Anything suitable for use as mechanical protection for swa run on the ground?

[brman]

I was at a customer's last week and he asked me to repair some SWA that had been attacked with a spade. The trouble being that is loads of the stuff running round his garden, just sitting on the ground. Some can be either buried properly or lifted onto a fence or wall but there is one section amongst some trees and shrubs where it doesn't look practical to bury it or get it off the ground so it might have to stay on the ground. The guy has already started to try to bury it but it doesn't look like he will get it more than 6 inches down which I reckon is worse than visible on the surface.

So, my questions is: is there anything (other than a pipe) that would give a bit of additional mechanical protection and make it more obvious there is something there? I was thinking of something like trunking but haven't found anything suitable.

 

[Knobhead]

This may sound daft. Spray it with florescent orange paint.
Simple and cheap!

 

[i=p/u]

or no one should be digging anywhere without speaking to him first

 

[brman]

This may sound daft. Spray it with florescent orange paint.
Simple and cheap!

I like that idea! Simple but affective.... The only thing I would worry about is how well the paint will last 10 years.

No one digs this garden apart from the owner but that didn't stop some damage (albeit minor) to the cable already. The trouble with swa is that even a minor cut to the plastic sheath can allow the armour to start corroding - evident in this case.

If no-one suggests anything better I am tempted to propose some plastic waste pipe, half buried to be only just visible on the surface. It will be pretty tough (withstand a spade anyway) and visible without being an eyesore. If we use 4" there is plenty of space if he wants more cables to his garage in the future

 

[Tris Zanker]

spose you could dig it in 4 inch ish and put some 2 inch cable tray over the top and then back fill.

 

[benji]

how about a catinery

 

[ipf]

Black pvc conduit ? it's pretty solid stuff. Even flexible is better than nothing.

 

[Marvo]

If it's laying on the surface then use Tony's idea of orange paint. Once it's all bright orange take a pile of photos so if they bury it you still have a reference of where it will be.

 

[joe j]

Wrap it in 'cable marking' tape? Does what it says on the tin!

 

[lamb]

I would bury it. If only six inches is possible, thats fine. Direct over the cable protect it with plain roof tiles laid one by one (a fiver per pack of 16), then backfill with sand which is a different colour from the surrounding soil, then some warning tape right below the surface.
Obviously repair any damage to the sheath first. I prefer to do this by using a joint shell and fill with resin, but you could use self amalgamating tape.

 

[killeen]

I would bury it. If only six inches is possible, thats fine. Direct over the cable protect it with plain roof tiles laid one by one (a fiver per pack of 16), then backfill with sand which is a different colour from the surrounding soil, then some warning tape right below the surface.
Obviously repair any damage to the sheath first. I prefer to do this by using a joint shell and fill with resin, but you could use self amalgamating tape.

Good advice this, similar to what i do myself

 

[Guitarist]

Why not use flexible (a bit like 25mm water pipe) black swa ducting pipe? Hard as nails and perfect for laying on the surface with the cable inside.

 

[brman]

Thanks guys, looks like a bit of pipe is going to be the best bet. I'll wrap it in some cable marking tape just so it is clear what is going on.