DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the site and have a queston that hopefully someone can answer.

I recently got a quote for having power run to my garage, and from there to a summerhouse/office. Both will have lights, switches, and sockets fitted. The sparky gave me a list of parts (to reduce the cost of the job), although he will be supplying the 2 consumer units, paart of the list was green and yellow sleeving for Sleeving T&E CPC


What exactly does Sleeving T&E CPC mean?

I know the T&E is Twin and Earth, and have found out that CPC means Consumer Protection Circuit but not sure about the sleeving bit.

I've had to get 100m of 1.5mm T&E and 100m of 2.5mm T&E but only 15m of sleeving???

Any ideas?

Thanks

Twin and Earth cable does not have any coating on the earth wire so one has to put something on the wire to show what the wire is and to stop it touching any live item.
The normal is to use sleeving which comes in a large hank most of which will not be used. Maybe 2" per socket.
Also one uses sleeving brown in colour for any cables marked with blue which are in fact line (Phase). For example on cable between lights and switch.
It is unusual for Electricians to ask the client to buy materials as unless they have cash flow problems, normally they can buy them for less than Joe public and it accounts for a far bit of their profit.

The theory is with most tradesmen that the difference between trade and retail price pays for any time spent replacing faulty parts. For example a car starter motor if it fails within the year would be replaced FOC the starter would be supplied by whole sale outlet but the mechanic would lose the time taken to replace it.

The chances of anything going wrong with cable is very slim which means it is pure profit for the electrician. But with other parts like then MCB's or RCBO's should a faulty batch be found the whole sale outlet would inform the electrician who would in turn replace the faulty items FOC.

There are loads of items which cost a lot for 1 or 2 but are very cheap when bought but the 50. The 3.5mm long screws for example where the socket box it just a tad too deep.