You should supply your lights with a 1.5mm2 three core steel wire-armoured cable. You need to make sure that your circuit is RCD protected and that you only fit lights that are suitable for outdoor use. Can you use normal electrical cable outdoors?
Full Answer
Do I need armoured cable for light fittings?
Or more like a disaster ? Advice gladly taken. Armoured cable is normally used for external power supplies etc, to do the job properly you will need to use an armoured gland at the the light fitting end, is the intended light fitting metal clad? Armoured for underground, generally.
What is armoured cable used for?
Armoured cable is normally used for external power supplies etc, to do the job properly you will need to use an armoured gland at the the light fitting end, is the intended light fitting metal clad? Armoured for underground, generally. Mains outside would be preferable if in waterproofed conduit, protection should be RCD type too.
What type of cable for underground light fittings?
Advice gladly taken. Armoured cable is normally used for external power supplies etc, to do the job properly you will need to use an armoured gland at the the light fitting end, is the intended light fitting metal clad? Armoured for underground, generally.
What size outdoor power cable do I Need?
That is usually something around 6-10 times the diameter, so for a typical small-ish outdoor cable as you might put in for the light/13A socket circuits with a diameter of something like 8-12mm you need to keep any bends to around 10cm radius and not a sharp 90deg as it exits from a hole in a wall!
What cable do I need for an outside light?
Once outdoors, you should supply your lights via 1.5mm² three core steel-wire-armoured cable (SWA). Make sure that you only fit weatherproof lights that are suitable for outdoor use and that your circuit is RCD-protected.
Does outside cable have to be Armoured?
All cables, no matter where they are installed, may have the need for some mechanical protection from damage. This could be protection against weather, such as direct sunlight or frost. Protection against physical damage, objects hitting or crushing the cable.
Can you use normal cable outside?
Yes, twin and earth cables have been used outside for decades without problems. They can be clipped to walls and fencing but will be placed in a suitable conduit when buried.
When should I use armoured cable?
To put it in context, typically armoured cables would be used when you require the cable to be buried directly underground, for outdoor installation or in tunnels. There may be instances where the ground is opened up again, and in the process, a spade or mechanical excavator may hit the buried cable by accident.
Do I need armored cable?
Armored cables provide the protection and durability required without the need for electrical conduit, elbows, costly offsets, and conduit couplings. Metal-clad armor resists corrosion, making it suitable for areas exposed to moisture.
Can you bury non armoured cable?
Buried cables 10 refers). Non-armoured buried cables should be installed in a conduit or suitable duct to provide protection against impact.
How do I know if my cable is outdoor rated?
The information printed on a cable jacket will usually tell you everything you need to know. Typically this includes the manufacturer or UPC code, jacket material, any electrical standards it meets, temperature rating, and frequently a material rating that will tell you where the cable can be run in a building.
Where can armored cable not be used?
Armored cable cannot be used for direct burial in earth. With minor exceptions, armored cable is also not permitted to be used in hoists or elevators, storage battery rooms, any hazardous locations, in commercial garages and in theaters or similar locations.
Why are armoured cables not used in house wiring?
Cable Armour Cannot Prevent Moisture The armour on electrical wires is used to shield the cables from any physical damage. Armour is generally made up of steel wires or tape which increases the strength, making the cable safe from any kind of physical damage.
How deep should armoured cable be buried in a garden?
A minimum installation depth of 450mm underground is typically recommended for best practice. This increases to 600mm in locations where there is a higher possibility for potential disturbance.
What is non armored cable?
An armored cable is protected from mechanical damage, as its name suggests, while an unarmored cable is not protected.
Do you need armoured cable in conduit?
Generally, you should run conduit or tubing rather than armored cable unless you need the flexibility. However (depending upon the situation), the fact that armored cable is an assembly can reduce overall installation costs.
Where is armoured cable used?
Commonly known as SWA cable, the steel wire armoured cable is a power and auxiliary control cable, designed for use in mains supply electricity. Used for underground systems, cable networks, power networks, outdoor and indoor applications, and cable ducting.
What is difference between AWA and SWA cable?
The construction of AWA cable provides additional mechanical protection to the SWA cable itself. The armour can reduce the risk of the cable getting torn or pinched. Meanwhile, the aluminum is used to protect the AWA cable from overheating in the AC system.
What is armoured cable?
Advice gladly taken. Armoured cable is normally used for external power supplies etc, to do the job properly you will need to use an armoured gland at the the light fitting end, is the intended light fitting metal clad? Armoured for underground, generally.
Is twin earth insulation rated for outdoor use?
Twin and earth isn’t rated for use outdoors. The weather will make it brittle the insulation will snap if it gets moved.
Can armoured cable be straight forward?
Also, have you worked with armoured cable before? It may not be a straight forward fit at the supply end depending on what you're connecting it to.
Does UV light damage PVC cable?
Of course, I am fully aware of the degradation caused to PVC cable by UV light. But you will note that (if you read my post) that I did not specify PVC cable. I also qualified my response by the environment.
How many cores for a garage light?
Depends on length of cable and current draw at the end I would normally fit 6mm 3 core to garage or shed fit a garage consumer unit and out to the lights with 1.5 3 core your question suggests you don’t have the experience to do this job get a tradesman in!
Is cable installation a diy job?
This is a notifiable job. It needs to be tested certified and notified. It’s not a diy job. Let your registered electrician decide on the cable design. You can assist him with the job if he’s willing but don’t do it yourself as you will have a potentially lethal installation
