Bell wire rating

Can I use 'bell wire' for a room thermostat for the combi boiler, or is it under-rated for that job?

-- Mark BR

Reply to
Mark BR
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The room thermostat will be mandling mains voltage. You need proper T + E.

Reply to
charles

It can handle the current ok, and the voltage, but the insulation is inadequate to comply with current law.

NT

Reply to
meow2222

Wot he said.

You need the appropriate insulation *and* sheathing.

Reply to
Tim Watts

Only if the thermostat is low voltage, which very few are. The insulation on bell wire is only suitable for low voltage.

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@davenoise.co.uk:

Perhaps someone is reading the wrong message from "Volts Free Contacts" which is stated on many thermostats.

Reply to
DerbyBorn

In terms of current carrying capacity, it is probably adequate, however it is not well enough insulated to carry mains voltage.

The exception to this may be if the combi has a 24V option for controls.

Reply to
John Rumm

I did spend some time wondering what 'volts free' actually meant!

OK I've got some 'proper' 240volt twin flex to wire up the thermostat. Wish I could find a use for half a roll of bell wire.

Thanks for all the comments.

-- Mark BR

Reply to
Mark BR

You could strangle harry with it.

Reply to
The Natural Philosopher

'Volt free' = the thermostat contacts are provided 'dry' - that is an isolated pair of switched poles. The boiler end would have to apply some voltage in order to work out if they are open or closed. Could be as little as 3.3 or 5v, or 240 VAC

Reply to
Phil

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Reply to
linna232323

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Reply to
linna232323

Bell wire is capable, just not lawful. And burying it in plaster can't be counted as a 2nd layer of insulation :)

NT

Reply to
meow2222

Only to comply with the law, otherwise it's fine.

Reply to
Lieutenant Scott

Wire speakers up all over the house.

Reply to
Lieutenant Scott

counted as a 2nd layer of insulation :)

Plaster conducts does it?

Reply to
Lieutenant Scott

More than you know - especially if slightly damp!

Reply to
Tim Watts

I've run 240 volts through bellwire, and touched the plastic. Didn't even tingle.

Reply to
Lieutenant Scott

How was the ECT?

Reply to
ARW

That's not quite the point. It's about mechanical protection. If the insulation gets nicked or stressed the failure is likely to propogate to the core so now your insulation is compromised. With a secondary sheath, that takes the stress.

Yes I know in the old days we had lamp flex or fairy lights with single insulation - it would be rated as "Class O" - but it was considered insufficiently safe so it is not used.

Just because you *can* use bell wire, does not mean you *should*.

Reply to
Tim Watts

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