Domestic wiring

[Vass]

OK, new rules say I should use metal boxes and rubber grommets

Can I cut channels horizontally and vertically, lay cable and plaster over ? or do we have to use metal sleeves, covers, trunking ?

anything else ?

thanks

[Andrew Gabriel]

Can't think of any changes to rules in this area, since probably around 1960.

Yes, providing the runs are only vertical and horizontal from visible wiring accessories, or run close to the corner between two walls or the wall and the ceiling.

I would suggest using oval trunking, as it means you can easily thread a new wire through if necessary, but it's not mandatory. Earthed metal conduit is required for any cable runs whose route doesn't conform to the rules above, unless it is buried more than

2" behind all wall surfaces.

[ARWadsworth]

But not from sockets to sockets which are just above the skirting. .

It should be mandatory for wall lights. You know that the existing cable will not long enough when you change them later (for HWMBO) and that little extra effort now will pay off later.

Adam

[Vass]

So my ring coming accross the ceiling will have do go down to a socket back up to the ceiling accross and down again to the next etc etc thats loads of cable and an increase in costs who can't I just go horizontal ?

[Andrew Gabriel]

I don't have the regs on me to check, but I think you are wrong. Horizontal wiring between these visible wiring accessories would be permitted. Running a recessed wire at skirting level which is not between visible wiring accessories would not be permitted.

[ARWadsworth]

I think I may agree with that. It is the way the OSG shows the picture of permitted cable routes that suggests otherwise (re the picture on page 53)

Adam

[MikeS]