twin and earth on steel beam

Iainmc123 · Jul 7, 2011

I am working in a small industrial unit which is being converted into a kids go kart track the lighting is currently wired in twin and earth pvc cables clipped along the steel beams. The place needs to be tested and certificated is there any issues with wiring in twin and earth along steel beams as far as regulations are concerned. I have suggested SWA or conduit to give the cables better protection but they don't want to spend the money.

Iain

telectrix · Jul 7, 2011

depends on whether or not the cables are liable to suffer mechanical damage. if they are out of harm's way, then they are fine. general rule is if below 6'6" or prone to mechanical damage, trhen they should be protected.

truckster · Jul 7, 2011

As Tel says if they are not likely to be damaged I can't see a problem, the steel beams should be bonded.

roukel01 · Jul 7, 2011

agreed with above, although I don't like to see twin and earth in metal purlins and the like, provided the metal work is correctly bonded, there shouldn't be a problem. Just check the twin and earth isn't tight around any sharp metalwork.

Engineer54 · Jul 8, 2011

Of course ....they must be securely fixed to the steel beams, like any other form of wiring system. So how have these T&E's been fixed to these steel beams??

nickblake · Jul 8, 2011

Engineer54 said:
Of course ....they must be securely fixed to the steel beams, like any other form of wiring system. So how have these T&E's been fixed to these steel beams??

4 boxes of 1.5 clips later , very intresting point

telectrix · Jul 8, 2011

nickblake said:
4 boxes of 1.5 clips later , very intresting point

wonder if no more nails reacts with pvc insulation

Engineer54 · Jul 9, 2011

telectrix said:
wonder if no more nails reacts with pvc insulation

No it doesn't, but it's a bit messy ....sorry Very messy to use...haha!! Iv'e used various glues on cables on both wood and concrete, makes for a much neater job!! ...the best glue i've found is ''Fixall'' bonds fast, and stays bonded, even in the high ambient heat of Cyprus, which is where i've mostly used it..

That Fixall is great stuff, i use it for all sorts of things around the house too, hasn't let me down yet...