Radial circuit, 2 cable sizes

[mattrgee]

Hi all,

I have a radial circuit in my garage with a single socket. I've added 3 additional sockets this morning, cabling them with 2.5mm twin and earth. When I came to connect these sockets to the existing socket, I discovered the feed from the consumer unit to the original socket was being fed by a thicker cable. See pic below of 'thicker' cable with a piece of 2.5mm for comparison.

Is this a problem? The sockets in the garage are used for standard purposes, charging drill batteries etc. The circuit is on a 32 amp breaker.

 

[flameport]

Is this a problem?

Yes - the cable you have used is not rated for 32A.

Solutions - either use the correct size cable (4mm²) or change the circuit breaker to a lower value such as 20A.

 

[mattrgee]

Thanks.

 

[mattrgee]

Will replace with 4mm between the new sockets. In the meantime, is the wiring 'safe' with no load going through it, or would it be best to knock the breaker off?

 

[EFLImpudence]

It will be fine if you don't use it.

There look to be several nicks in the copper. Best cut that off and redo.

 

[John D v2.0]

It's safe except when overloaded. The breaker won't protect against overload on that part of the circuit.

 

[mattrgee]

Thanks all. 4mm ordered.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Solutions - either use the correct size cable (4mm²) or change the circuit breaker to a lower value such as 20A.

Or turn it into a ring.