Chasing and running cables

[DJDUNKY]

Hi Guys,

As posted in another thread I am about to embark on wiring a new kitchen before all worktops, carcasses etc are in.

My question is am I allowed to clip cables directly to the wall behind where the units will be then chase out only where needed to take to sockets, switches etc above the worktop?

Do I need to chase to 50mm? If I chase less than this do I need to protect the cables with capping etc or can they be plastered straight over if they are running horizontally and vertically from the switches, sockets etc.

I am just trying to get an idea of the work involved and to understand if I'm reading the regs correctly. (Got a copy of the OSG and guide to part P for electricans coming today)

 

[patricklondon]

am I allowed to clip cables directly to the wall behind where the units will be then chase out only where needed to take to sockets, switches etc above the worktop?
yes but not considered good practice

Do I need to chase to 50mm? If I chase less than this do I need to protect the cables with capping etc or can they be plastered straight over if they are running horizontally and vertically from the switches, sockets etc.
again capping is considered good practice, should always be horizontal and verticle from accessories, especially if less than 50mm from surface. if less than 50mm RCD protection is required which you would need if making any alteration to or adding new circuits anyway

 

[sparks1234]

If you put your boxes in the wall and then put plastic conduit down the wall to below worktop height then wait for the spread to do his bit. Then when you return put some minitrunking on the wall and push the cables through the conduit and as said before RCd protection

 

[Phil Mumford]

Lot of questions there......RCD protection is required for socket outlet circuits no matter what the depth of the cables as all socket outlets (unsupervised) under 20A must be protected by an RCD blah blah.

Nothing wrong with clipping cables direct unless they are prone to damage. At least the kitchen fitter has no excuses if he drills through a cable he can see !

Capping cables protects them from lime in cement (attacks the PVC sheath). As the above post says PVC conduit is good - never been able to afford it in my rewires though !

I would, personally, chase the full drop as it would be better job if chasing is required in parts anyway. If they are plastering over an existing wall then cap it (if you have the depth to play with). If they are going to dot and dab, just clip it.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Do not chase deep enough for your cables to be 50mm from the surface, you would be virtually cutting the wall in half.

 

[DJDUNKY]

Thanks all for your replies so far.

Wirepuller - that is exactly what I was thinking - >50mm seems a hell of a lot when doing an installation like this.

I realise that I have to come through a safe zone but then is it acceptable to run cables in the wall horizontally between accessories and then the safe zone then becomes a 150mm wide band running parallel with them? Same again running vertically down from worktop switches etc?