Building Inspector/18th Edition

[dinger809]

Hi all, I had the following situation arise and was just wondering what others’ views were

Doing a new build, started November last year. Although done tray and basket, I’ve run some cables a short distance across ceilings using cables ties. I’ve used metal fixings, nailed in with a Spit gun, but used alternate metal and plastic cables ties, every 750mm, done purely to keep costs reasonable.

I’ve been told to replace all the plastic ties with metal, as it doesn’t comply with the regs. Even though it was designed last year.

CPS helpline says I’m more than complying. And reg 521.10.202 in 18th edition doesn’t say you can’t use plastic, just they can’t be sold means of support.

Just wondered what others think and if anyone has had similar experiences.

Thanks in advance

 

[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.

 

[dinger809]

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.

Which is exactly what I’ve told him. He states that “suitably spaced” means with gaps as per regs and mustn’t be plastic.

I know I’m right, but it is difficult to argue with someone that has a little knowledge and won’t listen

 

[James]

If you want to argue the point with him, just cut the plastic ties off.
This will leave suitably spaced metal ties only?

 

[The Ghost]

Well If he insisted that was the case, I would get from him in writing his insistence at alteration of an installation. Also his reasoning and suggest the installation must be certified by him as he is materially altering a circuit??? Ok maybe not but I would get him to sign and state reasons for altering the installation.