Floating SWA house to garage

[robo83]

Been asked to add some sockets in a garage, the garage is supplied by a 2.5mm SWA which is Clipped up the wall of the house then crosses into the garage, about 800mm width and about 2.5meters up in the air.

Is this permitted? I can't see another way of supporting the cable.

 

[Octopus]

it may only be 800mm BUT I would support it with a catenary wire (and have done in the past)

 

[westward10]

It needs support because that distance will exceed the maximum recommended support intervals. As above catenary.

 

[robo83]

Perfect guys,

Thank you for the advice.

 

[mhar]

A call to the manufacturers would be in order to ask if the cable is self supporting and, if so, over what distance

 

[telectrix]

could it not be re-routed. out of house low level, buried for the 800mm then into garage?

 

[Nightmare1308]

Hi,
Not only does most cable manufacturers not permit it to be used in thease instances.
SWA doesn't have any rating to be hung/suspended in the air, due to the nature of the the cores inside being of a Class 2 quality?
Only reason I've been pulled before with NICEIC
Hope it helps.

 

[telectrix]

OP is in london. they got to have some aerial cable to hang their washing in those dog kennels they call houses.

 

[Nightmare1308]

Just to help,

Q & A of the Day – Is it OK to install multicore SWA cable hanging from a catenary wire? - http://www.voltimum.co.uk/articles/q-day-it-ok-install-multicore-swa-cable-hanging-catenary-wire

 

[Octopus]

Hi,
Not only does most cable manufacturers not permit it to be used in thease instances.
SWA doesn't have any rating to be hung/suspended in the air, due to the nature of the the cores inside being of a Class 2 quality?
Only reason I've been pulled before with NICEIC
Hope it helps.

Being suspended, and supported adequately by a catenary wire would prevent it from flexing ..... After all it's only 800 mm.

So as is, as described by the op, it would be prone to movement.... So by providing support you would be making the install better.

Just saying

 

[Nightmare1308]

I see what you are saying but reading what the manufacturer of a the bS number that cable is related to says it's made for "fixed" wiring.
But in true fashion it also then puts it back to designer.
Tbh when the new regs come out with Arc protection you will be covered anyway.
The reason I'm against it is my NICEIC assessor said it wasn't allowed.
800mm don't sound alot compared to my 1.5m when I installed it in the same method.
interesting still as I would of liked to leave it.

 

[Octopus]

The reason I'm against it is my NICEIC assessor said it wasn't allowed.

What reg did the NICEIC inspector use?

The NICEIC do NOT make the rules - but do like to MAKE UP rules to suit themselves.

 

[snowhead]

For 800mm, put a piece of timber across under the SWA and use cleats.
Or use a short piece of Unistrut or any other similar steel section

 

[Nightmare1308]

I agree there, just have to smile and wave.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I would use a length of 42mm Unistrut.
Run the SWA inside the channel if possible.