What to do with chasings

[sparkymcsparkf]

Hi guys,

I would be hugely appreciative for any input on this.

Basically my electrician did a full rewire and didnt use any capping or conduit, which as I understand is OK within the regs (as long as RCA protected which they are), but considered a bit unprofessional in the trade depending on who you talk to.

The electrician 'made Good 'in the chases for an extra 100 quid. I said about the wires poking out and he said it doesn't matter as the plasterer would be going over them. I think the plaster is usable, as such I dont need to have the walls replastered. So now I need to know what to do with these chases sonI can get the wires under the surface if the wall.

My instinct on the last 2 (dining room) is that I can chip away the existing plaster that he has used and push the wires back and go over it with a filler so that they sit properly in the chase. I'm a bit afraid of doing it though as I'm scared I may damage the wires. Also it looks like the wires have crossed over each other in the chase..is that supposed to happen/ok?

My biggest concern is the picture below where the wire is dropping from the ceiling (breakfast room) in the chases. No amount of plaster would set that right..it just looks like he hasn't used enough wire.

I am really at a loss as to what I can do. As far as I am aware as there are no regs broken I dont have the right to demand he comes back and fix it. But I dont know what I can and can't do.

If you guys could let me know how you would deal with this I would be hugely grateful. Any input at all...its honestly cooking my brain!!

Cheers!!

 

[nicebutdim]

If buried less than 50mm. Or mechanical protection.

Am I right in stating that the mechanical protection should be earthed steel conduit if no RCD is to be in place?

 

[JBW175]

Yes. That's what I would have expected. Are you a UK based sparks? Would you know which reg (if any) in BS7671gives guidance on installing pvc cables in wall chases?

It's covered in BS7671 in Appendix 4 page 389 as a recognised installation method; table 4A2 numbers 57 & 58 respectively.

Single or Multicore cable direct in masonary without (57) / with (58) added mechanical protection is reference method C.

Reference method C is described on page 384, the term masonry is to include brickwork, concrete, plaster and similar, but exclude thermally insulated materials.

 

[LastManOnline]

It's covered in BS7671 in Appendix 4 page 389 as a recognised installation method; table 4A2 numbers 57 & 58 respectively.

Single or Multicore cable direct in masonary without (57) / with (58) added mechanical protection is reference method C.

Reference method C is described on page 384, the term masonry is to include brickwork, concrete, plaster and similar, but exclude thermally insulated materials.

Much appreciated. Thanks. ?

 

[Mike Johnson]

That’s not true. RCD protection has nothing to do with it.

Posting a rebuttal to a post two pages on without context or the post it was an answer too is not helpful.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Good to know. So if no rcd cables must have

Posting a rebuttal to a post two pages on without context or the post it was an answer too is not helpful.

My post #19 does have the context quoted.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Post No 19 is about high alumina cement?

 

[DPG]

Mile, the post of Taylor's that you commented about is #29, and this does have context with it - the previous reply has been quoted.

I think post #19 was probably mentioned in error.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Notwithstanding, the post was incorrect when he says that RCD's have nothing to do with buried cables.

 

[Mike Johnson]

7.2.5 Requirements for RCD"s

522.6.202 (f) For cables without earthed metallic covering installed in wall or partitions at a depth of less than 50mm and not protected by earthed steel conduit or similar.

Note: Metallic capping does not meet the requirements fo mechanical protection as required by 522.6.204. Metallic capping is used to protect the cables during the installation process and, once plastered over, does not provide any further protection.

 

[nicebutdim]

I think it's fair to state that the vast majority of domestic installations in the UK wouldn't meet the stipulations for exemption from RCD protection. I think it's also fair to state that it's often cheaper to fit a new CU, than adding additional protections.

The question posed in the OP was whether or not a new CU was required and, while it's easy to state that it would be better/easier/cheaper to fit a new CU, can anyone really give an empirical answer about what is actually required (as opposed to what might be recommended) on the basis of one image? While there may be a best method for skinning a cat, as the old proverb states; "there is more than one way" to do so.

 

[Mike Johnson]

I thought his main concern was the exposed cable, I don't think he even mentioned a CU except to say that the cables had RCD protection.

 

[nicebutdim]

I thought his main concern was the exposed cable, I don't think he even mentioned a CU except to say that the cables had RCD protection.

No idea how I managed to post that here as it was intended for this thread:

https://www.electriciansforums.net/threads/does-this-consumer-unit-need-replacing.191077/

Surprised no one else mentioned the complete lack of context!

 

[Mike Johnson]

No idea how I managed to post that here as it was intended for this thread:

https://www.electriciansforums.net/threads/does-this-consumer-unit-need-replacing.191077/

Surprised no one else mentioned the complete lack of context!

Or why three people agreed with you. (insert winking smily)