Results 1 to 8 of 8

Thread: Basic insulation i.e red and black cables

  1. #1
    Gold Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Location
    Fourways
    Posts
    759
    Thanks
    119
    Thanked 35 Times in 34 Posts

    Basic insulation i.e red and black cables

    Hello

    This is mainly from downlights.

    When they connect in a choc block fitting with the tiny black box there is often the red and black basic insulation sticking out.

    In UK they mark it as a C3 as not readily accessible as it is in a roof space... Caviet is if people can walk etc can be a C2.

    Now when you see this when doing a CoC do you fail it for having the basic insulation on show ?

    Then second question has anyone got a better solution to doing downlights.... When you have to loop in and loop out at a downlight it is next to impossible to not have the basic insulation showing as there is no space at all....

    It takes me so so long to do a light as the terminal jointing box is so effing small and then I have to also make it bigger at the cut outs to fit the sheath of 2 cables and quite frankly I feel the GU10 holders sold should be illegal for being so impractical.

    Looking for tips or advice on how to solve this issue please haha.

    Below is an image of the ones I speak of.Name:  download.jpg
Views: 420
Size:  4.4 KB

    Sent from my CPH2197 using Tapatalk

  2. #2
    Platinum Member Derlyn's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    East london
    Posts
    1,484
    Thanks
    104
    Thanked 141 Times in 134 Posts
    This is my take.
    I will not fail it if the red and black insulation is prutruding from that specific fitting.

    As you say, when looping, it is virtually impossible to get 2 FTE cables into that enclosure without exposing the red and black insulation.

    If that downlight happens to be in an older installation with open wiring, then the whole attic is gonna be full of red and black insulation.

    The reason for having the connection in an enclosure is so that the connection cannot be touched. If that is attained, then its a pass from me.

    You are correct about those specific fittings. The cover can be opened without the use of a tool. They shouldn't be sold, but then again the list of things that shouldn't be sold is a long list.

  3. #3
    Platinum Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2022
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    1,986
    Thanks
    55
    Thanked 93 Times in 89 Posts
    Fit a 4x2 or 4x4 extension box and do the connection in the box, so that only one cable is connecting at the light, or fit a 3 or 4 way box.

    The job I am busy, all the lights have 2 x twin+e cables connected above the black terminal box, so all the red, black and earth wires are twisted together.

    I have had numerous inspection reports fail due to "exposed wires".

    Where you can see the 2 screws is where the white sheath of the twin+e must be secured, not the red and black wires. Its a tricky one because literally every site I visit has exposed wires.

    Use 1 mm wire and slide a piece of heat shrink over the exposed red and black wires.

  4. #4
    Platinum Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2022
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    1,986
    Thanks
    55
    Thanked 93 Times in 89 Posts
    The lamp holders that we buy have a screw securing the the cover.

    You could fit a cable tie to secure the lid, which would require a tool to remove.

  5. #5
    Platinum Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Location
    Port Elizabeth
    Posts
    1,236
    Thanks
    34
    Thanked 304 Times in 258 Posts
    We use 5 amp socket with a cordset

  6. #6
    Bronze Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2022
    Location
    Little Falls, Roodepoort
    Posts
    109
    Thanks
    51
    Thanked 9 Times in 8 Posts
    What is your opinion on cutting off the chocolate box enclosure that's supplied with those lights and using a Ripbox to join the light wires to the TFE inside the box? Enough ports to accommodate the loops.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Ripbox.png 
Views:	77 
Size:	59.2 KB 
ID:	8574

  7. #7
    Gold Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Location
    Fourways
    Posts
    759
    Thanks
    119
    Thanked 35 Times in 34 Posts
    Seen and thought of that box too

    Initially I did not see a SANS stamp but not sure if that stuff is even required anymore ????

    Anyway I would like to try it

    Edit: also not sure if that box can fit through the standard dowlight cutout.


    Sent from my CPH2197 using Tapatalk
    Last edited by Dylboy; 25-Jun-22 at 07:25 AM.

  8. #8
    Bronze Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2022
    Location
    Little Falls, Roodepoort
    Posts
    109
    Thanks
    51
    Thanked 9 Times in 8 Posts
    Quote Originally Posted by Dylboy View Post
    Seen and thought of that box too

    Initially I did not see a SANS stamp but not sure if that stuff is even required anymore ????

    Anyway I would like to try it

    Edit: also not sure if that box can fit through the standard dowlight cutout.


    Sent from my CPH2197 using Tapatalk
    I haven't had a problem yet. I downloaded this info - it's got the specs and certifications. Just expensive but what isn't nowdaysRIPBOX_V1.pdf

    Sent from my SM-A226B using Tapatalk

Similar Threads

  1. Shredded paper for insulation
    By ians in forum Electrical Contracting Industry Forum
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 03-Dec-21, 08:30 AM
  2. [Question] Insulation piercing connectors
    By kahoel117 in forum Electrical Contracting Industry Forum
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 20-Jun-13, 11:45 AM
  3. Insulation resistance test
    By ians in forum Electrical Contracting Industry Forum
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 04-Sep-12, 04:38 PM
  4. Motor winding insulation
    By mikilianis in forum Electrical Contracting Industry Forum
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 18-Mar-10, 07:30 AM

Did you like this article? Share it with your favourite social network.

Did you like this article? Share it with your favourite social network.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •