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

 

[Octopus]

What are the ceilings made of?

 

[dinger809]

What are the ceilings made of?

Concrete

 

[Octopus]

Concrete

That I doubt ... are you saying you will be installing a concrete ceiling below the cables?

 

[dinger809]

That I doubt ... are you saying you will be installing a concrete ceiling below the cables?

Apologies, I’ve fixed to is concrete, below the cables will be a mixture of gridded ceilings and plasterboard ceilings

 

[Octopus]

Apologies, I’ve fixed to is concrete, below the cables will be a mixture of gridded ceilings and plasterboard ceilings

Well ...... if the cables concerned are above the "gridded" ceiling, then I would say the building inspector is 100% correct.

If the cables concerned are above the plasterboard ceiling I would say the building inspector is a jobs worth........

 

[James]

If is I suspect, the job is running into the 1000’s of pounds, it’s probably easier to replace the ties as requested than it is to argue the point with the inspector.
Any issues he brings up as not complying will mean difficulty in getting the bill paid.
All for what £50 worth of steel ties?

What feels better, being right or being paid!!

 

[Dustydazzler]

On several jobs over the past few years sparks have alternated metal and plastic ties on sections of cable tray. Only to be told to cut off all the plastic ties and replace with metal ties.
What you save initially you then lose in time having to go round replacing all the plastic ties.
Just do all metal in the first place

 

[Leesparkykent]

Hi @dinger809 i would say you’ve achieved compliance. If it was me I would get the building inspectors email and send him the wording of the regulation, your schemes view on things and also your own opinion on how you’ve satisfied the requirements. If you jump to his tune then IMO it makes you look incompetent to your client.....Even though you aren’t. Worth a try IMO.

 

[ruston]

If is I suspect, the job is running into the 1000’s of pounds, it’s probably easier to replace the ties as requested than it is to argue the point with the inspector.
Any issues he brings up as not complying will mean difficulty in getting the bill paid.
All for what £50 worth of steel ties?

What feels better, being right or being paid!!

Both . I agree with @Leesparkykent .

 

[telectrix]

some jobsworth here. BI is a Dick.

 

[magnoliafan89]

It was designed before the 18th was the go to so surely it's fine?? Sounds a jobs worth.
Use the cable ties to hog tie him somewhere

 

[westward10]

November last year would have required suitable support on an escape route, a somewhat tenuous comment as there would be little scope for an area not deemed an escape route hence the change in the 18th Ed.

 

[Bellendian]

17th or 18th, metal fixings at 1500 centres would surely be compliant in terms of supporting cables to prevent entanglement. Agree that it's worth challenging the Inspector, if he's reasonable and presented with evidence he'll likely agree and gain a better understanding of the requirements. Very possible that he has simply heard that 'plastic clips are now illegal'

 

[johnduffell]

I would say it depends what would happen in a fire, if the plastic clips would melt and the cable would be slack it might hang down enough to snag firefighters. If the cable is taught enough from other fixings and where it goes through walls etc, then it should be fine. But i agree about the arguing thing, unless you are doing a lot of work with the same inspector maybe it isn't worth it.