External Power cable size

[Salton]

I have a Wiseman wireless controller installed that works 4 Water Features and 1 set of external light posts. The original supply was via 2.5mm armoured cable. We have had problems in the last few months of the power tripping. It bypasses the RCD it comes into and takes out the main fuse. I have eliminated each item one by one and the only thing that is left is the cable itself so I have decided to replace it.

Can I replace it with 1.5mm? Someone suggest that 2.5mm is overkill for our use bearing in mind that all the items are rarely on together and only 2 would be running all day. (turned off at night) Could the 2.5mm be too much for this use and be causing the problem?

The cable run is about 45ft

Thanks

 

[Outspoken]

I have a Wiseman wireless controller installed that works 4 Water Features and 1 set of external light posts. The original supply was via 2.5mm armoured cable. We have had problems in the last few months of the power tripping. It bypasses the RCD it comes into and takes out the main fuse. I have eliminated each item one by one and the only thing that is left is the cable itself so I have decided to replace it.

Can I replace it with 1.5mm? Someone suggest that 2.5mm is overkill for our use bearing in mind that all the items are rarely on together and only 2 would be running all day. (turned off at night) Could the 2.5mm be too much for this use and be causing the problem?

The cable run is about 45ft

Thanks

With respect, you do not know what your doing and so I suggest to call in an electrician to inspect this setup. For the fault to take out the overload protection (fuse or MCB?) requires a large physical current to flow without causing an imbalance on the coil in the RCD, hence it not tripping. Now it could be the RCD is faulty and not tripping when it should, but if it is a real overload then it is highly unlikely to be the cable. If it is the cable, then the fault is indicating, as said, you may have a faulty RCD.

Either way, get an electrician to attend and test the RCD properly and also test the cable properly, if you simply replace it you may be wasting money on a problem that has not been rectified.

 

[Darkwood]

Got to agree fully here with outspoken....

Your post also lacks info and you really require some testing etc as it may also be the case this fault might not be bypassing your rcd but is not earth related, covered by the rcd or even a faulty rcd... as above i would recommend a competent Electrician to pay a visit... whats a callout fee when the safety off your family is at stake.

Take this as good advice as its rare me and outspoken are in full agreement

 

[Salton]

Thank you both for your comments and I'm pleased to have provided you both with common ground (no pun intended)

I replaced the RCD to eliminate that and tested all the items independently and they all work fine. The only item in the circuit I have not tested is the cable hence believing that to be the likely fault. I have taken both of your's advice however and spoken to an electrician. On the phone he believes it is likely to be the cable but will test it before replacing it.

Thanks for your help. It is appreciated.

 

[Outspoken]

Salton, are you in Maldon Essex or the one in South London (New Maldon)?

 

[Salton]

Maldon Essex.

 

[Outspoken]

Maldon Essex.

That being the case I would suggest you call Makepeace Electrical. Unless she has moved she should be at 168 Maltings Lane and on 07859 071203 (Michelle is her name) and she should be able to sort you out professionally without you feeling robbed.