Using SY cable in a fixed installation

[scoul00]

Hi, got a job that’s coming up which involves putting electricity to a wagon that’s half way down a field from someone’s house. They want it so it’s like a caravan, so they can disconnect the power lead whenever they want and move the wagon around.
There’s only 2 circuits in the wagon; 4 lights on a b10 and 3 sockets on a b32.

Do you think SY cable will be acceptable if buried in conduit half way down the field to a supply ballard that are used in caravan sites? Coming from the consumer unit in house protected by RCD. They are plastic consumer units and the customer has already ordered them, so SWA isn’t ideal, and the wagon won’t be pulling much load, I’ve been told a kettle and a small TV will be the only appliances. Cheers

 

[westward10]

I wouldn't even contemplate using SY. Are you fitting these all insulated consumer units the client has already ordered.

 

[scoul00]

I wouldn't even contemplate using SY. Are you fitting these all insulated consumer units the client has already ordered.

Thought so, I’ve used it before for motor connections and mechanical protection but that’s it. Yeah they’ve got insulated consumer units, but come to think of it I could still use swa still with just an outside gland and earth ring/tag around it?

 

[westward10]

Are you fitting new all insulated consumer units in a dwelling or are they already in situ, fitted.

 

[Pete999]

Hi, got a job that’s coming up which involves putting electricity to a wagon that’s half way down a field from someone’s house. They want it so it’s like a caravan, so they can disconnect the power lead whenever they want and move the wagon around.
There’s only 2 circuits in the wagon; 4 lights on a b10 and 3 sockets on a b32.

Do you think SY cable will be acceptable if buried in conduit half way down the field to a supply ballard that are used in caravan sites? Coming from the consumer unit in house protected by RCD. They are plastic consumer units and the customer has already ordered them, so SWA isn’t ideal, and the wagon won’t be pulling much load, I’ve been told a kettle and a small TV will be the only appliances. Cheers

NO Never SWA IS BEST

 

[scoul00]

Are you fitting new all insulated consumer units in a dwelling or are they already in situ, fitted.

They have fitted the one insulated consumer unit in the wagon, and then that’s connected to a commando socket half way up the field via a cable, which is then going to be connected to there consumer unit in there house, which is just a normal household c unit

 

[westward10]

Fit an adaptable box by the consumer unit to make off the swa.

 

[Strima]

SY is not suitable for burial, even in conduit, or for use outdoors.

I like working with SY but it's not compliant with recognised UK standards for fixed wiring so technically cannot be used.

 

[Ian1981]

I often find that people substitute Swa for SY because they are either too lazy to install swa and the proper glands for ‘easy ness’ or they actually believe SY has all the same properties as swa and do not understand its lack of BASEC approval mark or lack of any recognised harmonised standard.
If you need to use flexible cables, then there’s plenty to choose from.

 

[davesparks]

Thought so, I’ve used it before for motor connections and mechanical protection but that’s it.

But SY doesn't have any mechanical protection?

 

[westward10]

But SY doesn't have any mechanical protection?

Well it does, it has a sheath which is deemed mechanical protection to the contained conductors.

 

[Ian1981]

I think the manufacturers say ‘offers light mechanical protection only’

 

[David Prosser]

OP look on page 90 (7.9) of on site guide.

 

[davesparks]

Well it does, it has a sheath which is deemed mechanical protection to the contained conductors.

OK, I should have said is has no better mechanical protection than T&E or light duty flex, heavy duty flex has far better mechanical protection.

 

[rapparee]

Use H07RN if you don't need SWA.

 

[littlespark]

Depending on the hook up box, some come with an earthed metal plate inside to terminate an SWA gland onto. You just have to drill a hole in the plastic to match.