Running electrical cable in plastic D-Line trunking

[finlamit]

Hi.

I am planing on building a (not sure what to call it) U shaped storage solution which goes either side and above the headboard of a bed. I want to install a couple of reading lights either side.

A mixture of me not being bothered and running out of money means I cant run cable on the lighting circuit. I do have a wall mounted patress box/socket at the bottom though.. so heres my thoughts...

Spur off this socket to a 5amp FCU, then onto the lights/switches etc. My problem is where to put the cable, as mentioned above, money/time is tight so chasing into the wall is not an option. I was wondering would building regs allow me to conceal the cable within plastic trunking attached to the unit? The cable/trunking would go: up from the socket into the FCU, then left behind right side of unit, up to switch, then to light, the up to top and along to other side, then down to other light.

What do you think? Regs issue?

This is the trunking i would use

D-Line PVC White Mini Trunking 30mm x 15mm x 2m - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Easy fit, PVC mini trunking in a stylish ½-circle design that blends with any decor. Designer cable management for satellite, broadband and aerial cables. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

Thanks

M

 

[telectrix]

can't see a problem. just may be that the lights you pick are rear cable entry, not surface.

 

[littlespark]

If this circuit was wired in flex, and fed from a plug simply plugged into a socket, the regs wouldn’t apply and you can do whatever you please (safely, of course)

if it’s “fixed wiring” then there’s all sorts of problems to worry about (rcd coverage, type of fixings etc)

 

[finlamit]

If this circuit was wired in flex, and fed from a plug simply plugged into a socket, the regs wouldn’t apply and you can do whatever you please (safely, of course)

if it’s “fixed wiring” then there’s all sorts of problems to worry about (rcd coverage, type of fixings etc)

Oh ok.

So in this case, if I was to spur to another socket (So that I still have my 2 plug points available), buy lights, wire them to a 3amp plug with a switch in-between that would bypass the regs?

Seems daft that the act of turning it into a fixed solution (using a 3amp FCU instead of a plug) would subject them to a load of regulations! ?‍

 

[finlamit]

can't see a problem. just may be that the lights you pick are rear cable entry, not surface.

Thanks. Wasn't sure if there would be any problems, as its a fixed solution attached to wood, and not necessary following the safe zones etc.

 

[littlespark]

Oh ok.

So in this case, if I was to spur to another socket (So that I still have my 2 plug points available), buy lights, wire them to a 3amp plug with a switch in-between that would bypass the regs?

Seems daft that the act of turning it into a fixed solution (using a 3amp FCU instead of a plug) would subject them to a load of regulations! ?‍

But then spurring to another socket would have to be within the regs……?

yes, it’s all a bit of a minefield as to what is deemed fixed wiring and what isn’t.

there was a much discussed thread a while back when a house had a conservatory and all points within that room, lighting and power was off a plug.
fixed wiring or portable? …..and more importantly….. tested or not?

If you feel you are competent, then go ahead. But I would advise making sure the sockets have rcd protection.

 

[jake9996]

Nice work

 

[telectrix]

Thanks. Wasn't sure if there would be any problems, as its a fixed solution attached to wood, and not necessary following the safe zones etc.

safe zones only apply for cable/s buried in walls. surface wiring is visible, so can be anywhere.

 

[loz2754]

I see no problem with the original proposal.

 

[MJPD29]

No real issue. Will look incredibly amateur/DIY but technically not wrong.

 

[finlamit]

No real issue. Will look incredibly amateur/DIY but technically not wrong.

You leave the aesthetics to me ?

 

[MJPD29]

You leave the aesthetics to me ?

Duly noted

 

[telectrix]

I'd be inclined to use rhe smaller stuff. 16 x 8. and it's a bit cheaper.