Twin & Earth Cable

Twin and Earth Cable

Twin and earth cables are essential for installing in fixed wire installations such as power supply cables for sockets and switches. They come in various standard metric options when it comes to sizes. Twin and earth cables are versatile because they can be used in numerous domestic wiring situations. 

A T&E cable is made up of three wires where two carry a current and one is protective. A twin and earth cable can come in different variations regarding its wires, for example a low smoke cable which won’t release toxic gas if burned. This is why its important to choose high quality products from professional suppliers like Meteor Electrical. 

For example, if you are looking for a 6mm T&E cable or a 1.5 mm twin and earth cable, you will have to make sure that the cable is qualified. Speaking with an expert customer rep is a good idea before buying the twin and earth cable you’re considering. 

Inside a Twin Earth Cable

Taking a 6mm twin and earth cable as an example, it can be understood what is inside twin and earth cables and how they work. A twin and earth cable is made up of three conductors that are made up of copper and are present as the stranded and solid wire. 

While the 2.5mm, 1mm, and 1.5 mm twin and earth cable are made out of solid copper conductors, the 4mm, 10mm, 16mm and 6mm twin and earth cable options differ. They often consist of 7 strands conductors. 

Two out of the three twin and earth cable conductors have insulation made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Color codes are used to represent the live and neutral twin-core insulated wires. The brown cable in a Twin & Earth cable is the live conductor, and the blue twin and earth represents the neutral conductor. 

Twin and Earth Cable Uses

Twin and earth cables are used in a dozen of different ways; here’s a quick look at what some of them are used for and where.

1.5 mm Twin and Earth Cable

The 1.5 mm twin and earth cable is most commonly used for lighting all around the house. It has a non-stranded conductor and is the best choice for wire installations. A 1.5 mm twin and earth cable is able to transmit 14A when enclosed in an insulated wall. 

However, that figure increases up to 16.5A if the 1.5 mm twin and earth cable is ran through a conductor. They can withstand as much as 19.5A when clipped directly. It is important to note that certain factors such as the right temperature, altitude, insulation, and the type of wire being used will affect the twin and earth cable’s overall amp ratings. 

The size of the 1.5 mm twin and earth cable should also be able to match the demands of the device you want to use to get the best performance. The conductor may end up overheating if massive quantities are passed through a small cable. 

In relation to this, knowing the maximum wattage for a 1.5 mm twin and earth cable isn’t as simple as it seems. 20A would be the correct answer in the case that the line is in free air, but if it is behind something like a plasterboard ceiling with thermal insulation, maintaining the amperage will not be possible. 

Since 1.5 mm twin and earth cables are used for lighting circuits, they come in different materials. While copper is the most popular options because of how it carries more electricity, aluminium is also a decent choice because it is cheaper, making it cost-effective if you are on a budget.

6mm Twin and Earth Cable

Knowing the main characteristics of the 6mm twin and earth cable will help you make better use of it. Among the various demands for wire specification, 6mm twin and earth cables are especially popular. 

The 6mm twin and earth cable is often used for induction hobs, domestic cooker, oven and shower circuits that are rated at 40A AMP. The amount of current the 6mm twin and earth cable can take largely depends on how the cable is installed. 

For example, if the 6mm twin and earth cable is enclosed in an insulated wall, it can carry up to 32A but if there is a thermal insulation touching the wall then it will be around 23A. One of the highest amp rating will come with a clipped situation – 47A. 

The size of the twin earth cable changes the amps; amperage is directly related to the volume of current passing through the wire. This current will encounter a certain amount of resistance as it moves through the wire and will produce heat in the process. If the twin and earth cable is too thin, the excess heat generated may start a fire so using the right size wire is crucial.  

Just like other T&E cables, the exact capacity of a 6mm twin and earth cable will depend on factors like the load’s duty cycle, temperature, cable length, etc. It is ultimately better to leave decisions like these in the hands of an experienced electrician. 

10mm Twin and Earth Cable

A 10mm twin earth cable is usually used in domestic wiring jobs and it can be used in many different ways. This T&E cable is often used in cable trays and it can also be used on surfaces because of how it can easily handle extreme temperatures. 

However, 10mm twin and earth cables are not fit to use for outdoor use. 

The 10mm twin and earth cable is also easily bendable and flexible; it can handle a lot of movement which makes it a reliable choice for use in various situations. Another advantage is that this twin and earth cable is long lasting on top of being versatile. 

The flexibility comes from its conductors being aligned in a parallel way in a plane that is flat. Compared to conductors in round cables that are prone to kinking or causing failure, the flat cable offers a 15-million flex-cycle life. 

Many types of 10mm twin and earth cables are available in various PVC, including the sheath and the insulation on the exterior. This makes the T&E cable safe to use during installation, and afterwards is safe for people to be around.

This cable also belongs to the class of electrical and building wires and is used widely in electrical appliances and building applications. It also occupies less space in comparison to round cable applications and are mechanically stronger. 

10mm twin and earth cables also do not have unnecessary fillers, tapes and insulating; the flat-cable constructions does away with the need for large conductors to maintain its strength. This means the copper cross-section is also reduces to what is required to carry a current load only.   

16mm Twin and Earth Cable

A 16mm twin and earth cable are used to supply mains voltage electricity for a multitiude of uses. The caring capacity with PVC insulation is 61 amperes for single phase AC or DC. Since the 16mm T&E cable is armoured, it is a suitable choice for underground installations, as well as for attachment to structures or buildings. 

The main advantage that you get from 16mm twin and earth cables has to do with their construction. Features such as the annealed copper conductors and the PVC insulated cores helps protect the wire and prevents the electricity from leading to electromagnetic fields. 

16mm twin and earth cables are better than smaller ones mainly because of how they are able to conduct more electricity. The larger the wire, the more surface area there is for the electricity to move through, and this leads to being able to use this T&E cable in areas where more voltage is needed.