Chasing ring main cable into wall - DIYer

[MTBOO]

Hi

We haves moved and new place has a bedroom with double plug socket in internal stud wall. There is a spur off this to another double socket which is mounted on (not in) adjoining wall but around a corner and about 3 metres away. However cable is protruding outside of side of first socket and tacked along skirting and then round corner to other wall mounted socket sitting just above skirting but housing is loose.

I want to chase along walls and bury existing cable and put the other socket into wall with double patress and wire it up.

Basically hide cable which will run about 5 to 10 cm above skirting along first wall, round corner then along to second socket.

Floor is not an option as horrible tongue and groove type board.

Is this allowed full stop and can I do this as a DIYer. Technically just rewrite of existing cable into new socket in wall?

 

[telectrix]

as long as you keep the cable horizontally, level with the 2 sockets ( no up and down parts of the run ) it will comply. 4 other considerations:
1. are you competent to isolate and make safe before starting
2. is the circuit RCD protected.
3. you need to know if the original socket is part of a ring final circuit, and if so, you can only have 1 outlet spurred off.
4. might be better to call in a local electrician. the circuit would then be tested to ensure your continuing safety.

 

[DPG]

One thing to bear in mind is whether the circuit has RCD protection - this may be the reason that the socket was added with surface-mounted wiring.

 

[DPG]

Tel bet me to it (and wrote a better reply). Doh.

 

[Rpa07]

And checked his spelling before posting (which is unusual for him)

Tel bet me to it (and wrote a better reply). Doh.

 

[Rpa07]

How about the ‘going around the corner’ bit as it won’t be horizontal between accessories making it thus a safe zone-age! I can’t think of a better way and if it’s an owned house then they only need to know.

 

[telectrix]

How about the ‘going around the corner’ bit as it won’t be horizontal between accessories making it thus a safe zone-age! I can’t think of a better way and if it’s an owned house then they only need to know.

will be safe zones. each socket gives the zone on each wall. if necessary could go up or down within 6" of the corner.

 

[Rpa07]

See without those big blue lines painted on your wall Tel, I wouldn’t look at that and see a horizontally chased cable. I would see two sockets vertical from above or below but then I would check with my checker thingy where most would not.
Can’t see many people hanging pictures that low.
How do you know it’s an internal angle, it may be external.

 

[telectrix]

See without those big blue lines painted on your wall Tel, I wouldn’t look at that and see a horizontally chased cable. I would see two sockets vertical from above or below but then I would check with my checker thingy where most would not.
Can’t see many people hanging pictures that low.
How do you know it’s an internal angle, it may be external.

in that case he could fit a wi-fi socket.

 

[DPG]

It would still be in zone for an external corner. The zone extends out in all 4 directions from any socket.

 

[Rpa07]

I guess zones are for electricians and no one else!

It would still be in zone for an external corner. The zone extends out in all 4 directions from any socket.

We’re the only ones that pay attention to it.

 

[telectrix]

kitchen fitters know about safe zones. they hardly ever miss cables with a drill.

 

[MTBOO]

Not sure about being part of a ring final circuit...assume it’s ok as it was already there.

Original socket is just above skirting. Spur will be slightly higher around 20 cm on other wall (to line up with others in room ) so chasing on first wall will slope up slightly say 20cm up over 2 metres .

Not RCD protected as CU is old wired fuse style but is being replaced soon

 

[Hoon]

Without completing the necessary tests you have no way of knowing if the work you complete is safe.
In fact you have no idea if the system your fitting it too is safe to start with.
So it’s a no I’m afraid.
Electricity kills
Get an electrician

 

[westward10]

No additional rcd protection then no. Cable ascending 20cm then no.