Question Regarding Adding Wiring To Lighting Circuit / Going Down A Cable Size

[Andy78]

Interesting! Can you see any issues with what I was suggesting Andy?

Not on the face of it. I personally like to keep the cable size constant throughout a circuit if possible and Tel's suggestion of 1.5mm flex would probably be my way forward.
As long as the EFLI, VD, and circuit loading is kept an eye on I can't really see any problems though.

 

[Dave OCD]

As a minimum I'd use 1.0mm 3 core flex, should be fine on a 6a MCB and also the CPC will match the 1mm in the existing circuit wiring.

 

[ruston]

So would I , if there is no other way.

 

[7029 dave]

Not me, not for fixed wiring.

 

[ruston]

To be honest , I have never used flex for fixed wiring. I was thinking if he must , at least use 1mm as a minimum.
I would not turn a job out like that.

 

[7029 dave]

To be honest , I have never used flex for fixed wiring. I was thinking if he must , at least use 1mm as a minimum.
I would not turn a job out like that.

Yeah understand your thought's, 1mm flex would be my minimum, not that I would, must cost a fortune to use anyway.

 

[davesparks]

What is so special about this job that makes flex the most suitable cable for the job?
It can't be aesthetics as there are other cables out there which look a damned sight better than a bit of flex when installed surface


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[Adam W]

To be honest , I have never used flex for fixed wiring. I was thinking if he must , at least use 1mm as a minimum.
I would not turn a job out like that.

Not even for pendants or panel heaters? It's not clear what the intention is here but flex can be IMO the best way of doing certain things - I've wired outdoor lighting in black flex clipped direct at high level as the best way to blend in with the pointing; I didn't deem it necessary to use SWA, which would have been too thick, but I wanted something with good UV resistance. It depends on the circumstances though.

 

[7029 dave]

IMO pendants are accessories.

 

[Adam W]

IMO pendants are accessories.

Good point. I got the impression the lights in this situation were more of an 'accessory' type of fitting, although in that case it'd probably be better to install 2A sockets and plug the lights into those; it's not really clear what the exact situation is though. Generally speaking I'd agree that clipping flex around the place smacks of DIY, but it does have it's places.

 

[7029 dave]

Good point. I got the impression the lights in this situation were more of an 'accessory' type of fitting, although in that case it'd probably be better to install 2A sockets and plug the lights into those; it's not really clear what the exact situation is though. Generally speaking I'd agree that clipping flex around the place smacks of DIY, but it does have it's places.

Yes the info is vague, agreed.

 

[davesparks]

Clipping flex as a surface installation when there are almost certainly better looking, neater, solutions does indeed smack of DIY.
However installing flex when it is the most suitable cable for the installation is perfectly normal and good practice.
However there are a lot of electricians out there who served their apprenticeships under regulations which restricted any flex directly connected to the installation to a maximum of 2m in length, and consequently they continue to hold the opinion that flex should not be used for installation work.


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[adonis]

Use 1.5 mm - bigger wire smallest resistance.