query sub-standard cable

[kme]

I`ve just got onto BASEC, regarding a 2.5FTE I was given to use today.........

It doesn`t feel right, doesn`t bend the same as usual, seems to be the wrong dimensions, and it a real b1tch to strip.

BUT....it has "BASEC" approval stamped on it...I just have a couple of doubts.

The imprint on the side reads: " BASEC TO BS7211 6242 B 2x2.5+1.5 SQMM ALTIN 2011 4"

Anyone else come across this stuff??

 

[Zeespark]

No I havent KME, I wouldn't use it if I were you. Where did you get a hold of it?

AndyGuinness

 

[Andy™]

if it doesnt strip easy, then afaik, it doesnt comply with BASEC requirements

i would not use it until you can check it out more. what IR & resistance like?

 

[kme]

Resistance seems approx correct, and ins. checked okay, mind this was only about 4 metres of the stuff.

It was supplied by SDS solar, for use on one of their jobs.....there was about 30 metres supplied, so they`ve put the rest into stores - I want to clarify the situation before anyone gives it out to be used...they`re setting up another 7 teams to go out, doing 4 installs a week each.....they`re THAT busy. Problem is, most of the sparks they want / get are limited experience, part "p" ers, who won`t have the courage to stand up to the roofer / "boss" of the team, when told what to do.

They have a good, knowledgeable QS; but he can`t be everywhere.........

 

[steptoe]

I got some 3c+E a couple of weeks ago, felt different,

could not strip the stuff, took it back to wholesalers, and got a totally different reel of stuff.

sorry, didnt even check stamps, we use these guys quite a bit and I just thought a rogue drum of cable, :|

 

[Zeespark]

What wholesaler/make was it Steps?

AndyGuinness

 

[M107]

I had some 1.5 T/E that had what looked like a thin outer sheathing along the earth conductor, gave the whole cable a 8 look.

Took it back (also seen some that a customer purchased from toolstation that looked the same) & had it changed & while there another chap was telling us that the last roll of 3cE he used, half way down had bits of outer sheath missing & the grey conductor had insulation missing. They only noticed after using the half roll at differing properties.

 

[steptoe]

What wholesaler/make was it Steps?AndyGuinness

independent Andy,

no idea the make of cable,

I have so many different drums kicking round the van some days,

it would be totally irresponsible of me to even hazard a guess as to what make I even thought it was.

 

[kme]

It DID occur to me that it is LSH, which might explain the stiffness and feel - but not the strippability issue.

 

[steptoe]

is it like the sheath is stuck to the inner insulation?

that was my issue.

now the more I think about it the more I think it was dodgy cable,

 

[Andy™]

or someone forgot to feed chalk into the machine?

 

[NozSpark]

I've had some with very little french chalk before,,, I've either fired it back at the wholesalers straight away or used it for that job only and then fired it back

 

[PC Electrics]

I've found that Doncaster suffers badly from a lack of chalk. CEF aren't interested, so I've stopped buying it. Prysmium or Draka fro me now.

Sounds bad K, send a few metres to BASEC and they'll check it out.

 

[Zeespark]

Can't go wrong with Prysmian/Draka/AEI as PC says. With the amount of dodgy materials in the system now, I insist on full traceability of all My materials now.

AndyGuinness

 

[pickleye]

We've had it a lot with LSF that the outer sheath is a ****** to strip from insulation of cores, especially with the 2.5 twin & earth. Reported it to supervisor who reported it to wholesaler - nothing happened. I can't remember the brand but I remember cable was spelled Kable.

My mate tested the install and all ok - but he's erm... less than thorough.

Another squad supplied a sample for testing, which i heard through the grape vine, was deemed ok and only being stripped badly!

LSF and PVC worlds apart for usability IMHO

 

[Andy™]

We've had it a lot with LSF that the outer sheath is a ****** to strip from insulation of cores, especially with the 2.5 twin & earth. Reported it to supervisor who reported it to wholesaler - nothing happened. I can't remember the brand but I remember cable was spelled Kable.My mate tested the install and all ok - but he's erm... less than thorough.

Another squad supplied a sample for testing, which i heard through the grape vine, was deemed ok and only being stripped badly!

LSF and PVC worlds apart for usability IMHO

sure it wasnt Kablo? which is turkish for 'cable'

 

[Sidewinder]

Atlas Kablo perhaps, the ones who lost their BASEC approval and had all of their cable recalled?

Too much iron in the copper and too small csa.

 

[Andy™]

atlas kablo did loose BASEC approval, but there are still many turkish manufacturers with 'kablo' in the name

 

[pickleye]

Now I'm scared, can't remember for sure, white sheath marked with yellow writing.

Would this withdrawn cable have been supplied by electric centre earlier this year?