Choosing the correct size flex

 
It is important to choose the correct size flex when connecting to the mains. The wire has to
be the correct size so that it can cope with the power demands of the device. The size
stated for flex is given in mm2 and this measurement is actually the cross sectional area of
the wire inside. The larger that area the higher the current it can carry.

If a flex is used which is too small for the amount of current passing through, it becomes
dangerous. This results in the wire overheating and causing a serious safety risk. The table
below gives typical values of flex size available plus corresponding current rating and
maximum power ratings.

Conductor Maximum power

Current
Size (Watts)
0.5 mm2 3 amps Up to 720 Watts
2
0.75 mm 6 amps Up to 1440 Watts
2
1.0 mm 10 amps Up to 2400 Watts
2
1.25 mm 13 amps Up to 3120 Watts
2
1.5 mm 15 amps Up to 3600 Watts

Choosing the correct size cable

 
It is important to choose the correct size cable when connecting to the mains. The wire has
to be the correct size so that it can cope with the power demands of the device. The size
stated for cables is given in mm2 and this measurement is actually the cross sectional area
of the wire inside. The larger that area the higher the current it can carry.

If a cable is used which is too small for the amount of current passing through, it becomes
dangerous. This results in the wire overheating and causing a serious safety risk. The table
below gives typical values of cable size available plus corresponding current rating and
maximum power ratings.

Conductor Size Current Maximum power (Watts)

1.0 mm2 10 amps Up to 2400 Watts
1.25 mm2 13 amps Up to 3120 Watts
1.5 mm2 15 amps Up to 3600 Watts
2.5 mm2 20 amps Up to 4800 Watts
4.0 mm2 25 amps Up to 6000 Watts
 Preparing cable for connection
 
You will require a sharp knife to strip the cable.

1. Lay the end of the cable on a firm surface and with the knife cut lengthways
through the sheathing to the end of the wire, ensuring not to cut through the
sheathing of the inner cable.
 
2. Pull back the outer sheath and make a cut at the fold to remove the outer
sheath. N.B. if the outer sheath is braided fabric, (such as that found on
electric fires, irons) it is best to wrap a piece of insulation tape around it to
stop the end of the fabric from fraying.
 
3. Once the inner conductors are exposed they can also be stripped. This is best
done with wire strippers, although it can be done carefully with wire cutters.
 
4. With wire cutters adjust the screw to the desired thickness of the conductor
you are stripping and then insert about 1-1½cm (½in) into the cutters,
squeeze the handle and remove the insulation, repeat for both or all three
conductors.
 
5. The bare conductors that are exposed are made up of many strands of copper
wire, these should be twisted together using pliers to tidy them up and keep
them together.
 
6. If the earth wire in a cable is not insulated, i.e. a bare wire, it is best to
insulate it from the point it leaves the outer sheath to the point it is
connected, this will ensure that the bare wire does not touch anything it
shouldn't.
 

Types of lighting
 
Choose a light that is double-insulated or that has been wired with an earth conductor.
Double-insulated lights will show the double box symbol -  . Before deciding on a particular
form of lighting, check the bulb types - shapes and wattage which can be used with the
selected light, as there are many different types available. See Types of light bulb for more
information.

Traditional
Traditional wall lighting is more often decorative rather than practical. The idea is adding
soft lighting to the room through candle shaped bulbs concealed behind parchment shades,
they are designed as a feature to look at rather than see or read by.

Enclosed fittings
Enclosed fittings are useful in a hall, landing, porch or in a bathroom. Many of these designs
are weatherproof and therefore are suitable in a damp bathroom area.

Spotlights
Spotlights are very fashionable and versatile as they can send beams in any direction when
mounted on adjustable arms. They can be used to illuminate cupboards, desks, pictures,
mirrors or seating areas. However care must be taken when positioning a spotlight to avoid
dazzle when seen from another angle. This problem is easily overcome when the lighting is
high up the wall or on the ceiling.

Fluorescent
Fluorescent tubes can spread light much further over an area. They are not as fashionable,
but there are modern slimline versions and they do have the advantage of bright lights with
minimum heat given off. They are more efficient than filament lights at turning electricity
into light and cheaper to run. They are easy to conceal with a pelmet or decorative skirting
painted or papered in the design used in the room.

Fluorescent lighting tubes give off different types of light. The cold, whiter lights are
particularly useful in a loft, workshop or shed. In the house do not choose a blue or greenish
shade, as they are bad for your eyes if used alone and also can make you look ill. It is
better to choose a warmer yellow colour for a softer lighting effect. There are a variety of
diffuser shades on the market, which soften the glare. 
 
Miniature circuit breakers
 
Miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) are fitted in newer consumer units in place of fuses. They
have the advantage that they can be manually reset without having to replace wire as in the
case of the traditional fuse. The MCBs have either a button or lever that can be flicked to
reset it.

The MCB tripping is an indication either that the circuit has been overloaded or that a short
circuit has occurred somewhere in the system. Before resetting the MCB it is important to
identify what has caused it to trip. Switch off all the appliances connected to the circuit to
ensure it is not overloading. Now see Identifying a faulty circuit for more details on finding
the problem.

First switch off the main switch on the consumer unit, this is very important. Reset the MCB
by either pushing the button or by flicking the lever. Finally flick the main switch of the
consumer unit back on. If the MCB immediately resets itself once power is restored, then a
fault is still occurring, see Identifying a faulty circuit to try to identify the fault.