Building Inspector/18th Edition

[telectrix]

some jobsworth here. BI is a Dick.

 

[magnoliafan89]

It was designed before the 18th was the go to so surely it's fine?? Sounds a jobs worth.
Use the cable ties to hog tie him somewhere

 

[westward10]

November last year would have required suitable support on an escape route, a somewhat tenuous comment as there would be little scope for an area not deemed an escape route hence the change in the 18th Ed.

 

[Bellendian]

17th or 18th, metal fixings at 1500 centres would surely be compliant in terms of supporting cables to prevent entanglement. Agree that it's worth challenging the Inspector, if he's reasonable and presented with evidence he'll likely agree and gain a better understanding of the requirements. Very possible that he has simply heard that 'plastic clips are now illegal'

 

[johnduffell]

I would say it depends what would happen in a fire, if the plastic clips would melt and the cable would be slack it might hang down enough to snag firefighters. If the cable is taught enough from other fixings and where it goes through walls etc, then it should be fine. But i agree about the arguing thing, unless you are doing a lot of work with the same inspector maybe it isn't worth it.

 

[dinger809]

Hi all. Thanks for the replies. Should have added, the concrete slab is 3.6m above ffl. The cables are run around the edge of rooms, stabbing out to light fittings.

I’ve tried explaining the regs to the BI, but to no avail. Even the client thinks he’s just being bloody minded.

Unfortunately, I think we are all going to have a lot more of this and as with all regulation changes, our costs are going to increase.

On a bright note, it’s a one off job south of London, 50 miles from home. So I won’t have to deal with him again

Thanks again for the input

 

[Great68]

It may have been in the specification of the job & not just the regs, whatever way the inspector may have said it.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

My understanding, is that the Regulations require us to prevent premature collapse of cables.
For many years now, I have been using metal ties about a meter apart, or every third tie.

I am not aware of there being a requirement for every fixing to be metal.

 

[cliffed]

Is that all he’s got to worry about,looking @ some of the sparkies out there,they ought to have metal ties round their feet,stop them working ha ha

 

[The Ghost]

521.10.202 Wiring systems shall be supported such that they will not be liable to premature collapse in the event
of a fire.
NOTE 1: Wiring systems hanging across access or egress routes may hinder evacuation and firefighting activities.
NOTE 2: Cables installed in or on steel cable containment systems are deemed to meet the requirements of this regulation.
NOTE 3: This regulation precludes, for example, the use of non-metallic cable clips or cable ties as the sole means of support
where cables are clipped direct to exposed surfaces or suspended under cable tray, and the use of non-metallic cable
trunking as the sole means of support of the cables therein.
NOTE 4: Suitably spaced steel or copper clips, saddles or ties are examples that will meet the requirements of this regulation.