3 Types of Meter Tails

[IAmSparkytus!]

Evening!

Once upon a time I would use 25mm meter tails which comprised of 7 strands. I now use a 19 strand version. The other day, however, I'm sure I spotted a very fine stranded version on a page on YouTube or in a catalogue/magazine etc.

Anyone know what this would have been and is it acceptable to be used as meter tails, is it better, is it cheaper etc etc.?

 

[davesparks]

Some DNOs and metering companies do not accept fine stranded tails and will refuse to connect.

However I see no reason why you couldn't use an insulated and sheathed flexible single core cable, H07-RNF for example, if properly terminated with ferrules etc etc.

 

[pc1966]

You probably saw something like this:

6381Y Flexible PVC Cable to BS 6004 - Clynder Cables

6381Y cable is a flexible PVC cable made to BS 6004 with a double insulation, suitable for telecoms equipment where flexibility is required.

clyndercables.co.uk

Often sold as "DC cables" simply because they tend to get used for telecoms DC power stuff. Obviously the cable is not bother by AC or DC use!

They seem to be like an over-sheathed version of tri-rated cable but not the same temperature spec, the 6381Y seems usually to be specified at 70C where as you can get over-sheathed tri-rated from some suppliers rated to 105C operation:

Double Insulated Tri-rated Cable | Clynder Cables

clyndercables.co.uk

Of course not many accessories (or adjacent cables) are rated to 105C so that is often not a sane operation level!

 

[pc1966]

For meter tails I would stick with the 19-strand, assuming your DNO is OK with that.

It is easy enough to wrangle, not going to come out of the main CU switch, etc, with any ease (certainly not if you use a gland as best practice) and it still has enough stiffness to allow neat routing to stay in place without loads of clips.