Mechanical Protection of Main Earth

[Piratepete]

Hi Guys
I have to install an 80 Amp supply to a new CU in a Church extension 22 metres from the main Dis Board. The route follows the back of the church generally hidden under pews all surface mounted. I do have to feed it through an 800mm stone wall.

I could use a 3 core 16sqmm SWA XLPE cable, but this size is going to be a sod to deal with.

The alternative is to use 16sqmm tails (or even T&E) with a seperate 16sqmm earth wire alongside. In this situation do I need to provide any protection to the Earth conductor?

Cheers
Pete

 

[BlueToBits]

MICC. Many church authorities insist on it as it is required in the specification "Wiring of churches". It's a pretty old (1997?) specification, but they still use it. ISBN 9780715175712.

 

[Engineer54]

It's the church insurers that tend to stipulate MICC, and the church authorities that implement the insurers requirements. MICC is generally the cable of choice on the older/ancient type churches. They are not as strict on the more modern buildings. Just as well to enquire before anyone undertakes work on church properties.

Please tell me you were just kidding about installing T&E in an older church?? Whatever cable system you use that does not have a metal sheath will need some sort of mechanical protection, be it conduit or other form of containment.

 

[Piratepete]

Please tell me you were just kidding about installing T&E in an older church?? Whatever cable system you use that does not have a metal sheath will need some sort of mechanical protection, be it conduit or other form of containment.

2L16 MICC ££££ Ouch! Will ask. SWA has been verbally specified! I don't normally do churches - this is a volunteer job in my village. All the wiring in the new annex is going to be T&E (hidden). I was just musing about making the main supply T&E. As I indicated at the beginning, it wouldn't be seen. On the subject of conduit, I've seen some pretty ugly conduit installations over the years. But, old churches weren't designed with electrics in mind, were they?!

Ta
Pete

 

[Engineer54]

2L16 MICC ££££ Ouch! Will ask. SWA has been verbally specified! I don't normally do churches - this is a volunteer job in my village. All the wiring in the new annex is going to be T&E (hidden). I was just musing about making the main supply T&E. As I indicated at the beginning, it wouldn't be seen. On the subject of conduit, I've seen some pretty ugly conduit installations over the years. But, old churches weren't designed with electrics in mind, were they?!

Ta
Pete

No, they weren't, and is another reason why MICC is the cable of choice on the older/ancient type churches, as it will blend in with the structure far better than any other equivalent wiring system. The added bonus being that a well installed MICC installation will out last any other cable system on the market, and could well be giving Stirling service a 100+ years down the line!!

 

[yellowvanman]

Salisbury Doicese requirements are:

The wiring systems permitted are as follows:-
Mineral-insulated metal sheathed cables.
Cables drawn into steel conduit or trunking.
Cables drawn into heavy-gauge high impact plastic conduit.
FP200 Gold at high level or protected against mechanical damage at low level
Steel Wired Armored Cable (SWA/LSF)
Any new wiring or additions to the existing wiring installation must follow these criteria regardless of the type and installation method of the existing wiring.
PVC T&E wiring and mini plastic trunking are not appropriate materials to use in churches.

The choice of a wiring system is made against a background of many varied criteria. Safety is of vital importance, but there are other criteria too, including durability, good value for money, and how the installation looks in the context of the building.

 

[BlueToBits]

Pete. If it's a volunteer job then it shouldn't be a problem if they are supplying materials. You are not in competition with anyone and if it needs to be MICC then it will need to be paid for.

Playing the devil's advocate (perhaps not the most PC phrase in this situation) I may point out that As the job is a 'freebe' the church, which I'm sure is acting with best intentions, it may not be applying for funds or going through the normal authorisation channels with the area diocese, synod or church council. It may be worth mentioning that you are aware that some places of worship have specific requirements and codes of practice and when the installation is next inspected, it may open a can of worms if these are not observed. Your name will be on the certification and despite your good will, it may look like your fault years down the line if this is the case.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

No, they weren't, and is another reason why MICC is the cable of choice on the older/ancient type churches, as it will blend in with the structure far better than any other equivalent wiring system. The added bonus being that a well installed MICC installation will out last any other cable system on the market, and could well be giving Stirling service a 100+ years down the line!!

stick it in some galv conny....it`l be rite....lol.....

 

[Geoffsd]

You wouldn't think there would be a need for safety precautions in a church.

There must be a flaw somewhere. :devil:

 

[Piratepete]

Pete. If it's a volunteer job then it shouldn't be a problem if they are supplying materials. You are not in competition with anyone and if it needs to be MICC then it will need to be paid for.

Playing the devil's advocate (perhaps not the most PC phrase in this situation) I may point out that As the job is a 'freebe' the church, which I'm sure is acting with best intentions, it may not be applying for funds or going through the normal authorisation channels with the area diocese, synod or church council. It may be worth mentioning that you are aware that some places of worship have specific requirements and codes of practice and when the installation is next inspected, it may open a can of worms if these are not observed. Your name will be on the certification and despite your good will, it may look like your fault years down the line if this is the case.

Thanks Guys
You've all raised some very pertinent points and reminded me why I refused church work some years ago. I wasn't desperate enough to take on loads of hassle!! Only a week of my labour is free. The materials are being supplied, but some will be to my spec. I think I will get written confirmation that T&E etc is Ok for use. I don't see why not as all cables will be hidden behind plasterbooard or in ceiling voids or in stud walls. There will be smoke alarms and emergency lighting (which the maim church hasn't got!)

Pete