In modern home and commercial electrical systems, the safe use of wires is of vital importance. TPS cables (thermoplastic sheathed cables) are widely used in various electrical wiring due to their durability, flexibility and reliability. However, wire overload is one of the common safety hazards in electrical systems, which may cause electrical fires, equipment damage and even personal injury. Therefore, it is crucial to use TPS cables reasonably and avoid wire overload. This article will explore how to avoid overload problems when using 1.5 mm TPS cables, TPS 2.5 mm cables, and 2.5 mm 2C E TPS cables, and provide effective preventive measures.
1. What is wire overload?
Wire overload means that when the current passes through the cable, it exceeds the maximum current load that the cable can withstand. Each cable has a rated current value, exceeding which may cause the cable conductor to overheat, the insulation layer to melt, and even a fire. Wire overload is usually caused by the following reasons:
Current overload: The current required by the electrical equipment exceeds the carrying capacity of the cable.
Improper selection of cable specifications: When selecting the cable, the appropriate specifications are not selected according to the actual load, resulting in insufficient wire carrying capacity.
Cable aging: As the cable is used for a longer time, its conductor and insulation layer may age, resulting in a decrease in carrying capacity.
Multiple devices share power supply: Multiple devices are connected to the same cable, exceeding the load capacity of the cable.
2. Choose the right cable specifications
In order to avoid overloading the wires, you first need to choose cables of the right specifications. TPS cables of different specifications have different current carrying capacities. Correctly selecting cable specifications is the primary measure to prevent overload.
2.1 1.5 mm TPS cable
1.5 mm TPS cables are usually used for low-load appliances, such as home lighting, low-power appliances (such as TVs, table lamps, fans, etc.). According to Australian standards, this cable is usually able to carry a current of 10 amps to 13 amps. Therefore, when using it, it is necessary to ensure that the total power of the appliances in the circuit does not exceed the rated load of the cable.
Ways to prevent 1.5 mm TPS cable overload:
Confirm the power of the appliance: When selecting a cable, confirm the power requirements of the appliance and select the cable specifications according to the power. For example, a 1000W appliance draws 4.35 amps when operating at 230V, so a 1.5 mm TPS cable can be selected. But if multiple appliances are connected at the same time, it must be ensured that the total current does not exceed the cable's carrying capacity.
Distribute circuits: For multiple low-power devices, it is recommended to connect them to different circuits to prevent a single cable from carrying too much load.
2.2 TPS 2.5 mm cable
Due to its larger cross-sectional area, the 2.5 mm TPS cable can carry a larger current load, usually 16 amps to 20 amps. This cable is widely used in medium-power appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, electric water heaters, etc.
Ways to prevent TPS 2.5 mm cable from overloading:
Ensure current load: When using 2.5 mm cable, first confirm the current requirements of each appliance in the circuit and ensure that the total current of these appliances does not exceed the maximum carrying capacity of the cable.
Install overload protection devices: Install overload protection devices (such as fuses or circuit breakers) in the circuit to ensure that the circuit can be disconnected in time when the current is overloaded to avoid cable overload.
2.3 2.5 mm 2C E TPS cable
The 2.5 mm 2C E TPS cable has a dual-conductor structure and is suitable for dual-control switch circuits or occasions where multiple electrical appliances are powered. Its current carrying capacity is 16 amps to 20 amps, which is suitable for larger power electrical equipment such as commercial air conditioners, electric water heaters, etc.
Ways to prevent 2.5 mm 2C E TPS cable overload:
Distribute circuits and equipment: When there are multiple electrical appliances that need to be connected, the circuits should be reasonably distributed according to the power requirements of the equipment to avoid a single cable carrying multiple high-power appliances.
Use independent circuits: For high-power equipment such as air conditioners, electric water heaters, etc., independent circuits should be used for connection to ensure that the load of each cable does not exceed the standard.
3. Calculate current load
When using TPS cables, correctly calculating the load current is the key to avoiding overload. The current load can be calculated by following the steps below:
Calculate the current demand of each appliance: Based on the power (in watts W) and voltage (in volts V) of the appliance, the formula can be used:
I=V/P
Where,I is the current (amperes),P is the power (watts), and 𝑉 is the voltage (volts). For example, a 2000W appliance at 230V draws the following current:
I=230V/2000W≈8.7A
So, it is appropriate to choose a 1.5 mm TPS cable for this appliance.
Check the cable current rating: Based on the current demand of the appliance, choose the appropriate cable. If the current demand exceeds the rated load of the cable, a larger cable should be selected.
4. Other measures to avoid cable overload
4.1 Use overload protection devices
Overload protection devices (such as fuses and circuit breakers) are effective means to avoid overloading of wires. They can monitor the current and disconnect the circuit in time when the current is overloaded, protecting the cable from damage.
Fuse: A fuse is a simple protection device that can automatically melt and cut off the circuit when the current is overloaded.
Circuit breaker: A circuit breaker is a more reliable protection device that can automatically disconnect the circuit when the current is overloaded and restore power after the overload is removed.
4.2 Regularly check the electrical system
Cable overload is not only related to the current load, but also closely related to the operating status of the electrical equipment and the degree of aging of the cable. Regular inspection of the electrical system can detect potential overload hazards in time.
Check the appearance of the cable: Regularly check the appearance of the cable to ensure that there is no damage, aging or breakage. If the outer layer of the cable is damaged or the insulation layer is aged, it should be replaced in time.
Monitor the status of electrical equipment: Check the working status of the electrical equipment to ensure its normal operation and avoid long-term overload operation.
4.3 Reasonable wiring
Reasonable wiring can not only improve the safety of the electrical system, but also reduce the risk of cable overload. Avoid crossing and overlapping cables, and ensure that each cable has sufficient ventilation space to reduce overheating.
4.4 Avoid too many devices sharing the same circuit
Avoid connecting multiple high-power devices to the same circuit, especially when the total current exceeds the carrying capacity of the cable. If multiple devices need to run in parallel, it is best to lay out a separate circuit for each device.