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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> 2 or 3 core armoured? https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1085509644 Message started by Elliott on May 25^th, 2004, 7:27pm

Title: 2 or 3 core armoured?
Post by Elliott on May 25^th, 2004, 7:27pm

I need to run armoured cable underground to my garage/workshop. Can I use 2 core and use the armour as the earth, or do I need to run three cored? If It is the three cored, which colours should be used for live neutral and earth in a single phase installation? Thanks in anticipation!
Elliott.

Title: Re: 2 or 3 core armoured?
Post by plugwash on May 25^th, 2004, 7:34pm

2 core is allowed but i would strongly reccomend 3 core especially for amuters (who may make an imperfect job of armour termination)

it is normal to use the yellow core as earth and this should be sleeved with green/yellow sleeving

it is normal to use blue as neutral and this technically should be sleeved black but virtually noone bothers and black sleeving is almost impossible to get

Title: Re: 2 or 3 core armoured?
Post by Lectrician on May 25^th, 2004, 7:35pm

Red Live, Blue Neutral, Yellow Earth.

Always better to use a 3 core, although a 2 core can be used with the armour as an earth.

Depends on the size, current drawn, length of run etc to determine the Zs of the circuit to say 100% if using the armour is sufficient. Best to stick to 3core really, but ensure you still earth the armour

Title: Re: 2 or 3 core armoured?
Post by Elliott on May 25^th, 2004, 7:40pm

Thank you! I did not expect such quick replies! OK so if I use 3 core, do I just earth the armour at the supply end, or should it be tied in at both ends?
Elliott.

Title: Re: 2 or 3 core armoured?
Post by supersparky on May 25^th, 2004, 7:46pm

both, prefrably(thank you lectrician), and obviously use the yellow core as earth �;D

ss

Title: Re: 2 or 3 core armoured?
Post by Elliott on May 25^th, 2004, 7:50pm

Thanks Guys! You have sorted out in minutes, what a couple of books, and numerous web pages have failed to help me with!
Very much appreciated!!!!
Elliott.

Title: Re: 2 or 3 core armoured?
Post by L.Spark on May 27^th, 2004, 2:05pm

just make sure to sleeve the yellow as earth with green and yellow stripped sleeving, then it complies with them nasty regulations! :D