Single core cable

[leeco]

When fitting this boat out I have used single core cable for all the sockets. Is there going to be a problem when I need a BSC? I see they say its good practice to use multicore cable but I guess that means its not mandatory that multicore cable is used just recomended.

[Ryeland]

Do you mean 12V or 240V sockets?

 

Richard

[leeco]

240v sockets

[frangar]

Its not a BSS fail but its def not good practice.....its because of the vibration...it might fracture a single core which would cause a fire risk cos of overheating

 

cheers

 

Gareth

[leeco]

Its not a BSS fail but its def not good practice.....its because of the vibration...it might fracture a single core which would cause a fire risk cos of overheating

 

cheers

 

Gareth

 

The circuit is a ring final and it will have a rcd and mcb protecting the circuit.

[Ark Right]

When fitting this boat out I have used single core cable for all the sockets. Is there going to be a problem when I need a BSC? I see they say its good practice to use multicore cable but I guess that means its not mandatory that multicore cable is used just recomended.

 

Hi, assume you mean a BSS, if this is a new boat being fitted out you should be adhering to the RCD directive surely?

Cheers

A

edited to say Recreational Craft Directive, so not to confuse Op with electrical Rcd

Edited February 28, 2012 by Ark Right

[leeco]

Hi, assume you mean a BSS, if this is a new boat being fitted out you should be adhering to the RCD directive surely?

Cheers

A

 

Its not a new boat and yed I mean BSS. Yes it will have a RCD.

 

im not sure what a Recreational Craft Directive is.

Edited February 28, 2012 by leeco

[Ark Right]

Its not a new boat and yed I mean BSS. Yes it will have a RCD.

 

im not sure what a Recreational Craft Directive is.

 

If its not a new boat then the directive does not concern you, though single core cables no matter how they are protected would certainly concern me.

Cheers

A

[frangar]

The risk is of a core breaking within the insulation...this wont trip an RCD or MCB but given a reasonable current flow would cause an overheat hence why its not recommended. If its fitted then theres not much you can do....however if it could be changed I would be tempted just to be on the safe side.

 

Cheers

 

Gareth

[Chalky]

There's a reason why the aerospace and automotive industries use multi strand cable. Exactly as described earlier - single core cables will stress fracture.

[NMEA]

When fitting this boat out I have used single core cable for all the sockets. Is there going to be a problem when I need a BSC? I see they say its good practice to use multicore cable but I guess that means its not mandatory that multicore cable is used just recomended.

 

Do you mean single core i.e. single conductor (which could be solid or multi strand) and you have used 3 single cables for the AC, or do you mean multi core i.e 3 core solid conductor?

Edited February 28, 2012 by NMEA

[leeco]

Ok I see where you are all coming from and will look into replacing it.

 

Cheers

 

Do you mean single core i.e. single conductor (which could be solid or multi strand) and you have used 3 single cables for the AC, or do you mean multi core solid conductor?

 

I mean single core conductor which is just 1 core of 2.5 mm2 copper. Twin and earth like you would use in a house.

Edited February 28, 2012 by leeco

[Gazboatman]

Ok I see where you are all coming from and will look into replacing it.

 

Cheers

 

 

 

So you think we're gonna be removing all those boards and replacing wire do you?

Edited February 28, 2012 by Gazboatman

[leeco]

So you think we're gonna be removing all those boards and replacing wire do you?

 

Yes every single one.

[Gazboatman]

Yes every single one.

Ok, let me know how you get on.

[steelaway]

Yes every single one.

 

 

 

Most modern boats are wired with Arctic Blue 3 core flex cable -- Cable

You do not need to run a ring circuit simply run from one to the next down the boat

The cable is rated at 16A and that's all power available from a landline / fuse / ELCB

 

Alex

[Grace and Favour]

So you think we're gonna be removing all those boards and replacing wire do you?

 

Ooops

[RLWP]

So you think we're gonna be removing all those boards and replacing wire do you?

 

Why? If you were rewiring a house, you join the old cable to the new one, then pull the old one through the trunking, bringing the new one with it

 

It even worked for me on the lighting cable through the trunking from under the stairs up to the loft

 

Richard

[Chalky]

So you think we're gonna be removing all those boards and replacing wire do you?

 

I fitted all of my wiring in conduit. White for 12V black for 240V. Means that I can replace and update the wiring relatively easily. Would be a complete nightmare otherwise.

[Gazboatman]

Why? If you were rewiring a house, you join the old cable to the new one, then pull the old one through the trunking, bringing the new one with it

 

It even worked for me on the lighting cable through the trunking from under the stairs up to the loft

 

Richard

There is no trunking.

 

But suppose it still could be done this way.

Edited February 28, 2012 by Gazboatman

[NMEA]

There is no trunking.

 

But suppose it still could be done this way.

 

 

Pulling through may prove a bit difficult if the cables are supported with clips every 12” or so as they should be (unless they are on a ladder) so if you have to remove the panels then I suggest you fit oversize conduit behind it for future service and additions, leave a bit of cord in there too for pull through at a later date..

[smileypete]

Yes every single one.

If the twin and earth is well supported eg by cable clips, trunking, I'd not worry about it.

 

Anyone heard of twin and earth so installed, failing from vibration on a narrowboat? Not me....

 

I have come across damaged electrical fittings where the connections to fine stranded wire has overheated.

 

cheers,

Pete.

[WotEver]

I have come across damaged electrical fittings where the connections to fine stranded wire has overheated.

And now we've come back to ferrules...

 

Tony

[leeco]

If the twin and earth is well supported eg by cable clips, trunking, I'd not worry about it.

 

Anyone heard of twin and earth so installed, failing from vibration on a narrowboat? Not me....

 

I have come across damaged electrical fittings where the connections to fine stranded wire has overheated.

 

cheers,

Pete.

 

 

I have this vibrating motor.

 

 

I am goind to fix a length of T&E single core wire and vibrate the f**k out of it.

 

I don't belive vibration could snap the conductors.

[nicknorman]

First of all let's not confuse the number of cores with the number of strands!

 

Secondly, I am inclined to agree that well installed single strand cable connecting two things with no relative motion (ie not between say an engine and the hull) is not going to break. It might break if it was not properly installed and was routinely subject to flexing. By well installed I mean properly supported/anchored. As has been said, multi-strand cable brings no guarantee of not breaking when using screw-down connectors that drill the sxxt out of the conductors. Similarly over-tightened screw connectors on single strand cable can also squeeze the life out of the strand and result in a major weakening with early failure with a little movement. In both cases ferrules are the answer.

 

Yes I know that is against perceived wisdom, but perceived wisdom is often founded on rumour and speculation and turns out to be wrong! (the earth if definitely flat etc!)

Edited March 5, 2012 by nicknorman