Where would twin and earth cables be used in commercial applications?

Twin and earth cables, sometimes referred to as T&E cables, are commonly used in homes and are usually installed in radial, ring or spur circuit types in agreement between the electrician and the client or homeowner.

T&E cables are available in a variety of conductor sizes. The choice of conductor size depends on the application and the required circuit load. For lighting and switching, 1.0 and 1.5mm² are typically used. More energy-intensive appliances such as electric ovens or electric showers require larger conductors to carry the current – sizes 6mm²,10mm² or 16 mm² are typically used.

As well as private dwellings, twin and earth cables can also be used in similar lighting and power applications in small office buildings and light commercial applications.

Prysmian design and manufacture flat cable types, in a range of core numbers and sizes: 6241Y, 6242Y, 6243Y, and 6242B. Prysmian T&E cables meet the requirements of up to date British Standard cable specifications, in accordance with current wiring regulations.

The cables also have the benefit of being reliable, consistent, and easy to strip allowing for efficient installations. Prysmian 6241Y is a flat PVC insulated and sheathed low voltage wiring cable typically used for small power and lighting applications with a single insulated core with bare Circuit Protective Conductor (CPC). Prysmian 6242Y is a flat PVC insulated and sheathed low voltage wiring cable, typically used for small power and lighting applications with two insulated cores and bare CPC.

Prysmian 6243Y is a flat PVC insulated and sheathed low voltage wiring cable typically used for small lighting applications with three insulated cores and bare CPC. (This cable is commonly used as a switching cable between different floors.) In buildings such as small offices where there are several occupants and a higher risk of fire, it may be necessary to use Prysmian 6242B.

Prysmian 6242B is a flat twin insulated core with bare CPC Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSOH) cable designed for installation as clipped direct, on tray or in basket, and also buried within plaster or embedded in walls. Prysmian 6242B is ideal for use in environments where smoke and toxic emissions would pose a major hazard to occupants of the building in the event of a fire.

During a fire, thick, black smoke produced by conventional PVC cables can easily obscure exit signs and routes, plus toxic gases (including the almost invisible hydrogen chloride acid gas) generated from these burning cables can be extremely harmful. When exposed to fire, LSOH cables emits less than 0.5% hydrogen chloride and releases a small amount of white smoke.

The LSOH Prysmian 6242B is also flame retardant, tested in accordance with BS EN 60332-1. This is the standard that focuses on the spread of flame for electrical and optical fibre cables under fire conditions. It is important to note, however, that 6242B is not fire resistant. BS EN 60332-1 is a test that evaluates the cable’s fire properties in terms of flame spread.

In short, although twin and earth cables are more commonly used in domestic settings, they can be used for similar purposes in light commercial applications and small office buildings – providing the right conductor size is determined by an electrical professional. For immediate, accurate results, there is CableApp. CableApp calculates cable sizes adhering to the current wiring regulations.   

For long-lasting performance, choose the reliability and peace of mind provided by Prysmian. Learn more about twin and earth cables on our website.