Joining cables behind plaster

[mmax6870]

Hi All,

Can anyone throw some light on best practice for extending cables, which will be buried within plaster?

For example: If a SSO is mounted halfway down a wall and a customer requires it to be lower (in-line with other sockets in the room), what is the preferred method in completing this with minimal disruption?

I would say, where possible, pull out existing cable/s up to ceiling void, fit JB and install new longer cable to desired location. However, what should be done if you cannot get access to the ceiling void?

I have not been able to find any definative answer which meets all regs.

Just completing yr 2 level 2 of C&G2330 so I am trying to get little issues like this resolved before I get out to do my NVQ L3. Any help would be most appreciated.

Cheers

 

[billy110]

I too am a Wago box fan and get them from CEF, always in stock. Speed install times up, kinder to the cable and generally tidies up the job.

 

[Jason Smith]

Am off to CEF to findout what a wago box is.

 

[pennywise]

A wagobox

Junction Box

 

[lister]

ask your nic man, he is more then happy with solder, heatshrink then plaster in. happy days.

 

[Jason Smith]

Pennywise and Lister thanks, knowledge = happy no stress. Cant get your link to work pennywise still gotta pick up bits from cef in the morning so will ask them to save you going to any more trouble mate.

 

[pennywise]

Just put it into google m8 its the first hit they have their own website.

 

[Jason Smith]

Sorted !! like the vid on u tube too. Ta M8 .

 

[skirby]

Wago and wagobox are my favorite.
You can order a free sample from their website.

Some information on maintenance free connections is at Maintenance Free Connections

 

[timo]

Thanks guys

It is interesting that there is no definative reg on this, as I am sure it crops up loads. (The example I gave was simply a possible situation I may be faced with at some point).

Jason, I am very interested in the Ashley JB you mentioned and would be grateful of more info if you have any. Also, if JB's are no longer allowed to be positioned where they are not accessible, are there any other suppliers that offer neat solutions?

Interestingly my tutor at college says he would never crimp hard drawn cable either but use a connector instead. I suppose the down side to that is, it would be significantly larger and therefore require deeper recess to plaster over (should you decide to).

It would be good to hear what NIC, Elesca etc have to say on this issue.

Thanks again for your help and I will post again, if I receive 'official' guidelines!

Cheers

MMAX, Big red book - Page 106, Reg 526.3 part 4

You cant put a connector block into plaster. Terminsal with scres etc need to be accessable for inspection.

The above reg tells you eveything you need to know mate.

 

[mmax6870]

Again, thanks for all the responses.

Wago boxes and connectors are great, I got some from the Elex exhibition last year and need to get some more!

Any product that the manufacturers state can be used within plastered walls must be a winner. I will follow all the links forwarded to me and let you all know if I find anything of interest.

Lister - If soldering and heatshrink are acceptable methods according to your NIC man, do you know if they have anything in writing to confirm?

Timo thanks for the 'RED BOOK' info. I think this will be my next purchase, as I will need it for next year anyway.

Cheers

 

[dufjax]

Lister - If soldering and heatshrink are acceptable methods according to your NIC man, do you know if they have anything in writing to confirm?

It's in the regs 526.3(iv) Every connection shall be accessible for inspection, testing and maintenance, except for the following.

(iv) A joint made by welding, soldering, brazing or appropriate compression tool


Although you will have to check your PL because most standard policies won't insure brazing or welding

Jim

 

[mmax6870]

Thanks Dufjax,

Seems mad that the regs are written to improve safety but the insurance companies do not recognise that eh?

Red Book on order, so will refer to it when it arrives. Great bedtime reading I bet?

Cheers

 

[dufjax]

Thanks Dufjax,

Seems mad that the regs are written to improve safety but the insurance companies do not recognise that eh?

Red Book on order, so will refer to it when it arrives. Great bedtime reading I bet?

Cheers

I think it's to do with you burning the place down and not the electrical safety aspect of brazing.

Jim

 

[DurhamSparky]

hmm buring the place down! surely not with welding!!


always remember my section Petty Officer on the Sub asking me to follow him while he did a spot of welding on a pipe flange!!

he must have been going 2..3 seconds before he had the lagging well alight and smoking!!

i have never discharged as many Fire Ex's in such quick succession!


i was rewarded with the job of refilling/charging and keeping my mouth shut!!

oh the royal navy was such good fun!!

 

[mmax6870]

I think it's to do with you burning the place down and not the electrical safety aspect of brazing.

Jim

I see your point Jim.