Earthing SWA

Discussion in 'Electricians' Talk' started by "Professional" DIYer, Jun 22, 2004.

  1. Hi,

    I'm putting in some 4 core 1.5mm SWA outside. I'm using quite chunky plastic IP65 JBs with 20mm screw knock-outs.

    I can't get the earth ring around the 20s gland inside the box, as the knock out are too close to the edge of the box, I can't put the earth ring around the outside of the box and drill/bolt through because the tags would overlap.

    Can I solder my earth cable onto the gland inside the box?

    The armour is the only earth for the cable (all cores used with phase or neutral).

    Cheers.
     
  2. gerrin2owd

    gerrin2owd New Member

    Not sure why you cant get the earth ring(s) on the outside of the box. Have you got 2 cables side by side and the tags with the hole in overlap? If so line the holes up and bolt through and attach earth wire as normal inside the box.
     
  3. ChubbyPhaseWire

    ChubbyPhaseWire New Member


    Can I solder my earth cable onto the gland inside the
    box?

    Its a good job you are a Professional, a lot of DIYers would just ******* it.
    I am taking the PART P.
     
  4. Well my name is a contradiction in terms.

    Will bolting through not leave it open to water ingress? Also the outdoor FCU is pretty thick plastic, so I wanted to avoid, if possible drilling through.

    a. is there another option
    b. if drilling and bolting, should the earth be crimped to the bolt of is twisting is round then washer and bolt ok? 4mm earth cable used.

    Thanks again.
     
  5. Lectrician

    Lectrician Screwfix Select

    You can get earth-tag glands similar to MI glands, a rare, and to order though.
     
  6. gerrin2owd

    gerrin2owd New Member

    If the hole drilled is in the base and the earth rings and glands installed correctly it will be OK, the earth cable should definitely be crimped. With the limited information from your post cant give u any more info.

    What is being connected inside the box (L/N/E)?
    What size is the box?
    How many cables to the box?
    What size cables?
    What is the load the cables are feeding?
    What is the location of the box?
    Is it outside or inside or in a car wash?
     
  7. Lectrician

    Lectrician Screwfix Select

    If it is threaded knockouts, i wuld not use these to tighten up against the banjo, i think it wil loosen to easily, i would still want a lock nut inside.
     
  8. These are the boxes:

    It is on an outside exposed wall, and the cable setup is as follows:

    R + B - 13amp max load
    B + Y - Switched max load 10amps (at the very most, FCU should have a 5amp fuse)

    The glands enter on the left and right, with two on one side (spur to underground lighting) and below enters plastic conduit.

    Its a very tight fit inside, and I'm trying to avoid earth tags on the outside, which apart from any other reason look ****.

    [Edited by: Forum Moderator 5]
     
  9. gerrin2owd

    gerrin2owd New Member

    ok - given it some more thought, buy locking rings which should fit on the inside and buy earth tags with wire attached and fit to inside of box. The earth tags I mean usually come with plastic fire alarm pushes to link earth through (tag on both sides of wire).
     
  10. Hi,

    gerrin2owd could you give me a link of some sort please, not sure what your suggesting.

    The space is tight, but a small lock nut should fit it.

    Thanks for the help.
     
  11. Lectrician

    Lectrician Screwfix Select

    Buy a bigger box, you are trying to squeese to much in, the job will end up giving you all sorts of trouble.

    Gewiss do plastic boxes that you drill with 20mm holesaw yourself. From 4"x2"x2" right up through to ones you can climn in :)

    A 6"x4" would do you great. All wholsalers sell gewiss.
     
  12. gerrin2owd

    gerrin2owd New Member



    Cant find the earth tags - ask at wholesaler, they will know what i mean.

    [Edited by: Forum Moderator 5]
     
  13. The Trician

    The Trician New Member

    Earth tags come as part of the SWA gland kit, though they may be available seperately at some places..

    TT
     
  14. gerrin2owd

    gerrin2owd New Member

    TT, the earth links that I mean have tags at either end of a 150mm length of 1.5mm singles cable
     
  15. The Trician

    The Trician New Member

    Hi G20 - Not quite sure what you mean but I thought you meant SWA banjos!

    TT
     
  16. gerrin2owd

    gerrin2owd New Member

    They are used to link cables or conduit thro plastic boxes
     
  17. The Trician

    The Trician New Member

    Roger that - know what you mean now but thought you had to make em up yourself. Didn't know you could buy em!!

    TT
     
  18. Notan Xpert

    Notan Xpert New Member

    Earth the armour at the house end so it is protected if someone puts a spade or fork through it and use earth rod for earthing in the outbuilding then you wont have to worry about the armour at the plastic box.
     
  19. Earth the armour at the house end so it is protected if someone puts a spade or fork through it and use earth rod for earthing in the outbuilding then you wont have to worry about the armour at the plastic box.

    With 6 boxes = 6 rods.

    I think not.

    I'm still unsure how to continue. Anyone else got an idea?

    Cheers.
     
  20. copdog

    copdog New Member

    Hi pro e-mail me an address and i will send you a couple of the linked earth banjo,s f.o.c
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice