The LINIAN guide to Twin and Earth cables and fixings.
Read the LINIAN guide to Twin and Earth cables and fixings to learn about twin and earth cables, applications, installation methods, and discover LINIAN's solutions for faster, safer, simpler T&E cable installations.
What is a T&E cable?
Twin and earth cable, often written as "T&E" and occasionally "T and E", is the generic term for twin and CPC (circuit protective conductor). The cables are flat, sheathed fixed mains electricity cables containing two or more insulated current-carrying conductors and an Earth connector. The sheathing on T&E cabling is made commonly from PVC and insulation and has a long life in the right conditions. Twin and Earth cabling can be affected by ultraviolet radiation, so this type of cabling is not intended for use outdoors in areas where it would be subject to regular sunlight as the UV light will cause the cable to fail. It should not be installed in areas where it will be subject to abuse or abrasion unless it is protected. T&E is often installed within trunking which protects the cable from water hazards and ingress and keeps the cable hidden and tidy.
What are the applications for T&E cables?
T&E cabling is available in a variety of different sizes for various applications.
- 1mm and 1.5mm T&E cabling - commonly used for lighting.
- 2.5mm T&E cabling - commonly used for domestic small power circuits.
- 4mm T&E cabling - used for domestic wiring of radial power circuits.
- 6mm T&E cabling - used for domestic wiring of radial power circuits such as cookers
- 10mm T&E cabling - commonly used for shower circuits.
Do T&E cables need to comply with 18th Edition Regulations?
Yes! T&E cables must be physically supported at regular intervals. The 18th Edition wiring regulations (Amendment 1) states that ALL cables must be supported to prevent premature collapse, not just those in escape routes.
T&E cable installation methods
The most common methods of fixing T&E cables include nail-in clips and shot-fired fixings.
- Nail-in clips feature two components: a hook that holds the cable and a nail that secures it to the substrate. Nail-in clips have hooks that are often made from plastic, which can suffer from UV damage and can melt in the event of a fire, causing the cable to be released. There are metal nail-in clip options on the market, which do offer protection in the event of a fire, but these are often unsightly and can rust.
- Shot-fired nails require an expensive and dangerous shot-fire fastening gun to install. This method is very fast, as the clips are installed at high pressure. However, due to the rapid-fire method, there is a potential risk of injury to the installer, and also a potential risk of damage to the cable as the shot fire clips can scratch the sheathing, or even pierce the cable.
Methods such as an All Round Band or stainless-steel cable ties can be used when T&E cables need to be banded together in a group.
Is there a better way to install T&E cables?
Yes! At LINIAN, we provide a solution that offers significant advantages over both these methods: The LINIAN T&E Clip™. LINIAN clips do not require any special tools and are fire-rated, safe, cost-effective, and easy to install.
What are LINIAN T&E Clips™?
LINIAN T&E Clips™ are single-component UV stable, fire-rated fixings, designed specifically for twin, CPC cabling and PVC trunking. Suitable for all substrates, they provide a robust fixing designed to support an impressive tensile load of 24kg. The patented design includes barbed legs which grip the substrate for a secure hold and a closed head loop that neatly encloses the cable.
LINIAN T&E Clips™ provide a neat, easy and versatile fixing method that eradicates the need for screws, plugs and plastic. With LINIAN T&E Clips™, the installer can anchor fixings for wire safely and form a bend in the cable without having to remove the cable clip to do so. LINIAN T&E Clips™ are fire-rated, tested in temperatures up to 1200° and will not melt like traditional methods. LINIAN clips are also UV stable and salt-spray tested, suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
Installers can also use LINIAN T&E Clips™ with stainless steel cable ties to safely secure groups of T&E cables.
Find out more here.
How do LINIAN T&E Clips™ work?
Simply drill a hole (6mm for T&E Clips™), wrap the clip around the cable, insert it into the hole, job done! You can tap the clip in with a soft hammer if preferred.
LINIAN T&E Clips™ can also be used within trunking. Simply drill the hole through the trunking, wrap the clip around the cable and insert directly into the trunking. The LINIAN T&E clip™ will secure the trunking to the wall, saving the installer from having to install additional screws to support the trunking.
LINIAN clips are designed to provide a lasting fix, however, they can be removed with the use of standard carpenter's pincers.
What size LINIAN T&E Clips™ are available?
LINIAN produce T&E clips™ in both Grey, and White colour options, in a range of sizes to perfectly fit the cable for a neat and tidy finish.
T&E clips™ are available to suit cable diameters:
- 7mm x 4mm (1mm T&E Clip™)
- 9mm x 5mm (1.5mm T&E Clip™)
- 10mm x 5mm (2.5mm T&E Clip™)
- 13mm x 6mm (4mm T&E Clip™)
- 14mm x 7mm (6mm T&E Clip™)
- 18mm x 9mm (10mm T&E Clip™)
Thanks to LINIAN’s state-of-the-art in-house coating plant, additional custom colours can be produced. Minimum order quantities and lead times may apply.
Where can I purchase LINIAN T&E Clips™?
LINIAN T&E Clips™ are available to purchase directly through the LINIAN e-commerce site and official LINIAN online resellers. They are also available through LINIAN’s network of wholesalers across the UK and Ireland including CEF, Edmundson Electrical, and many other national and independent electrical wholesalers.
Order now, or try a mini sample pack today!
