galv conduit in bathroom

[grumpyjohn01]

Hi all, just canvassing opinion re the use of galv conduit in a special location ie bathroom. Cant think of any particular reason why not, my main q being, what could the IP rating be considered as if it were to pass through zones 2 or even 1? I mean a continuous run with no joints through zone 1 surely must be fine? but would IP requirements be met for say an end box mounted luminaire in zone 2? The rest of the flat is being done in galv as an aesthetic request by client (!) and because all floors walls and ceilings are in precast reinforced concrete or engineering brick with no plaster being applied. Thoughts please!! cheers John

 

[chopper76]

Why would you pass a cable management system through zone1 if it has no reason or is operating in there?

 

[grumpyjohn01]

you probably wouldnt..if you had a choice but the flat is an odd layout and a conversion from a commercial building and I am not sure what the containment layout will look like yet, so I am just throwing out some possibilities .. I will avoid it entering zone 1 if at all possible but a luminaire in zone 2 is pretty likely

 

[somersetsparks]

it is fine, just use gaskets on boxes etc. Why not pass it through zone 1 if it is aesthetically pleasing? it is an earthed metallic system.

 

[grumpyjohn01]

My thoughts too somerset, just was curious as to what the IP rating could be considered as. Also it is possible the client will want a shower circuit wired in this way so the containment up to the shower will be in zone 1 potentially with threaded joints unless I can figure a way to enter the enclosure without a threaded joint.

 

[spark 68]

You are allowed to run metal containment through all zones whether they are supplying equipment in the zones or not, the IP ratings for the various zones are given in 701.512.2 .

Be aware though, they (metal containment) must be included in any supplementary bonding arrangement, or bonded back to the MET where supplementary may be omitted (RCD, MPB etc...etc.).

 

[ian.settle1]

Why would you pass a cable management system through zone1 if it has no reason or is operating in there?

Didn't think you where allowed to run cables through a zone 0 or 1 if they are not for equipment in those zones or am I getting mixed up with something else?

 

[Andy78]

I think the conduit should be fine for a ceiling fitting in zone 1 or 2, after all, metal conduit systems are used externally. The shower might be a pain, but you could enter from below with a nice decorative formed U bend. IPX4 should be acheived by a properly made threaded joint, but I don't mind being corrected on this.

I would make sure of no exposed threads, possibly use PTFE tape on the threads to help seal, use galv spray/paint round the joints to help prevent the inevitable rust, and seal entries with waterseal compound.

Sounds like an interesting install to do, let us know how it goes.

 

[spark 68]

Didn't think you where allowed to run cables through a zone 0 or 1 if they are not for equipment in those zones or am I getting mixed up with something else?

Nothing stopping you, so long as they are suitable for the environment, minimum IP ratings etc. see reg 701.512.2 for suitable IP ratings, GN7 is where it says you can run the metal containment through.

 

[Guest55]

Be aware though, they (metal containment) must be included in any supplementary bonding arrangement, or bonded back to the MET where supplementary may be omitted (RCD, MPB etc...etc.).

nice call !

IP4X

Bang on the money.


Properly constructed steel conduit is at least IP44 , more than adequate for a domestic bathroom.
and you can bet your bottom dollar that prison / military shower areas are done in steel conduit ;-)

 

[Stroppy]

Wouldn't PTFE'ing the joints compromise the earth continuity (if being used as the CPC) or the bonding continuity?

 

[Robson689]

Wouldn't PTFE'ing the joints compromise the earth continuity (if being used as the CPC) or the bonding continuity?

You could PTFE the top half of the thread and leave the bottom half clear, that would keep the continuity and stop water getting in (I think??)

 

[somersetsparks]

You could PTFE the top half of the thread and leave the bottom half clear, that would keep the continuity and stop water getting in (I think??)

just do them up properly, they will be suitably water tight, do not ptfe, you could use flange couplers on the ends and put some sort of rubber/fiberous washer under them to go into shower.

 

[Andy78]

Aye, point taken on the PTFE tape. was just thinking about additional sealing.

 

[grumpyjohn01]

The shower might be a pain, but you could enter from below with a nice decorative formed U bend. IPX4 should be acheived by a properly made threaded joint, but I don't mind being corrected on this.

I would make sure of no exposed threads, possibly use PTFE tape on the threads to help seal, use galv spray/paint round the joints to help prevent the inevitable rust, and seal entries with waterseal compound.

Sounds like an interesting install to do, let us know how it goes.

kind of what I was thinking, will have to examine the unit & suss out a reasonable way. Am actually looking forward to this one , have done plenty of metal munching on other jobs will be a laugh to do a domestic like this

 

[Adam W]

If you can use it outdoors I don't see why you can't use it in a bathroom.

 

[grumpyjohn01]

Oh & BTW anyone got a bender for sale?? haha

- - - Updated - - -

No really I need one

 

[Stroppy]

Aye, point taken on the PTFE tape. was just thinking about additional sealing.

Good Lord, I actually had a good idea! I need a sit-down after that. Oh I am sitting down. Bugger...

 

[Engineer54]

For galvanised conduit to be used in a domestic setting like this, it'll need to be a top notch installation, to be as you say ''Aesthetically Pleasing''!! So i hope your containment and measurement skills are up to the job. lol!! I can see it being a real ball buster getting this type of installation right. What you need to try and avoid, is any conduit crossovers... Wish you luck!! lol!!

 

[Stroppy]

I'm not sure the patrons of the bondage dungeon are going to be too fussed over the quality of the conduit work.