Using 4" drain pipe clamps to run twin in.

[giles-stone]

I was just wondering if anyone had been made to use 4" drain pipe clips to run t+e in.
I've been rewiring a primary school recently and the firm i've been subbying to supplied 400 pipe clips instead of any other form of containment.
The clips are fixed to timber joists with about 3" left hanging underneath for the cables to be run in.
I was fairly appalled at being asked to use these and have now left the firm (for more reasons than just this).
Sadly though I felt that i was the only person who really had any opposition to them, everyone just seemed to mumble about them being quick, cheap and easy to use.
I went out with one of the foreman last night and he was still defending them saying that they were fine to use and that there was nothing wrong with them!
I can't put my finger on a specific reg but surely there's no way that this is an approved method.
Anybody have any thoughts?

 

[Jay Sparks]

I also cant think of any regs but I what I will say is, without seeing the install in question, it sounds no different to using "all round band". As long as its fit for the purpose, it should be ok. But like I said, its hard to say for definate without seeing the actual install.



Jay

 

[Strima]

Wouldn't be my first choice in fixing, however as Jay has pointed out, without seeing the install and construction there's no way of giving a firm answer. Fixings must be suitable and all that, no doubt someone will be along with the correct BS number etc.

 

[londonlec]

Sounds reasonable to me. Obviously tray would be better.

 

[jumpin jax]

i recently worked at a bar where the first fix had already been carried out and the electricians said the builder would not pay for basket or tray and the old t&e loop method was used which did not impress me as if there was a fire and the false ceiling came down the rescue services would have great difficulty as reported recently of 2 deaths. These plastic hoops also would, i believe, have the same bearing of risk factor.

 

[Guest123]

What was the fire alarm system supported by???

 

[Mark_Burgess]

What was the fire alarm system supported by???

Blu-tack

 

[sedgy34]

one could argue the cables are still supported

 

[jumpin jax]

until they melt that is. What would the fire officer say?

 

[Guest123]

one could argue the cables are still supported

Not when the clips have burnt away they wont be.

BS 5839 guidance is clear on the methods of support for fire alrm system cableing.

 

[sedgy34]

Not when the clips have burnt away they wont be.

BS 5839 guidance is clear on the methods of support for fire alrm system cableing.

Hi lenny he talks of twin & earth. fire alarm would have to be fp steel clips.

 

[Guest123]

Hi lenny he talks of twin & earth. fire alarm would have to be fp steel clips.

Sorry, I thought your reply was aimed at my fire alarm querey.

 

[sedgy34]

didnt notice your quiery
but i would imagine the fire alarm has the correct supports with those regs you state

 

[Engineer54]

I was just wondering if anyone had been made to use 4" drain pipe clips to run t+e in.
I've been rewiring a primary school recently and the firm i've been subbying to supplied 400 pipe clips instead of any other form of containment.
The clips are fixed to timber joists with about 3" left hanging underneath for the cables to be run in.
I was fairly appalled at being asked to use these and have now left the firm (for more reasons than just this).
Sadly though I felt that i was the only person who really had any opposition to them, everyone just seemed to mumble about them being quick, cheap and easy to use.
I went out with one of the foreman last night and he was still defending them saying that they were fine to use and that there was nothing wrong with them!
I can't put my finger on a specific reg but surely there's no way that this is an approved method.
Anybody have any thoughts?

I can't for the life of me think of a reason why anyone would use pipe clamps as a means to support T&E cable runs in a primary school environment!! Who inspects these installations on behalf of the council, the LABC?? Just wondering what they would have to say about such a means of containment/support being used!!! Any contractor that even suggested such a method, would be off any job or project of mine!!! Talk about the Pitt's!!! lol!!

 

[Mark_Burgess]

Even picture hooks would hold up a few minutes longer in a fire than plastic pipe clamps!!