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Electrical
Should cable have been trunked?
Hi,
We have just had a rewire of our house. The electrician has plastered over the chasing but the job was poor so I have removed it. Upon doing so I uncovered a meter or so of cable not in metal trunking (picture available if that helps), this was below about 15-20mm of plaster.
1. Is this safe?
2. Is this legal within the regs?
Any advice is really appreciated and should I call the electrician out to trunk this cable?
Thank you.
5 Answers from MyBuilder Electricians
Best Answer
London • Member since 31 Jan 2017 • 67 jobs, 100% positive feedback
Hi, this is a common concern with clients. So long as the cable is double sheathed ie.twin and earth (the grey stuff) and on an RCD protected circuit then the regulations state it does not need to be the required 50mm minimum depth. Due to improved safety measures along with time and cost metal containment within domestic installations is very rarely ever done nowadays except for very special circumstances.
Answered 5th Mar 2017
Grimsby • Member since 13 Jan 2015 • 68 jobs, 100% positive feedback
As long as the cables are RCD protected then no need for any capping etc in the first place. And as you have had it rewired I'm guessing they are. So it's ok.
Answered 5th Mar 2017
Greenford • Member since 9 Aug 2016 • 68 jobs, 100% positive feedback
It would generally be regarded as good practice especially where multiple trades are working on site and there is risk of cables being damaged/severed. It can save cost, hassle and downtime if such measures are practiced.
Answered 5th Mar 2017
Sandford • Member since 28 Feb 2017 • 66 jobs, 100% positive feedback
Well this is going to be controversial and I can already hear the opposition, because 1st of all the regs are not statutory so it can't be illegal.
2nd the cables are covered in trunking/capping as much to hold the cables in place and protect from other trades.
Most of us have been told as apprentices to always cover the cables in capping and we do without thinking about why we do it.
So it is safe and it isn't illegal - yes as long as it is covered in something that protects it then it is safe from mechanical damage, it might not be best practice.
Answered 5th Mar 2017
Bridlington • Member since 2 Nov 2015 • 50 jobs, 100% positive feedback
Agree with most of what has been said. It is more a case of good practise rather than illegal as there is nothing legal about the regs! The installation either complies or it doesn't . RCD protection is the key factor which if it was a rewire hopefully you have. One point I would add is that if the cable is housed in a protective cover be it plastic or metal it makes the next rewire that little bit easier.
Answered 8th Mar 2017
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