How many cables in one backbox?

Steve · 26 May 2010

Would this be acceptable? Looping in at a 2G switch, both switches 2W.

Untitled

Steve
26 May 2010
1

It just seems too much for one single backbox - and all cables go UP. Would have to make it a 25/35mm backbox. Anyone attempted this before?

ban-all-sheds · 26 May 2010

47mm would be easier still, particularly if you ever change to flat plate accessories.

LoveRocket · 26 May 2010

Go for it man!

As Banal says, get a 47mm in there. Is the circuit in 1mm or 1.5mm?

ColJack · 26 May 2010

35mm minimum on anything that "loops in" at the switches..

toasty · 26 May 2010

It's a small victory I know, but you only need 1 3core and earth plus a 2 core and earth to run to the other switch.

That might free up a little space in the backbox. (the two grey conductors are common and so you only need 1 plus a strapper at the other switch)

....you might be glad of the extra space!

Congrats on the house purchase by the way.
Dan

RF Lighting · 26 May 2010

I've done worse!

ban-all-sheds · 27 May 2010

What's the most you could ever need to squeeze in?

I make it 39 conductors, assuming you want only 1 switched live per gang to leave the box.

ColJack · 27 May 2010

4 gang intermediate wired with 3C+E. I make that 24 wires and 8 cpc's?

ban-all-sheds · 27 May 2010

Nope.

Can't get 4-gang intermediates in single-gang box size. (Can you???)

I'm suggesting 39 cores into one of these:

ColJack · 27 May 2010

maybe you're right..
this is a 3 gang 2 way, but I'm sure I've seen a 4 gang on a single front..

ban-all-sheds · 27 May 2010

If you've got a 4-gang 2-way then that'll be 52 conductors.

Blimey.

ColJack · 27 May 2010

ban-all-sheds said:
If you've got a 4-gang 2-way then that'll be 52 conductors.

Blimey.

maths please?

3C+E for each and T+E for each max i think? 4x7 = 28..

ban-all-sheds · 27 May 2010

Clue:

It might provoke an argument about compliance with 514.11.1/537.2.1.3

ColJack · 27 May 2010

what has multiple supplies got to do with it?

the cables I've indicated are 3C+E strapper to the other switch and a T+E bringing in live and switched live from the light..

ban-all-sheds · 27 May 2010

But that's not what I'm thinking of to get to my 52. Or 39 if it's only a 3-gang.

Anyway - cuppa and bed for me - see what tomorrow brings.

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How many cables in one backbox?

toasty

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