Feed to flat in escape route - best option?

[Dartlec]

I have a job coming up where I likely need to replace old twin and earth (imperial size) feeding one, perhaps two flats in a 3 storey converted building.

The ground floor is a separate front entrance, the upper flats have a side entrance with stairwell, which is protected with smoke and EL, though not sure if a FRA exists, or if it counts as a protected escape route (there is an external metal staircase as well).

The current T&E is buried in the wall, but for ease/cost I'd like to surface mount from the meters (under the stairs at ground level) and up to the flat.

My current thinking is SWA surface clipped with Dline or Linian clips. Obviously there will be a suitable fuse in the meter cupboard to protect the run.

Anyone see an issue with that and feel an alternative is better or required (steel trunking for example)? I haven't worked with steel conduit or MICC so would rather this wasn't the job to start on...

If I go with SWA, should I be sourcing BS 7846 fire resistant cabling? If so, anyone know of a wholesaler that sells it by the metre?

 

[timhoward]

If it's not defined as such in a Fire Risk Assessment, then it's not a protected escape route.
And you've got until 27 September before you must work to Amendment 2.

I know what you mean but this is one area where I think A2 is actually better!

 

[Dustydazzler]

I still would go for large galv trunking

It looks nice , it meets all the pre collapse escape plan stuff and it is not that expensive

 

[UNG]

I was thinking surface mounted for most of the run, just the bit that passes through the wooden staircase in something. With a small van and just me I'd prefer not to fiddle with metal trunking, though may be that I need to bite the bullet and go for it...

Cost is certainly an issue since it's a joint freehold place so everyone has to agree.

Does your wholesaler not deliver although if you can't get it in your van then it goes on the roof rack

 

[Dartlec]

Does your wholesaler not deliver although if you can't get it in your van then it goes on the roof rack

Don't have a roof rack because I need to fit under 2m for underground car parks sometimes. Might see if they can deliver, otherwise need to find places that sell them in 2m lengths, but will definitely investigate it as an option.

 

[UNG]

Don't have a roof rack because I need to fit under 2m for underground car parks sometimes. Might see if they can deliver, otherwise need to find places that sell them in 2m lengths, but will definitely investigate it as an option.

I have a Thule roof rack that I can fit quickly when needed and removed just as quick when not needed to help keep the fuel consumption and noise down

 

[pc1966]

Don't have a roof rack because I need to fit under 2m for underground car parks sometimes. Might see if they can deliver, otherwise need to find places that sell them in 2m lengths, but will definitely investigate it as an option.

I have found the wholesale houses here are happy to deliver stuff in the local region. Both Edmundson and Holland House have delivered trunking, conduit, big reels of cable, etc, to our site for free as none of us have a van or even estate car, and that is about 10 miles away from the Dundee warehouses.