Outside wall chase?

BigSi · Apr 7, 2011

Are there any regs stating that I can’t chase a cable down the outside of an exterior wall to an outside light?

I told the customer that I wouldn’t be happy doing it that way and would rather drill through the wall and emerge behind the light (tried to explain safe zones, but he wasn't getting it).

Welchyboy · Apr 7, 2011

No problem with that especially being on an RCD

gr181 · Apr 7, 2011

it would be better in galv pipe, more protection

gr181 · Apr 7, 2011

you could still chase it in so wouldnt be seen

Welchyboy · Apr 7, 2011

No need to use galve pipe its within the zoning anyway, if it is chased in straight down the wall to the fitting in some pvc oval tube etc, RCD protected, job done!

BigSi · Apr 7, 2011

Welchyboy said:
No need to use galve pipe its within the zoning anyway, if it is chased in straight down the wall to the fitting in some pvc oval tube etc, RCD protected, job done!

Does the 'zoning' extend to the outside of the building?

sparkiegaz · Apr 7, 2011

sod chasing out got to be better to just stick a bit galv tube down

Kevin · Apr 7, 2011

BigSi said:
Does the 'zoning' extend to the outside of the building?

If the chase is directly under or above the exterior light, then it's within the safe zone.

PC Electrics · Apr 7, 2011

BigSi said:
Does the 'zoning' extend to the outside of the building?

Unless i can't read, BS7671 says nothing about zones being in or out doors.

Unless regs say you can't, you can!

Welchyboy · Apr 8, 2011

sparkiegaz said:
sod chasing out got to be better to just stick a bit galv tube down

id love to see someone try and bush/coupler into a B&Q wall lantern!

FAA Greenie · Apr 8, 2011

A wall is a wall on both sides! (You can, after all, chase either side of an internal wall). So long as you stick to the 1/3, 1/6 rule for vertical and horizontal chases it makes no difference. Cosmetically it will be harder to 'make good' an external brick wall and you will perhaps want to give some thought to re-establishing weather protection too. Remember also that the 1/3,1/6 rule applies to the layer you are dealing with in a cavity wall, ie a standard brick is smaller than a breeze/concrete block. Hope this helps.....