.5mm in diameter(probably 1.7) - and if I add up the cross sectional area of each x 7 I do get 16mm2...... Is this a bit of a no-brainer - can I take this to be 16mm ? Is there anything else I should consider ?

Thanks
Steve

 

[securespark]

Take a snippet of your cable to B&Q or wholesaler & compare with their 10/ 16mm².

 

[gonstartrek]

Take a snippet of your cable to B&Q or wholesaler & compare with their 10/ 16mm².

Yes, that's the obvious thing to do, but I forgot to mention my nearest B &Q is 100 miles away...... I live in the HIghlands - we do have a local Jewson's, but they are pretty hopeless for that sort of stuff.

THanks

 

[JohnD]

another easy method is to get hold of some cable clips. They are a close, snap-fit round the cable they are made for. It is quite handy to keep a few in your pocket to check cables that you do not handle often enough to recognise by eye (I find 4mm T&E difficult). Take the fixing pins out before you put them in your pocket or they will make holes in your leg.

If there is any kind of electrical store near you they will probably sell you a small packet. You might even have to buy a box of 100 A friendly electrician might give you some.

Lots of trainers and merchants keep a demonstration board with short lengths of cable clipped to it, so you can get familiar with their appearance.

 

[Lectrician]

another easy method is to get hold of some cable clips. They are a close, snap-fit round the cable they are made for. It is quite handy to keep a few in your pocket to check cables that you do not handle often enough to recognise by eye (I find 4mm T&E difficult). Take the fixing pins out before you put them in your pocket or they will make holes in your leg.

If there is any kind of electrical store near you they will probably sell you a small packet. You might even have to buy a box of 100 A friendly electrician might give you some.

Lots of trainers and merchants keep a demonstration board with short lengths of cable clipped to it, so you can get familiar with their appearance.

Except falt clips come in set sizes:

One for 4mm and 6mm, and another for 10mm and 16mm

 

[Click-Sure]

The clips in my box are labelled as being for 10 and 16mm!

 

[JohnD]

Not mine

 

[Lectrician]

Not mine

You wanna use some quality clips

 

[Adam_151]

I assume you are measuring the diameter of the strands using a set of calipers? rather than trying to do it with a ruler?

Whats the overall diamter of the conductor, including red/ black insulation?

 

[gonstartrek]

I assume you are measuring the diameter of the strands using a set of calipers? rather than trying to do it with a ruler?

Whats the overall diamter of the conductor, including red/ black insulation?

Unfortunately I don't have any calipers, but each strand is definately well over the 1.5mm.

The total width of each conductor is approx 7mm. Th einsulation is about 1mm

 

[Taylortwocities]

Your best bet is to use crimps as your gauge.

A 10mm crimp wont go over a 16mm² conductor....

Also, its often easier to identify the cpc. In 16mm² T&E (generally) it is 6mm² and in 10mm² its 4mm²

edit: also, have a careful look at the cable sheath. Many cables have their size stamped every foot or so.

 

[Lectrician]

And going by the age of the installation it could well be imperial anyway.

 

[sparkypete1]

sounds like your cooker cable is 10mm.

 

[RF Lighting]

Ths sheath on T&E used to be thicker back in t'day

Do you own a digital camera?

 

[ericmark]

From Batt Cables Nominal overall diameter 10mm 8.5 x 17.2 and 16mm 9.4 x 19.4 of course you may get a variation between makes conductor diameter for 10mm is 4.05mm and for 16mm is 4.80mm does that help?