The team at LINIAN take a closer look at the ‘what, how and why’ when it comes to T&E cable fixings.
What is a T&E cable?
Twin and earth cable, often written as “T&E” and occasionally “T and E”, is the generic term for twin and CPC (circuit protective conductor). These cables are flat, sheathed fixed mains electricity cables containing two or more insulated current-carrying conductors and an Earth connector.
The sheathing on T&E cabling is made commonly from PVC and insulation and has a long life in the right conditions. Twin and Earth cabling can be affected by ultraviolet radiation, so this type of cabling isn’t intended for use outdoors in areas where it would be subject to regular sunlight, as the UV light will cause the cable to fail.
It shouldn’t be installed in areas where it will be subject to abuse or abrasion unless it is protected. T&E is often installed within trunking which protects the cable from water hazards and ingress and keeps the cable hidden and tidy.
What are the applications for T&E cables?
T&E cabling is available in a variety of different sizes for various applications.
- 1mm and 1.5mm T&E cabling is commonly used for lighting.
- 2.5mm T&E cabling is commonly used for domestic small power circuits.
- 4mm T&E cabling is used for domestic wiring of radial power circuits.
- 6mm T&E cabling is used for domestic wiring of radial power circuits such as cookers
- 10mm T&E cabling is commonly used for shower circuits.
Do T&E cables need to comply with 18th Edition Regulations?
Yes, T&E cables must be physically supported at regular intervals. The 18th Edition states that ALL cables must be supported to prevent premature collapse, not just those in escape routes.
How are T&E cables traditionally installed?
The most common methods of fixing T&E cables include nail-in clips and shot-fired fixings.
- Nail-in clips feature two components: a hook that holds the cable and a nail that secures it to the substrate. In nail-in clips, the hooks are often made from plastic, which can suffer from UV damage and can melt in the event of a fire, causing the cable to be released.
- This method is very fast, as the clips are installed at high pressure. However, due to the rapid-fire method, there is a potential risk of injury to the installer, and also a potential risk of damage to the cable as the shot fire clips can scratch the sheathing, or even pierce the cable.
Methods such as an All Round Band or stainless-steel cable ties can be used when T&E cables need to be banded together in a group.
Is there a better way to install T&E cables?
Yes! At LINIAN, we provide a solution that we believe offers significant advantages over both of these methods – the LINIAN T&E clip. These clips do not require any special tools and are fire-rated, safe, cost-effective, and easy to install.
What are LINIAN T&E clips?
LINIAN T&E clips are single-component UV stable, fire-rated fixings, designed specifically for twin, CPC cabling and PVC trunking. Suitable for all substrates, they provide a robust fixing designed to support an impressive tensile load of 24kg.
The patented design includes barbed legs which grip the substrate for a secure hold and a closed head loop that neatly encloses the cable.
LINIAN T&E clips provide a neat, easy and versatile fixing method that eradicates the need for screws, plugs and plastic. With these clips, the installer can anchor fixings for wire safely and form a bend in the cable without having to remove the cable clip to do so.
They are fire-rated, tested in temperatures up to 1200°C and will not melt like some traditional methods. They’re also UV stable and salt-spray tested, suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Additionally, they can be used with stainless steel cable ties to safely secure groups of T&E cables.
How do LINIAN T&E clips work?
Simply drill a hole (6mm for T&E clips), wrap the clip around the cable and insert it into the hole – job done! You can then tap the clip in with a soft hammer if preferred.
The clips can also be used within trunking. Simply drill the hole through the trunking, wrap the clip around the cable and insert directly into the trunking. The clip will secure the trunking to the wall, saving the installer from having to install additional screws to support the trunking.
LINIAN clips are designed to provide a lasting fix, however, they can be easily removed with the use of standard carpenter’s pincers.
TO VIEW THE LINIAN T&E CLIP SIZING GUIDE CLICK HERE :
