What Size Cable Is Needed?

[JP1675]

Planning on getting a few items installed in my garden and was wondering what size cable I'd need to buy? I'm going to get a recommendation from the electrician I plan on hiring but I haven't used the guy before and was hoping to get opinions on here first so I know if he's trying to take me for a ride or not. For reference, I'm looking at installing 2 outdoor lights, a pump for a water feature as well as a small hot tub. Any help would be much appreciated! 

 

[Blue Duck]

There are too many things omitted from op to give an accurate answer.

How far from the house is the hot tub and what sort of load is it going to pull? Other factors are what type of earthing you have? Do you have a modern fuse box with RCD protection? Are you intending to add more equipment to the circuit?

 

[JP1675]

The outdoor lights require 35W each, according to the website, the pump requires 7-9 Amps and then the Hot Tub is about 30 Amps. They are going to be located about 15 metres from the back of the house. 

 

[Steve3948]

I think you are going anout this the wrong way.

Get your estimate from the guy you intend to use, then get 2 more from other contractors.

You will then see how each are approaching your requirements.

Asking on here is no help, it needs a site visit to establish your needs and cannot be answered here. Getting 3 estimates is your best option.

 

[JP1675]

I think you are going anout this the wrong way.

Get your estimate from the guy you intend to use, then get 2 more from other contractors.

You will then see how each are approaching your requirements.

Asking on here is no help, it needs a site visit to establish your needs and cannot be answered here. Getting 3 estimates is your best option.

Oh right, ok then, thanks any way  

 

[JP1675]

Just gave my electrician a phone, he's given me all the relevant information I need. Decided to buy the cable myself based on his recommendation but finding my own supplier. Would you say this is a good price for the SWA Cable? www.quickbit.co.uk/swa-cable-2-core
Looked at a few sites and this does seem to be the cheapest. Also, for any one wondering why I haven't got my electrician to buy the cable, this is due to the fact that even though he can get cheaper prices than me, he's charging me commission on whatever he buys therefore it works out cheaper for me to buy it all myself.

 

[apprentice87]

Do you think we are stupid?? An electrician [at least not a proper one] cannot tell you what size cable without doing a site visit first.. Lots more to know than what is going on the other end.. You might well be able to do it all yourself. we could even walk you through it all, but the trouble is, you will not have the equipment you need to test it DURING installation, or to test the completed installation either. Take a photo of your consumer unit though, and your cutout [so we can see earthing type] and we will try to help..

john..

 

[Steve3948]

Just gave my electrician a phone, he's given me all the relevant information I need. Decided to buy the cable myself based on his recommendation but finding my own supplier. Would you say this is a good price for the SWA Cable? www.quickbit.co.uk/swa-cable-2-core

Looked at a few sites and this does seem to be the cheapest. Also, for any one wondering why I haven't got my electrician to buy the cable, this is due to the fact that even though he can get cheaper prices than me, he's charging me commission on whatever he buys therefore it works out cheaper for me to buy it all myself.

We get this a lot where a customer wants to supply their own materials, however when it goes wrong and don't work who do you call !!!!!!

If we don't supply, then calling us back will 100% carry a charge, if we supply then going back is part of the service.

Making some money on the supply of materials is all part of running a business, where does your Electrician make his money then I expect he's adding 15% anyway to make up for the fact you want to supply.

 

[m4tty]

Smells like a cash job to me lol.

I personally would go for a 25mm 4 core. Future proofing and all that

 

[Andy™]

Just gave my electrician a phone, he's given me all the relevant information I need. Decided to buy the cable myself based on his recommendation but finding my own supplier. Would you say this is a good price for the SWA Cable? www.quickbit.co.uk/swa-cable-2-core

Looked at a few sites and this does seem to be the cheapest. Also, for any one wondering why I haven't got my electrician to buy the cable, this is due to the fact that even though he can get cheaper prices than me, he's charging me commission on whatever he buys therefore it works out cheaper for me to buy it all myself.

be aware that if there is any problems with the cable / materials you supplied, then you will be charged for wasted time / return visit to finish the job

 

[Doc Hudson]

Just gave my electrician a phone, he's given me all the relevant information I need. Decided to buy the cable myself based on his recommendation but finding my own supplier. Would you say this is a good price for the SWA Cable? www.quickbit.co.uk/swa-cable-2-core

Looked at a few sites and this does seem to be the cheapest. Also, for any one wondering why I haven't got my electrician to buy the cable, this is due to the fact that even though he can get cheaper prices than me, he's charging me commission on whatever he buys therefore it works out cheaper for me to buy it all myself.

So what loading and distance and protective device is your electrician working to and what size cable did he suggest to meet volt drop, loop impedance etc. This all sounds to vague and un-designed to even be looking at cable costs yet?.

Doc H.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

 I expect he's adding 15% anyway to make up for the fact you want to supply.

I was going to say just that.   I dont think i have ever completed a job where the customer has supplied all the correct  materials at the correct time.

Edit,  except when i do bits and pieces for my local wholesaler

 

[Blue Duck]

Update!

Just found this on another forum...

JP1567

Today, 04:43 PM

Further assistance needed! Currently have no power in my garage and I am under the impression that I'm going to need some replacement cable. Now I've been informed I need 10mm 3 Core cable, just basically need some extra reassurance. I'm going to be running 2 x 2 gang sockets, a 2KW heater and 2 x 36W batten light fittings. Any help would be much appreciated.

Hmmm

 

[steptoe]

Update!

Just found this on another forum...

JP1567

Today, 04:43 PM

Further assistance needed! Currently have no power in my garage and I am under the impression that I'm going to need some replacement cable. Now I've been informed I need 10mm 3 Core cable, just basically need some extra reassurance. I'm going to be running 2 x 2 gang sockets, a 2KW heater and 2 x 36W batten light fittings. Any help would be much appreciated.

Hmmm

:slap

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

DD  on the case   (Detective Duck)

 

[Blue Duck]

I wonder if anyone on here will find it on the "other forum".?

 

[Andy™]

well i wont, i dont go to the 'other' forums

 

[Sidewinder]

There are no other forums are there?

 

[Andy™]

There are no other forums are there?

none that are worth being a member of

 

[Blue Duck]

What can I say... I stumbled across the post felt to share it

I wonder where he's asked what his supply type is? Let's hope its not that screwfix place.

Other forums,?