Cables through walls, not in them.

JamesBrownLive · Oct 30, 2011

Am I correct in thinking that the requirement for RCD protection for cables that are <= 50mm deep, does not apply to cables that simply go though a wall horizontally, from one side to another?

If so, are there limitations to exactly how horizontal the cable must be, or could you for example have a slightly downward trajectory (10 deg) and still be within the rules?

Cheers

malcolmsanford · Oct 30, 2011

I would look at it as, is there a possibility that someone would ever be able to damage that cable by a screw or nail ...................if you feel there isn't then yes as the designer you could omit that additional protection .

I think the word "conceal" from reg 522.6.6 is the driving factor for RCD protection.

DurhamSparky · Oct 30, 2011

ensure you have some form of protection (metal) to stop bricks/masonary/other objetcs from damaging/crushing the cables in the event of a bit of movement

D Skelton · Oct 30, 2011

Nothing wrong with a bit of wonky trajectory. My cables always end up coming out the other side of the wall where they wern't supposed to be

DurhamSparky · Oct 30, 2011

i once popped out a wall scortching the outer pvc sheath of the DNO incomer!!

was suppose to be about 20cm away from it!!

johnboy6083 · Oct 30, 2011

Agree with malc, and Durham. I usually drill a 25mm hole and knock some plastic tube through it. Usually there is an accessory that the cable goes into covering the hole, and if anybody drills through that, they deserve the belt!