connections in cavity wall

[macloon]

Hi everyone. Just started a job changing some lights over and behind 1 of the fittings, which is on an external wall with a cavit, they have placed a choc box with all connections in it, in the cavity. Was just wondering if this is ok to do and if it is acceptable in the regs as they may ant the board changed in which case it will come down to us to make sure all circuits are sound.
Any help would be much appreciated

 

[jpm646]

No not if it's connectors unless it's accessible ok if it has crimps or push fit connections I.e maintenance free

 

[Guitarist]

By "all connections", do you mean line/neutral/cpc in/out plus switch feed? Cables should only pass thro a cavity and if connected to another cable they should be enclosed and maintenance-free, as jpm says.
Get the JB out of the cavity and re-run cables or place a backbox on the inside with connections and a blanking plate.

 

[ringer]

Is there enough slack for the choc box be pulled out of the wall to access the terminals inside it? If so then it is accessible. Not good practice, but still accessible. Until they get cavity wall insulation, that is -

 

[imago]

Just bear in mind that you have to work to the building regulations as a whole, not just Part 'P'. Cables in wall cavities generally don't comply as they allow moisture and thermal penetration and bridging between the wall leaves.

 

[TPES]

they may ant the board changed in which case it will come down to us to make sure all circuits are sound.

If they want you to change the consumer unit then only the work you do needs to comply, make sure your consumer unit change is tip top, anything else in the house is not your problem

If I had to put right all the faults found in a house just because I changed the consumer unit i'd be a lot richer. As long as the work you do meets regulations, test results are ok and your work notified to LABC if needed then your covered, if there are other defects in the house the strongly recommend an EICR on your EIC

 

[TPES]

Just read your post again, if your changing fittings then again your work needs to comply, so connections buried in the cavity is a big no no.

 

[macloon]

its all connections, so feed, loop and switch line. All connections are inside a choc box which is sealed and can be pulled out to be easily worked upon. Trouble is they have all vaulted ceilings so cant re run the cables without some major work, as area is inaccesable

 

[Paul.M]

As said above it needs to be a maintenance free joint so crimp and heat shrink or use one of these

Then extend to the fitting so you comply with reg "all joints need to be accessible for I&T and maintenance".

 

[macloon]

yes sorry that is what I meant by choc box, the enclosure which has connector strip in it. Is this acceptable to have in cavity though?

 

[Guitarist]

That is a maintenance-free connector assembly, rather than screw terminal strip. The cables push in and so do not need accessing.

 

[brman]

but if the choc box is accessible behind the fitting then it doesn't have to be maintenance free.
Personally, if there is no sign of deterioration or corrosion on the existing connections (or signs the cable in the cavity is causing damp problems) then I would leave it as is but note that it isn't good practice on the cert.

Just my opinion though and it looks like others disagree with me......