What is Twin and Earth used for?
Twin and earth cables are commonly used to distribute power around the home, but just how they are used?
Twin and earth cables (T&E) are designed to meet the requirements of relevant British Standard cable specifications which are in accordance with current wiring regulations. They are used around the home in a range of sizes, depending on the application. Twin and earth cables are usually installed in radial, ring or spur circuit types in agreement between electrician and the client or homeowner.
Common circuits in the home deliver power to socket outlets for general plug-in devices like TVs and games consoles. They also deliver power directly from the consumer unit distribution board to dedicated appliances such as electric showers and electric cookers. Each appliance has its own circuit in T&E.
T&E cables are also used in lighting circuits to deliver power to all the lighting fixtures. In agreement with the client or homeowner, the electrician can design and install light switching circuits that provide task lighting where it is needed, such as food preparation in the kitchen. Another example would be if you wanted to enhance the ambiance in a sitting room where T&E can be used to separate switched wall and ceiling lights and create a different atmosphere depending on the time of day – or even time of the year.
What Twin and Earth Cable sizes can you get?
Twin and Earth cables are available in a range of conductor sizes, which one you use depends on the application. An experienced professional will be able to determine the right cable size to use.
- 1.0mm2 &1.5mm2 – typically used for residential lighting and switching
- 2.5mm2 – typically used for residential mains sockets
- 6mm2 – typically used for residential cookers
- 10mm2 – typically for residential cookers and electric showers
- 16mm2 – typically for large electric showers
What other Twin and Earth cables are there?
In applications where it is necessary to eliminate smoke and minimise the release of toxic gases in the event of a fire, Low Smoke Zero Halogen cable (LSOH) is usually considered.
LSOH cables emit no more than 0.5% hydrogen chloride acid gas (HCL) in a fire, release very little smoke and reduce the spread of flame by self-extinguishing when the flame is removed. LSOH cables are normally used in public buildings for non-emergency applications.
Why should you use Prysmian twin and earth cable?
Prysmian is the expert when it comes to the design and manufacture of this cable, and because we have done so for many years, you can rely on us to deliver high quality cables that are readily available across the UK.
Our twin and earth cable meets British Standard BS 6004, which specifies the requirements and test methods for the construction and performance of cables that have PVC insulation of rated voltage 300/500 V. Prysmian twin and earth can be used in similar applications in small office buildings and light commercial applications, our efficient and easy-to-use cable calculator tool, CableApp, provides fast, accurate results that help you select the right cable for the job.
For twin and earth cables you can rely on, choose Prysmian. Learn more on our dedicated T&E page. The electrical industry has counted on us for over a century to deliver products that perform. Our heritage and dedication give you the tools and assurance to get the job done. Discover the Power of Prysmian and see how we can benefit your business.