Conduit used for mechanical protection only

[driverman]

What are your thoughts using metal conduit just for mechanical protection. In the past the regs said if a short piece of metal protection was used for just mechanical protection it needn't be earthed. The reason I ask is that I've just installed 2 x 20mm lengths flush side by side for the solar electrical cables from loft to inverter / mains position.
Each length 3.75m long. That possibly not a short length. I have installed an earth wire to loft space and will earth them using clamps. Just wondered though, is it really necessary to comply with 17th? Thanks

 

[Rockingit]

Depends on what cable is inside them. I would have said if sheathed then no, if singles then yes. However, if you draw an example from armoured cable, it's required to earth the armour irrespective of whether it's used as a cpc or not.

 

[shanky887614]

What are your thoughts using metal conduit just for mechanical protection. In the past the regs said if a short piece of metal protection was used for just mechanical protection it needn't be earthed. The reason I ask is that I've just installed 2 x 20mm lengths flush side by side for the solar electrical cables from loft to inverter / mains position.
Each length 3.75m long. That possibly not a short length. I have installed an earth wire to loft space and will earth them using clamps. Just wondered though, is it really necessary to comply with 17th? Thanks

have a look at earth couplers mate, even if you have to use a nipple in future.

its looks better imho.

 

[Andy78]

Any exposed conductive parts must be earthed. If it's not exposed it may not need earthing.

If it is to provide protection so you can avoid using RCD protection for cables buried less than 50mm then it must be earthed.

 

[driverman]

Depends on what cable is inside them. I would have said if sheathed then no, if singles then yes. However, if you draw an example from armoured cable, it's required to earth the armour irrespective of whether it's used as a cpc or not.

I know nothing about Solar wiring etc. The cable that will be in the conduit are those that come from the roof panels via their 2 x rotary isolation switches which are sited in the loft. The PVC sheath cable sizes are small in dia.

 

[Silly Sausage]

Why are you using metal tube?
Heavy duty PVC pipe would save you this earthing problem.

 

[shanky887614]

I know nothing about Solar wiring etc. The cable that will be in the conduit are those that come from the roof panels via their 2 x rotary isolation switches which are sited in the loft. The PVC sheath cable sizes are small in dia.

? so the inverter is downstairs?

most installs ive come across have the inverter in the loft, that way only one cable needs to go downstairs

 

[driverman]

have a look at earth couplers mate, even if you have to use a nipple in future.

its looks better imho.

Was going to use brass female bushes on conduit in loft. I did ask ay wholesalers for rubber female bushes (no jokes plz) that just slip on the end of the conduit, but they knew nothing about them. At other end the same or male bushes as coupler there already.

 

[driverman]

? so the inverter is downstairs?

most installs ive come across have the inverter in the loft, that way only one cable needs to go downstairs

Yes inverter going downstairs in cupboard where the consumer will be sited also.

 

[telectrix]

fit couplers and bushes to conduit. at 1 end fit banjos. then use the 6mm hole in the banjos for your earth terminal.

 

[driverman]

Why are you using metal tube?
Heavy duty PVC pipe would save you this earthing problem.

Solar people requested it. Conduit flush in corner of ground floor room rising in corner of bedroom above to loft.
Personally i would of fitted metal anyhow for better mechanical protection.

 

[driverman]

fit couplers and bushes to conduit. at 1 end fit banjos. then use the 6mm hole in the banjos for your earth terminal.

Conduit not being terminated anywhere. solar people just want conduit end in loft........and other open end in cupboard below. I did suggest Besa box.

 

[Silly Sausage]

Solar people requested it. Conduit flush in corner of ground floor room rising in corner of bedroom above to loft.
Personally i would of fitted metal anyhow for better mechanical protection.

Ah, hence your post in t'other thread!

 

[driverman]

Ah, hence your post in t'other thread!

ohhh yes. I forgot all about that. must learn how to look back on threads. At first i thought it was your sharp wit re thread / conduit. lol

 

[ayjay]

i don,t think steel conduit running down the bedroom wall will be acceptable to the home owner