Join in a 6mm cable?

I've just discovered that the 6mm cable leading to my electric shower has a join: Two lengths have been joined using a 30A junction box. I think I once heard that 6mm cable should not be joined; is that correct? If so, what is the actual danger/risk? I wondered if anyone could explain. How concerned should I be?

Thanks,

Harold A

Hi Harrold,

Lurch is 100% right... I couldn't have said it better myself.

Thisgs to look into..... 6mm cable has a higher capacity than 30Amps. Check to see what size your Fuse or MCB is, if it is greater that 30A e.g. 40Amps then you'll need to upgrade the junction box to a higher capacity one.. like 50A. What size is yor shower in kW?

Shay

Shay

No problem at all, so long as the joint is accessible and soundly made with terminals capable of carrying the current and in an enclosure complying with a relevant BS or EN standard.

(crimp and solder joints are not required to be accessible.)

That's a relief! (-: -Thanks, and same to Lurch and Alistair.

The circuit-breaker is 32A. It's a 7 kw (or 7.5 kw) shower.

Would it pay to take the cover of the junction box and make sure the three brass screws are good and tight? (after turning off the power, of course (-: ? ...I've noticed that those brass screws on electrical fittings often seem to develop some looseness somehow, over the course of time. Anyone know why that is?

Harold

Thank you! Can you please just clarify what is meant by 'well made off' (as in junction box)?

Harold A

Thank you. Can anyone advise which is BS standard is teh relevant one? The junction box looks rather dated, being dark brown plastic rather than the typical modern white type. But it does say "30A" on the back.

Should the junction box be screwed to a joist? (It is under the floorboards, lying on the lath and plaster of the ceiling below).

Harold

The Junction Box sounds ok. Doesn't really need secured to the joist.

As far as the tightness of the connections are concerned.. is the box in the roof space or is it under floor boards in a room?

If its under floor boards then vibrations from people walking could contribute to loose terminals. it wouldn't do u any harm giving then a tighten.. BUT... be careful not to over tightn as you could break the screw, wire or jump threads.

Shay

In message , Harold A writes

Copper does spread over time under pressure.

There's no harm in doing what you say, but be careful not to overtighten as that can cause problems too.

"Well made off" = properly assembled.

It is better workmanship to screw it to a joist IMJO, and more practically makes it easier to give the screws a good solid tightening.

Owain