SWA to Garden Outbuilding

Giuliano Besenzi · Feb 16, 2019

Gents

I need to run 10mm SWA to building at the end of the garden, the electrician suggests clipping it direct to the fence concrete post which are solid enough and says is permissable as digging a trench is not an option. I am concerned about the UV issue, the support element as the posts are 6ft apart.

I have asked him could it be run in galvanised conduit as this would solve the UV and support problem but he says that he has never done this and is a waste of time.

Could I ask you guys for your opininion on this.
Thanks

chris day · Feb 17, 2019

I think you are overthinking this, SWA cable is designed to be installed outside, if the wooden slats between the concrete posts have a suitable wooden rail just clip to that.
If your fence is rotten replace your fence and go on as per the above.

Midwest · Feb 17, 2019

spinlondon said:
I would probably just lay the cable on the ground next to the fence.
No need to worry about fixing distances then.

sparksburnout said:
Exactly. Why make a drama out of it. I have done it like that loads of times, it's armoured cable, the clue is in the name. The original sparky obviously thought the same.

Why bother laying it next to the fence, just go line of sight from source to load across the lawn. Make a feature of it.

freddo · Feb 17, 2019

Install bare conductors overhead.

rolyberkin · Feb 17, 2019

Fix treated timber to the concrete posts using these
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Postfix®-Slotted-Concrete-Fence-Brackets/dp/B017GFSTFO/ref=pd_sbs_86_2/260-8809315-7937116?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B017GFSTFO&pd_rd_r=4db87f05-32ef-11e9-8be3-4b5a83f21e01&pd_rd_w=YsgVj&pd_rd_wg=cmFbR&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=YPRZJYPFVPJ1FM0CA6RF&psc=1&refRID=YPRZJYPFVPJ1FM0CA6RF
Then clip every 400mm using swa cleats, simple, now why did that take ~~four~~ five pages!?

sparksburnout · Feb 17, 2019

rolyberkin said:
Fix treated timber to the concrete posts using these
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Postfix®-Slotted-Concrete-Fence-Brackets/dp/B017GFSTFO/ref=pd_sbs_86_2/260-8809315-7937116?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B017GFSTFO&pd_rd_r=4db87f05-32ef-11e9-8be3-4b5a83f21e01&pd_rd_w=YsgVj&pd_rd_wg=cmFbR&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=YPRZJYPFVPJ1FM0CA6RF&psc=1&refRID=YPRZJYPFVPJ1FM0CA6RF
Then clip every 400mm using swa cleats, simple, now why did that take ~~four~~ five pages!?

It'll still look carp.

rolyberkin · Feb 17, 2019

[ElectriciansForums.net] SWA to Garden Outbuilding

Doesn't look that bad to me, although this didn't use the clips. Think we glued this one to the posts.

rolyberkin · Feb 17, 2019

Glue your wooden support with this and it is never coming off.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/evo-stik...0OkpNGP05vsLCJ2QPkhoCTa4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Midwest · Feb 17, 2019

sparksburnout said:
It'll still look carp.

Better than just chucking across the flowerbed like you've suggested.

sparksburnout · Feb 17, 2019

Midwest said:
Better than just chucking across the flowerbed like you've suggested.

I didn't say chuck it across the flowerbed, I was suggesting to lay it along the bottom of the fence and anchor it on each post so it is sitting on the surface, simple, job done.

Midwest · Feb 18, 2019

spinlondon said:
I would probably just lay the cable on the ground next to the fence.
No need to worry about fixing distances then.

sparksburnout said:
Exactly. Why make a drama out of it. I have done it like that loads of times, it's armoured cable, the clue is in the name. The original sparky obviously thought the same.

sparksburnout said:
I didn't say chuck it across the flowerbed, I was suggesting to lay it along the bottom of the fence and anchor it on each post so it is sitting on the surface, simple, job done.

Oh yes you did

dksanders · Feb 23, 2019

The OP has said there are concrete running boards between the concrete uprights. I would lay the cable on the ground or just above it and clip it to the running boards (no need for wood battens although if worried about drilling into the concrete then fix a wooden batten/board as shown above). The OP hasn't said how high his electrician was suggesting to run the cable, he may well have intended to lay it on the ground and clip it at the posts to keep it against the fence. That would be perfectly acceptable in my view and the cable would be fully visible to anyone about to go wielding a spade or garden fork.

Jjc · Feb 23, 2019

Judd said:
Your electrician has never installed galv conduit?

What size of conduit?

Jjc · Feb 23, 2019

Midwest said:
Oh yes you did

The blind leading the blind here is evident.

Pete999 · Feb 23, 2019

Judd said:
Your electrician has never installed galv conduit?

Seriously doubt if any of the current training establishments teach conduit installation

Norah Nabino · Feb 23, 2019

Giuliano Besenzi said:
Gents

I need to run 10mm SWA to building at the end of the garden, the electrician suggests clipping it direct to the fence concrete post which are solid enough and says is permissable as digging a trench is not an option. I am concerned about the UV issue, the support element as the posts are 6ft apart.

I have asked him could it be run in galvanised conduit as this would solve the UV and support problem but he says that he has never done this and is a waste of time.

Could I ask you guys for your opininion on this.
Thanks

Hi
How far apart are the posts ??
SWA cables can withstamd the UV

Giuliano Besenzi said:
Gents

I need to run 10mm SWA to building at the end of the garden, the electrician suggests clipping it direct to the fence concrete post which are solid enough and says is permissable as digging a trench is not an option. I am concerned about the UV issue, the support element as the posts are 6ft apart.

I have asked him could it be run in galvanised conduit as this would solve the UV and support problem but he says that he has never done this and is a waste of time.

Could I ask you guys for your opininion on this.
Thanks