data cable buried direct in concrete

[Thomas123]

I've been asked to look at a job (total shambles) they've given the other sparky the boot because of his poor workmanship. I've honestly never seen work so bad. one of the main issues is a load of floor boxes have been chased in, the data cabling has been buried direct in concrete, is there any issue with this providing the cables test ok? the concrete will not affect the cabling?

cheers

 

[buzzlightyear]

considering it PVC should be ok providing the data cables not damaged .
but any other no. should be in conduit .

 

[paul291277]

A scene from Breaking Bad springs to mind

 

[Wilko]

If I understand correctly - the concrete floor was in place, then the chase was made and the cables were cemented in?

 

[Thomas123]

If I understand correctly - the concrete floor was in place, then the chase was made and the cables were cemented in?

concrete floor was chased out, cables place in and then covered with concrete. Its rubbish, but if it all tests ok, i can let the builder know that the cables won't deteriorate in years to come?

 

[Wilko]

Probably the most hazardous period was when the cables were cemented in - risk of conductors being cut or insulation removed by a sharp bit of gravel. If it tests ok for continuity, insulation resistance and function now, it's probably going to be ok, but I wouldn't be putting a warranty on it. If construction is still in progress, perhaps float the idea of either running a backup conduit or even putting it right?

 

[jcs8215248]

What testing have you done to ensure the data cables are OK?

DC checks will only show that there is continuity and no short circuits but if they are data Cat 5e or Cat 6 cables there is a chance that the high frequency characteristics of the cable have been impaired. The chances of problems are very small and will, to an extent, depend on how long they are (standards for data networks allow up to 90 metres) but you might give a future IT person a headache if the data cable will not handle the data signals at 1 Gigabit data rates without errors (250 megabits per second down each of the 4 pairs). It would need specialised equipment to ensure that the cables were up to full specification.

 

[davesparks]

Even if it checks out ok now it will go wrong in time, whatever has been done to make good the chases in the concrete will move relative to the existing concrete and the fragile data cables will suffer.

 

[Thomas123]

any more advice guys? its a bit of a worry, vinyl flooring is going down next week. any more advice off anyone? looks like floor is coming up!

 

[buzzlightyear]

do not worry. it his not your fault if any thing arise at a later date is down to the builder .having you finish of somebody's mess. you can not guarantee that work.