If you’re going to do a cheap job on it, could you use low voltage so you keep all the risky end indoors? Or more like a disaster ? Early cables carrying telegraph used iron wire armouring, but later switched to steel. Firmly grip the cable on each side of the cut and twist until the split-apart armor coil … Do you have test equipment to verify that the modified circuit will still operate within it’s design criteria? © 2020 The Institution of Engineering and Technology. Sorry if this sounds abrupt, I’ve seen far too many diy bodge jobs that have the potential to kill ð. Armoured Cable Glands. Armoured cable is installed in locations exposed to mechanical damage, such as on the outsides of walls, as an alternative to conduit. For a accurate answer we would have to take into consideration the draw you need and then work out a voltage drop over the length of the cable. Is there more explanation to the answer for this question? It may not display this or other websites correctly. Like the plug and play stuff maybe safer for me ! There is some sensitivty around it so will not divulge where and who, but their response is: It is interesting to note that in Europe unarmoured cable with a tough polymeric sheath (similar to Hi-Tuf) is used in a lot of situations where armoured cable would be used in the UK - e.g. Low voltage all the way, you could chew through the cable and not even notice ð, Our rabbit seems to be able to chew through live mains cables and not get a shock. It is visible, but unlikely to be disturbed. This is where armored cables come into play. Login/cookie issues? Reply to Alternative cable to use instead of armoured when running external power circuit in the Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net. Armoured for underground, generally. The weather will make it brittle the insulation will snap if it gets moved. JavaScript is disabled. 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? Hi Guys - other cables that may present themselves as "possible maybes" won't be as good and will look like SWA anyway, imho. (You also have to run a separate ground wire in a flexible conduit; you cannot rely on the continuity of the conduit.) I have quoted a number of Chapter 52 requirements, but am still being told that SWA is not required in a Power Station environment. They are used primarily in industrial applications, often in cable trays and raceways. Privacy Confidence is great but it can’t beat actually understanding what you are working with. When To Use Armoured Cable? Classifieds Rules But you may want to watch the voltage drop if it’s a long way so use a decent sized cable. http://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-pro-twinspot-g9-twin-floodlight-uncontrolled-42w-graphite-1900lm/70384, http://www.homebase.co.uk/en/homebaseuk/lighting/outdoor-wall-lights/metal-oval-bulkhead-180377, what else will I need ? Armoured cable is used for submarine communications cable to protect against damage by fishing vessels and wildlife. A cable gland (or as sometimes called; a cable fitting) is a mechanical device used to securely attach the end of a cable to an instrument, junction box, or piece of equipment. Going under alternative names such as metallic sheathed cable, type AC, MC, Greenfield, or armored cable, BX cable is a collection of plastic-coated insulated wires (typically 14- or 12-gauge), bundled together and protected by a ribbon-like metal sheathing. Sorry if this sounds abrupt, I’ve seen far too many diy bodge jobs that have the potential to kill. Ie, will the circuit breaker still trip in time after you have extended the earth conductor down to the bottom of your garden? Link Removal Thanks for the “lightening” quick replies ð. How to Use Armored (BX) Electrical Cable. I replaced the quick temporary (5 years) 2.5mm T & E feed to my garage clipped at odd intervals to the garden fence some years ago. Latest Posts. The outer coating is UV resistant which might help your scenario. Contact Us Does this sound feasible ? BX's metal sheathing runs in a helix-like or twisted manner around the wires. The electrical installation for the nuclear fusion reactor experiment at Culham in Oxfordshire. IET Services Limited is registered in England Registered Office Savoy Place, London, WC2R 0BL Registration Number 909719, IET Services Limited is trading as a subsidiary of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, which is registered as a Charity in England & Wales (no 211014) and Scotland (no SC038698). http://www.astutetechnicalservices.co.uk/, Other and general engineering discussions, Recruiter: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). I'd use at least 10.0mm 3 core armoured run of a 40amp or bigger MCB straight from your main consumer unit inside the house. OP much easier to just go 12V. It is one of a number of armoured electrical cables – which include 11 kV Cable and 33 kV Cable – and is found in underground systems, power networks and cable ducting. Forum Rules Electrical and Control EngineerUKRI - STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, OxfordshireSalary: Band D £31,305 - £37,028 Band E £38,969 - £46,3. Yes there are alternatives to SWA, but they don't provide identical protection so you need to consider what protection is required to select a suitable cable. murf – Member Or you could run it along the back of the wall in earthed steel conduit or heavy gauge pvc conduit. Premier Club I'll throw Pyro into the mix. In the HT & LT distribution, you prefer 4 core armored cable. He is running armoured cable under the hedge of our garden. Butyl flex is rated for outdoor use but has no mechanical protection. Armoured cable usually has a small metal ribbon to ensure electrical continuity of the safety ground. In electrical power distribution, armoured cable usually means steel wire armoured cable (SWA) which is a hard-wearing power cable designed for the supply of mains electricity. Use metal-clad (MC) with a metal sheath specifically listed as impervious to water, or underground feeder/branch circuit cable (UF), either by itself or in a conduit system approved for use in wet locations (if you desire additional protection from physical damage to the cable). http://www.qvsdirect.com/lighting-lamps/light-fittings-fixtures/outdoor-lighting/outdoor-plug-play-lights/where/p/2. Armored cable is an electrical wiring solution where the ground, the neutral, and the Hot wires are encased in a flexible metal sheathing. I think all this safety thing is scare mongering by people with a vested interest ð. The management and co-ordination of a team of Senior and Functional Estimators in the production of multi-disciplined Labour estimates. Is there any precise regulation number of where to mechanically protect a cable and use SWA cable? MV cables are not systematically armoured;" They view that LV 1Kv, MV as >1Kv to 50Kv and HV >50Kv. The first of these was a cable across the English Channel laid by … Does it have to be SWA if layed on cable tray? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Do you have test equipment to verify that the modified circuit will still operate within it’s design criteria? It’s your decision but after having had a couple of shocks as an apprentice I would do everything possible to minimise the risk! 7-Core SWA Armoured Cable’s main purpose is for low-voltage connections with a max of normal 50Vdc. Outside circuits need to be installed by a qualified electrician, pretty sure if you break 17th edition you can invalidate house insurance as well. Gavin - Wilko, thanks for the quick reply guys, is NYY-J the same/similar to Hi Tuff cable, I've heard of it but don't think i've actually come across it, is the link below Hi Tuff cable? Take responsibility for a range of activities from technical studies, detailed design, development and test. Electrical cable encased in metal sheathing is often used in basements and other areas where the wire is not encased in a finished wall. Twin and earth isn’t rated for use outdoors. When transmitting data or conducting power in harsh environments, protecting your cables is crucial to safe and reliable operation. Cable, rcd, plug etc (type of cable etc), Have a look at this 12v system, there are others around too.