Cables and trunking

[ed-ectrician]

I was always led to believe throughout my time as a spark that when installing T+E cables in airing cupboards and cupboards under the stairs etc that are generally fairly inaccessible, you have to put the cables in PVC trunking (or similar) for extra mechanical protection, you can't just clip them to the wall. I was just thinking now, is there a regulation for this or is it just best practice? I have had a look in the BGB but can't find anything. I'm not great at finding things in that big b*stard of a book though!!

Generally, most things I have been told are for good reason so I follow them but sometimes I feel a bit dangerous and think for myself... I know it's bad and I shouldn't do it!

Thoughts?

Thanks

Ed

 

[stef]

Clipped direct to the wall is still an approved installation method in the BGB

 

[ed-ectrician]

I thought that meant when it was clipped to a joist or stud so inaccessible?

 

[Jonny66]

Think its 'good practice' as clipping direct is a installation method as stated above. IMO clipping direct in this instance looks unsightly and can be quite difficult in a confined space with all those wooden shelf things and pipe work. Sticky trunking is so much easier and looks so much better.

 

[ruston]

In areas of risk of mechanical damage you are required to add mechanical protection, but as Stef has said clipping direct is an acceptable method where no risk is contemplated.

 

[ed-ectrician]

Ruston, the sheath of T+E is mechanical protection though no?

- - - Updated - - -

Sorry, just read "areas of risk" - what does this mean when it's at home?!

 

[Robotstar5]

I'd go to the trouble of trunking it as it makes the job look more "professional"

 

[ruston]

Ruston, the sheath of T+E is mechanical protection though no?

- - - Updated - - -

Sorry, just read "areas of risk" - what does this mean when it's at home?!

Depends of the degree of risk you have assessed , for instance in your garage or home workshop. Have you seen bikes etc hanging from garage walls.

 

[DaveyD]

I was always led to believe throughout my time as a spark that when installing T+E cables in airing cupboards and cupboards under the stairs etc that are generally fairly inaccessible, you have to put the cables in PVC trunking (or similar) for extra mechanical protection, you can't just clip them to the wall. I was just thinking now, is there a regulation for this or is it just best practice? I have had a look in the BGB but can't find anything. I'm not great at finding things in that big b*stard of a book though!!

522.6.1 selected and errected to minimise the damage from mechanical stress eg impact, abrasion ... during install USE and maintanance. ....... I think it looks much better in trunking, but TBH the only thing I can think of that would cause impact or abrasion during use would be the loft ladder stick that usually ends up in there!

 

[Paul.M]

Trunking is not classed as machanical protection, its only for neatness but imho it give a bit of protection against knocks and bangs.

If protection is required you need to use pvc or steel conduit, whichever suits the location.

 

[DaveyD]

Trunking is not classed as machanical protection

Thank you for your correction Paul.

 

[HandySparks]

Trunking is not classed as machanical protection

Do you have any reference for this, Paul? I would have thought that for some applications, trunking would be quite good protection.

 

[Swicade]

I always use trunking in cupboards...not because of any regulation though just because i hate clipping direct as i personaly think it looks terrible.