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I’m upgrading some lighting circuits to a programmable ‘Futronix’ system (similar to Lutron). The 16 x 5A channels Futronix panel is fed from a single-phase 40A 30mA RCBO.
It’s in a listed timber-frame building with very difficult cable runs.
I need to transfer the switching of four lighting circuits in one difficult room from local control to the Futronix panel 20m away. Total load of these four circuits does not exceed 1kW, 4A.
What I need to know is whether it’s OK to use a non-standard wiring technique as follows:
Option 1: Use 4No. 1.0mm T&E cables - standard method, clearly acceptable but ugly and bulky to run surface.
Option 2: Use 1No. 3C&E 1.0mm plus 1No. T&E, employing, from the five sheathed cores available, four for the switched lines and one for neutral. Plus the two unsheathed grounds.
Or maybe use two 3C&E, and double up the neutral. Still a bit bulky though.
Option 3: Use 2 No. lengths of four-core flex in 0.5mm: Four switch lines, two neutrals and two grounds.
Option three is by far the most aesthetically acceptable, and I’m minded to go with that one. But it feels wrong.
Both ends of the exposed switch line cores will be fully covered with brown shrink-fit.
Note that these are switch lines, not separate final circuits - the switching occurs at the Futronix panel. It’s only electrically unusual in that the ‘switch’ is so far away.
BTW, I can’t find any 6- or 7-core flex in thin section. SY would be great, but is way too big.
Any ideas?
Many thanks, Mark
It’s in a listed timber-frame building with very difficult cable runs.
I need to transfer the switching of four lighting circuits in one difficult room from local control to the Futronix panel 20m away. Total load of these four circuits does not exceed 1kW, 4A.
What I need to know is whether it’s OK to use a non-standard wiring technique as follows:
Option 1: Use 4No. 1.0mm T&E cables - standard method, clearly acceptable but ugly and bulky to run surface.
Option 2: Use 1No. 3C&E 1.0mm plus 1No. T&E, employing, from the five sheathed cores available, four for the switched lines and one for neutral. Plus the two unsheathed grounds.
Or maybe use two 3C&E, and double up the neutral. Still a bit bulky though.
Option 3: Use 2 No. lengths of four-core flex in 0.5mm: Four switch lines, two neutrals and two grounds.
Option three is by far the most aesthetically acceptable, and I’m minded to go with that one. But it feels wrong.
Both ends of the exposed switch line cores will be fully covered with brown shrink-fit.
Note that these are switch lines, not separate final circuits - the switching occurs at the Futronix panel. It’s only electrically unusual in that the ‘switch’ is so far away.
BTW, I can’t find any 6- or 7-core flex in thin section. SY would be great, but is way too big.
Any ideas?
Many thanks, Mark
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