Cable in Consumer Units

[trenelly]

What are the cables in consumer units that connect the main switch to the RCD. I think they're 16mm but I can't find any on wholesaler web sites. Also, where can I get some?

 

[Richard Burns]

It will probably be fine stranded tri-rated cable with terminal ferrules.
If you cannot find this at the wholesaler then you should be able to get split load conversion kits that come with a section of cable, but it would be a more expensive way of doing it.

 

[trev]

Why do you need it mate?
You have to be pretty careless to damage the stuff, maybe it's for a conversion in which case it's probably easier and quicker(and therefore cheaper for the customer) to just install a dual RCD split load CU

 

[joe.ninety]

You can buy it by the metre on fleabay, but you will need to crimp the ends with the appropriate ferrules. You can't just cut it and use it.
So unless you already own a crimper that does bootlace ferrules of 16mm2, then you've got even more expense to consider.

 

[joe.ninety]

You've also got to ensure that the crimper you're using does not crimp the ends into a form that won't then fit in the neutral bar.

 

[trenelly]

Thanks for your replies. I took some of your advice and got a split load unit off the shelf.

 

[shanky887614]

You've also got to ensure that the crimper you're using does not crimp the ends into a form that won't then fit in the neutral bar.

I picked up a 0.75- 16mm knipex ferrule crimper off amazon for around £25 (crimping pliers not ratchet)

 

[elliot123]

Could you not solder the ends maybe? Never had to do anything like that myself but would it not work the same?

 

[DPG]

I don't think it's considered good practice to solder cables that are used in screw terminals. They can work loose over time. Daz

 

[shanky887614]

I don't think it's considered good practice to solder cables that are used in screw terminals. They can work loose over time. Daz

not to mention its likely the solder will crack when you try to screw it down so it won't be a good connection

 

[davesparks]

The soldering of flexible cable terminations as an alternative to ferrules is specifically forbidden in the regulations, or at least it was when I did the 17th ed course as the use of ferrules was a new addition at the time.

 

[shanky887614]

The soldering of flexible cable terminations as an alternative to ferrules is specifically forbidden in the regulations, or at least it was when I did the 17th ed course as the use of ferrules was a new addition at the time.

surely it is only really uninsulated crimps that should be soldered

 

[PEG]

One of the few exceptions to this is the terminations to vehicle trailer sockets,where soldering the last 8mm of fine stranded 7 core gives you 2 or 3 changes of socket without further prep,with no downside,over my 4 decades of observations...

 

[shanky887614]

One of the few exceptions to this is the terminations to vehicle trailer sockets,where soldering the last 8mm of fine stranded 7 core gives you 2 or 3 changes of socket without further prep,with no downside,over my 4 decades of observations...

we talking tri rated by fine stranded? most would use 6491b? in this case

 

[davesparks]

surely it is only really uninsulated crimps that should be soldered

There are all manner of things that can be soldered, including some mains trailing plugs and sockets and a whole host of low voltage connectors. But I get your point, only those things which are designed to have their connections soldered should be soldered.

And of course there are our dear old soggy friends who can sometimes be seen soldering copper pipes together when they aren't too busy with that plastic pushfit nonsense.

 

[Knobhead]

I can’t see how a crimped ferule will be better than soldered. Bad soldering techniques can result in cracks, that comes down to practice.

 

[UKMeterman]

The tinning of wires for screw termination is banned in BS EN60950 (Design standard for IT and similar electronic equipment) The solder WILL cold flow under the pressure from the screw and WILL cause a bad contact.

 

[UKMeterman]

surely it is only really uninsulated crimps that should be soldered

If a crimp is done correctly there is a gas tight joint between the conductor and the crimp. By definition if it is gas tight then there is no air and certainly no way for solder to get into the crimp section.

If they are loose, then they are done wrong and need the correct tool...

 

[shanky887614]

If a crimp is done correctly there is a gas tight joint between the conductor and the crimp. By definition if it is gas tight then there is no air and certainly no way for solder to get into the crimp section.

If they are loose, then they are done wrong and need the correct tool...

by that I mean soldered joints, you do get soldered lugs for example