On Aug 29, 1:56*pm, "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote:
In article
,
* *NT wrote:

No, those Vs mean it's a 70 deg. rated PVC/PVC cable. *What you need is
85 deg. harmonised type H07BN4-F (UK CMA code 3183TQ), 1.5 mm^2 3-core.

E.g.http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products...Q3slash50.html
I've always used 2.5mm2 butyl rubber flex, its a fair bit more
capable. Not only does the flex connect to hot terminals, but it also
heats up due to current flow, both need to be taken into account.

Given 1.5mm is already more than adequate at 16amps - and the run is
usually short - I'd call that overkill.


1.5mm2 is rated at 20A when used clipped direct. That means that it
can rise from 20C to 70C with 20A load. 16A thus gives us a temp rise
of 16/20 x 50C = 40C.

But in this case it connects to terminals we expect to run at around
60-70C, lets say 70. 70 plus a temp rise of 40C = 110C. So your 1.5mm2
cable doesnt have good long term prospects because of the combination
of the 2 heat sources.

2.5mm2 cable is rated at 27A clipped direct. 16A will increase its
temp less, giving it a bit more margin.And butyl rubber is better able
to handle such temps than pvc, hence my choice.


NT