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Chimney & Fireplace

Using chimney breasts to run cables upstairs to opposite side of house

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 2.56 PM

We have an old 1920s terrace house with two chimneys which serve four disused fireplaces. There's one in the living room, dining room, master bedroom and second bedroom. I want to run a cable from the living room to the second bedroom. The fireplaces in these rooms are served by different chimney breasts. I don't want to chase cables or have trunking up walls so I figure the best option will might be to use the disused chimney breasts. The plan is to drill a hole into each chimney breast from the loft and then drop each end of the cable through the holes. I then want to drill a large core hole in the side of each chimney breast near the floor in the living room and second bedroom to retrieve each end of the cable. My question is, is this possible and what issues might I run into? Thanks!

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1 Answer

Anonymous user

Hi, You should not do this as it does no comply with the electrical regulations. All cable runs should be adequately supported throughout their vertical and horizontal length. Dropping a cable down the chimney will no fixing or support will cause undue stress on the top bend. Damaged can also be done to the cable as you pull it down the chimney and this could lead to exposed conductors in the open chimney which will leave you with a dangerous electrical installation. The best way to run cables in your home is to use the two methods you describe in your question, which is to chase them in or to run them on the surface,that way you know your electrical installation is as safe as you can make it. I hope this helps.

Answered27 April 2018