Connector block and electrical tape

[hollerz]

Hello,

Can anyone point me to the specific regulation that using a connector block and electrical tape contravenes?

And what do you use as an alternative?

Thanks a lot!

Lee

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Haha Glenn you need to try harder mate

 

[Darkwood]

In what situe ?
Exposed
In an enclosure etc etc
-question is too wide field!

 

[hollerz]

The situation is that the lights under my kitchen cabinets are twin and earth connected to the flex via a connector block wrapped in electrical tape and shoved up behind the cabinet. I know this isn't adequate but just trying to find which regs it contravenes, and what is the best alternative and why?

Thanks!

 

[Marvo]

Ferrule and double insulate with heatshrink over the top.

 

[Darkwood]

It needs to be in a suitable fixed enclosure and the flex must be crimped before terminating then it will comply if it isn't accessible for inspection then the whole just and enclosure need to be maintenance free. Alternative methods do exist but as a one off the tackle to do them is expensive so ill omit to bring them up.

There are several regs to cover what i just said so rather than me look em up and list them all just take the advice as good and correct the dodgy workmanship.

As you are a builder what will giving reg no's achieve unless you have a copy yourself and as a good selection of so called sparkies don't have a copy i find it quite surprising you have copy yourself.

 

[hollerz]

So terminal blocks in a choc box are acceptable as it gives the connection mechanical strength and protection (526.1), removes mechanical strain on the connections of conductors (526.6), provides protection against relevant external influences (526.7) and means that cores of sheathed cables from which the sheath has been removed ... shall be enclosed (526.8), none of which tape really does. Does that sound right?


I do have a copy of the regs, I'm just trying to learn.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Haha Glenn you need to try harder mate

it wasn`t me...

 

[Darkwood]

So terminal blocks in a choc box are acceptable as it gives the connection mechanical strength and protection (526.1), removes mechanical strain on the connections of conductors (526.6), provides protection against relevant external influences (526.7) and means that cores of sheathed cables from which the sheath has been removed ... shall be enclosed (526.8), none of which tape really does. Does that sound right?


I do have a copy of the regs, I'm just trying to learn.

Close enough ... the flex requires crimping before termination as you have suggested using connectors assuming you meant screw type - and the cable should be suitably retained so any movement or flexing won't apply adverse stress on the termination - either a cable clamp, stuffing gland or in some cases clipping of the cable external to the jointing box.

 

[telectrix]

so far, so good. keep reading.