Hi, I've installed a fused spur from the ring mains using a 2.5mm2 cable, and now need to run a short length (0.5m) of cable from the spur to an electric fireplace which has a max setting of 2kW. What size cable do I need for this short run - can I suffice with 1.5mm2?
Cable size for load side of fused Spur
- Thread starter Akshay
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Hi, I have a sufficient length of both 1.5 and 2.5mm2 flex (round type) but I was hoping to get away with the 1.5 as it means a smaller depth chase in the wall, seeing as I don't own a grinder. 
1) Why are you using flex for fixed wiring?
2) Are you aware of the rules concerning concealed cables?
2) Are you aware of the rules concerning concealed cables?
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Hi, I wasn't aware flex couldn't be concealed - is this dangerous? I asked the guy in the show who said it was fine but what about the flat type cable - would that be a better choice?
Akshay said:
Yes. that is what is normally used for fixed wiring. You can probably buy it by the metre in your hardware shop or DIY shed. If you buy 2.5mm it can be used for future sockets on the ring main. 1.5mm is mostly for lighting circuits but can be used for a single fused spur.
Inside the sheath, the earth cable is bare copper - slip some green and yellow plastic sleeving over the exposed part of this, apart from the bit you connect to the earth terminals at each end. this g/y will usually be near the reels of cable in the shop, you can probably buy a short length in a plastic bag, or a cut length if cheaper. You will only need a few inches for each job.
Without wishing to be rude, you might benefit from a home wiring DIY boo - there are lots in the library or bokshop. It will have illustrated examples of the sort of thing you are doing, and will answer questions you didn't know you needed to ask. Like the grommets, perhaps.
Thanks mate, yes the electric fireplace will sit flush against the wall but I want to bury the cabling so I'll get some 2.5mm T&E cable like you mentioned together with an oval conduit.
We fit loads of fires, both gas (with electric for power flue and ignition) and electric only. All the fires wi fit come pre flexed from the manufacturer like a standard portable appliance. We wire a spur near the fireplace and connect the fire straight into the spur, with the flex flushed into the wall between the fire and spur.
The flex is run in oval conduit, so that if the fire goes faulty etc and needs replacing it can easily be removed / replaced.
The flex is run in oval conduit, so that if the fire goes faulty etc and needs replacing it can easily be removed / replaced.
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ban-all-sheds said:
Because 7671 allows it, Ban!
The regulations permit the use of flexible cables for fixed wiring and have done for some time to get in line with europe.
Cannot remember the reg. number (they're in the van and I can't be bovvered to get them).
securespark said:
521-01-04
So it just passes through some untidy hole in the wallpaper/plaster?RF Lighting said:
Never said it didn't..securespark said:
Flexible or not, the rules on concealment are the same..
A particularly informative and helpul reg, that one.....RF Lighting said:securespark said:
521-01-04
ban-all-sheds said:
With it being flushed into the wall and all, there is no flex on showDIYnot Local
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