Ring main on flat,white 3 core& earth cable

[overthebridge]

Hi

Whilst helping my daughter redecorate, I loosened off a socket front and a cable popped out of the back. I had already turned off from mains so went to reinsert the cable. However I have noticed it is flat, white 3 core and earth cable with the yellow core just cut off near to point of entry.

My initial thought was some numpty used some leftover undersized 2way lighting cable, but the core definitely looks bigger than 1.5mm,infact it's very similar in size to the 2.5mm twin/earth red&black used in the kitchen.

My question is, does 3 core & earth in a 2.5mm exist? and how do you measure it to make sure it is big enough.
many thanks

 

[pjcomp]

Yes it exisits, but it's pretty rare in the wild. Quick way would be hold a bit of known 2.5 copper against it and compare.

PJ

 

[EFLImpudence]

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

 

[RF Lighting]

See if a red thru crimp fits on the copper core. If yes then it's 1.0mm²/1.5mm². of not then it's bigger. Most likely 2.5mm² if it's a single solid core.

 

[overthebridge]

Thanks to all. I'll try and measure as per the wiki diagrams, and will do the crimp trick to make double sure.
If it's still not definitive though, do I have to have it rewired or can I put a smaller breaker in.This circuit is 4 sockets in 2 seperate bedrooms.
thanks

 

[EFLImpudence]

What size breaker is it on now?

 

[RF Lighting]

If you're still not sure, get an electrician to have a look. A decent electrician will be able to size cables by eye.