I have a dedicated radial circuit on a 6amp MCB with RCD protection feeding an internal switch by the front door. First switch is for override of a PIR for external door lights and 3soffit lights. Permanent live at first rocker provides a jumper to rocker 2 that provides twin and earth out the side of the back box 70mm to corner then 100mm along (proscribed zones) through wall externally down the wall to 1st adaptable box….this cable needs replacing….Q I want to replace with SWA, can I run this to a adaptable box at point of exit on wall, terminate the armour and outer sheath at this point, run inner core internally to the switch but buried and capped all within proscribed zone so 275mm through wall, 100mm horizontally internally right angle then 70mm to back box. Earthing of SWA would be by fly lead from earthing nut at gland to CPC of 3core of the SWA at first adaptable box….no I’m not an electrician, yes I’m very experienced And yes i know how to terminate SWA I am replacing T&E that is breaking down…thanks in anticipation
SWA to internal light switch
- Thread starter Huckersmd
- Start date
Sponsored Links
Missed that this cable simply feeds some garden lights, max combined wattage is less than 30w.
Inner core would be through the wall in conduit, internal capping will be steel prior to filling. Internal routing is horizontal within the 150mm proscribed zone of the wall corners
Inner core would be through the wall in conduit, internal capping will be steel prior to filling. Internal routing is horizontal within the 150mm proscribed zone of the wall corners
So you are proposing running SWA from a new adaptable box, vertically down to the existing adaptable box?
If that is the case and assuming these are plastic boxes; I'd suggest plastic conduit would be far easier and cheaper.
SWA inner 'sheath' is no longer considered to be a sheath. (It's not the robust form it used to be).
However I feel I have to ask; Why is the T&E breaking down? I see loads of it on my travels and it seems to last for years.
If that is the case and assuming these are plastic boxes; I'd suggest plastic conduit would be far easier and cheaper.
SWA inner 'sheath' is no longer considered to be a sheath. (It's not the robust form it used to be).
However I feel I have to ask; Why is the T&E breaking down? I see loads of it on my travels and it seems to last for years.
Photos would be useful
Sponsored Links
No I’ve probably overcomplicated the question…..simple terms can SWA outer sheath and the armour be terminated as normal at a adaptable box but the inner cores be left long enough to go through the wall into the interior of the house and taken direct to the switch but capped and buried in the wall….in respect to twin and earth it’s showing signs of degrading so I’m simply replacing it….reason for SWA is that there are two further WISKA boxes all connected by SWA for the garden lights so it’s just a simple question of can the cores be buried internally under capping….T@E always breaks down and is totally unsuitable externally….no photos are necessary as it’s a technical question as to the potential use of SWA
Sunray thanks for the response but I was hoping to get advice from someone proficient and experienced in using SWA not someone whos seen it on their travels….not meant to sound condescending or rude but if you’ve only “seen” external cabling on your travels maybe not the person I’m looking for advice from but thankyou
Pete01 thanks that’s clearly the most obvious and what I think I may have to do, I was trying to avoid another unnecessary connection and I’m also a believer in using the gel in the boxes to maintain the IP rating but taking SWA direct to the switch would negate this….but I’m thinking the same as you at the moment
T&E doesn't normally 'breakdown', unless faulty during manufacture, or overloaded. It is no longer suitable of outdoor use, but I have never seen any which has degraded, even after decades of exposure. What you need to do, is assess why your has degraded, and/or post a photo.
To everyone offering advice genuinely appreciate this but can’t understand the ficxation of the T&E….its raining here, pitch black the location of the wall is in a bed of plants and muddy otherwise I’d go out and take a photo….the cable to put everyone mind at rest is still working and fine but yesterday I had to pin it back to the wall as it runs down behind a bush which rubs the outer sheathing and has caused some of the cable clips loose…I’ve inspected the cable the outer sheathing IS scored and starting to look tired and green and is TOTALLY unsuitable in its location…fellas please understand having looked at it I AM happy it needs replacing before it gets damaged and breaks down further from its location…seriously, don’t get fixated on the reason I simply want to make better before any further damage or breakdown of the outer sheathing and occurs…..it’s a simple job and the question is around the SWA
Actually I spent a valuable hour of my last night penning and posting a reply with sketches and suggestions which sat here for some 18 hours in public view, this was the beginning...
I rather think 10,000 posts on a forum such as this should indicate a degree of experience. I may not have terminated the vast quantities of SWA that others on here have but my count has to be into four figures including 4 core 480mm² which others on here will happily agree is not easy and not for the novice where hydraulic jacks, chain hoists/pullers, crow bars, scaffold poles and big hammers may be required to install them.
However
I have removed the remainder as I don't want to be held responsible for assisting with an incompetent persons attempt at botchery so I'm joining another sensible and well respected poster.
Last edited:
Says the man proposing to run cables where it is forbidden.
It can, but the bedding material in SWA is not rated as a cable sheath (and is sometimes much more robust than others), so it should be enclosed in suitable conduit between the two boxes.
You have made the same error reading that as I, OP is only referring to the cores, not the bedding.
Well, I''m outa this thread, I'll leave you too it.
DIYnot Local
Staff member
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local
Sponsored Links