Trunking in house (18th edition)

[peterhyper]

I admit to not taking too much notice of the 18th edition changes as I only took my 18th exam last week (no excuses I am not a good spark like most on here).

I have a flat to do that needs the lighting circuit rewired, but being the ceilings are like concrete and the owners don't want major disruption, it will be done in mini trunking. I usually use self adhesive trunking and seal it with white no nails to give it a strong fixing as drilling through concrete to fix screws in will be an absolute nightmare. So where do I technically stand not using metal fixings to secure it?

 

[Tony Reidy]

I admit to not taking too much notice of the 18th edition changes as I only took my 18th exam last week (no excuses I am not a good spark like most on here).

I have a flat to do that needs the lighting circuit rewired, but being the ceilings are like concrete and the owners don't want major disruption, it will be done in mini trunking. I usually use self adhesive trunking and seal it with white no nails to give it a strong fixing as drilling through concrete to fix screws in will be an absolute nightmare. So where do I technically stand not using metal fixings to secure it?

Use trunking but fix cable with metal clips internally

 

[magnoliafan89]

Who the hell only relies on the sticky back of trunking....especially on a ceiling?!?!

If u drill the trunking to the ceiling before u screw the screw in put it through the fire clip...this holds the cables in place after the lid has fallen or melted off.

 

[peterhyper]

Who the hell only relies on the sticky back of trunking....especially on a ceiling?!?!

If u drill the trunking to the ceiling before u screw the screw in put it through the fire clip...this holds the cables in place after the lid has fallen or melted off.

Only fools would probably rely on sticky back trunking especially on a ceiling (?!?!), hence why I said I use no nails. I've never had any issues whatsoever with mini trunking when I've used it on concrete ceilings with decent no nails (sticks like s**t works well).

 

[UNG]

Only fools would probably rely on sticky back trunking especially on a ceiling (?!?!), hence why I said I use no nails. I've never had any issues whatsoever with mini trunking when I've used it on concrete ceilings with decent no nails (sticks like s**t works well).

Was the customer happy when you started a fire under it to test the fire resistance of the trunking fixings
I'm not sure how you intend to secure the cables in the trunking or are you using no nails for that as well

 

[peterhyper]

Was the customer happy when you started a fire under it to test the fire resistance of the trunking fixings
I'm not sure how you intend to secure the cables in the trunking or are you using no nails for that as well

I use some Harry Monk for that (works a treat). Occasionally the customer gets the hump when I start producing it, but I tell them it's a natural substance and good for the enviroment.

 

[Frugby]

This isn’t a new requirement as escape routes were covered under 17th. Reg applies to all areas just an improvement. I am amazed this is even up for discussion?

 

[leebut]

I’ve just carried out the same type of installation in a flat in Manchester, luckily for me my job was having false ceilings throughout due to the concrete ceilings having cracks along the slab joints, the customer also wanted down lighters in all the rooms so easy for me, we put up the British Gypsum MF ceiling system.

If your using mini trunking your going to have to use metal mechanical clips throughout you could use a Hilti nail gun to fix your fire clips to the concrete, I used a concrete nail gun to fix my ceiling channels to the walls

 

[leebut]

This isn’t a new requirement as escape routes were covered under 17th. Reg applies to all areas just an improvement. I am amazed this is even up for discussion?

It’s not just fire escape route now it’s all parts of the installation that have to have fire rated clips to stop the cables dropping

 

[rapparee]

Who would honestly want to look at mini trunking in their house.

I think I'd do without the rewire

 

[Spoon]

It’s not just fire escape route now it’s all parts of the installation that have to have fire rated clips to stop the cables dropping

@Frugby just stated that fire rated clips have been in the regs since the 17th. Yes the 18th have now gone further with it.
I'm also with him on why people are still questioning this.

 

[Toneyz]

Who the hell only relies on the sticky back of trunking....especially on a ceiling?!?!

Data guys.

 

[pirate]

It isn't that difficult...
Could a cable fall in a fire?
If yes, fix it so it can't...don't use plastic plugs or cable ties, and if in plastic trunking, use internal metal clips, properly fixed...wall-dogs or similar. It's easy to find metal fixings these days, so why bother trying to get round the regs?
Use your catalogues, read them, see what is out there.
You are professional electricians, you keep up to date with the latest trends, you want to use the brilliant new stuff that is better than ever before, so why prevaricate?
Oh...it saves a few pennies?
Try saving a few lives...that is the professional way!
My "plumber" said to me, he thought the cost of the tube supports for push-fit plastic plumbing was ridiculous...made him take them all out...a pack of 20 was £3...
I'd rather he added £20 to the price!
This is a stupid debate, frankly. Anyone who finds that a few clips at 20p each is a deterrent should be in another job.

 

[Ashley-Joseph]

Now days people use steel conduit and it looks modern and it would stop the cables from hanging or you could chase and cap the cables the get it skimmed.