Tri-flex instead of solid tails

[vxwestie]

I've used 150, 185 and 240mm trip flex on large installs before contained in metal trunking.
Is there any reason I can't use 35mm for a 100amp 3phase install contained in plastic trunking? Bend radius and access is going to be tricky and a pain with solid core.

 

[cliffed]

Can't see a problem,ideal for ease of installation & connection

 

[Bobster]

As long as there in suitable containment and ferruled/lugged properly at either end. Go for it.

 

[Andy-1960]

If you are referring to BS6231 tri-rated cable, there is no electrical reason I can think of. You will have to ensure that mechanical protection is sufficient for the location and that volt drop is ok as this cable has a higher resistance per metre so for short runs it should be ok. Check the derating factors too.. http://www.batt.co.uk/upload/files/...1000vcurrentratingstablebec100_1219689537.pdf

 

[vxwestie]

Those are my thoughts. Do people bootlace crimp Tri-rated?

 

[Flanders]

Yes i always use boot lace for try ratted.

 

[Richard Burns]

Good termination is critical for effective use of fine stranded.
Rob has covered it.

 

[Andy-1960]

I'm not convinced about bootlace on larger cables, prefer a copper tube with a hexagon crimper

 

[Bobster]

Any fine stranded conductor must be terminated with either a ferrule or crimp or similar.

The only exception is when using it with specially designed spring loaded terminals.

 

[mattg4321]

Check with DNO first if necessary. Round here they will only accept 6181Y.

 

[Andy-1960]

Check with DNO first if necessary. Round here they will only accept 6181Y.

OP does not state they are meter tails

 

[mattg4321]

OP does not state they are meter tails

Which is why I wrote 'if necessary'

 

[HandySparks]

Any fine stranded conductor must be terminated with either a ferrule or crimp or similar.

The only exception is when using it with specially designed spring loaded terminals.

I would have thought that fine stranded would be OK without a ferrule in any terminal where the screw doesn't bear directly on the conductor. Cage clamp, for example.

 

[Bobster]

I would have thought that fine stranded would be OK without a ferrule in any terminal where the screw doesn't bear directly on the conductor. Cage clamp, for example.

Well there is an actual reg covering this not that I can remember it off the top of my head, but no, even cage terminals need a ferrule or similar. Over time the fine conductors will still settle inside the cage and it will prove to be a loose connection over time.

With spring loaded terminals, the pressure is constant even when the copper settles. So it avoids the issue.

 

[HandySparks]

Well there is an actual reg covering this not that I can remember it off the top of my head, but no, even cage terminals need a ferrule or similar. Over time the fine conductors will still settle inside the cage and it will prove to be a loose connection over time.

With spring loaded terminals, the pressure is constant even when the copper settles. So it avoids the issue.

I would contend that, as long as the terminal is a suitable size for the conductor, ie not a stick in a bucket, that a cage clamp terminal is OK for fine stranded. In fact, I have had problems getting a reliable connection with 6mm² bootlace ferrules in cage clamp terminals due to the problem of getting sufficient pressure on the terminals to stop the rigid ferrules moving in the clamp. Obviously, a ferrule in a direct screw terminal would be a different matter.

The reg is 526.9.1: "In order to avoid inappropriate separation or spreading of individual wires of multiwire, fine wire or very fine wire conductors, suitable terminals shall be used or the conductor ends shall be suitably treated."