Wiring in insulated stud wall

[suffolkspark]

Wtf did i just watch pete? I couldnt decide if the hands were blue or brown it was like that dress photo all over again

 

[Pete999]

Wtf did i just watch pete? I couldnt decide if the hands were blue or brown it was like that dress photo all over again

Agree a poor video, was trying unsuccessfully as it turns out, that perhaps the BCO was in receipt of a bribe, must try better next time.

 

[telectrix]

Agree a poor video, was trying unsuccessfully as it turns out, that perhaps the BCO was in receipt of a bribe, must try better next time.

last 5 words of that remind me of my school reports.

 

[Darkwood]

For the OP -
As has been expressed by a few members here, we have a DIY section for those tasks we deem to be simple tasks for the home owner that we consider can be undertaken safely if certain steps are taken to ensure power is removed, the kind of things we consider would fall into this section are the changing of sockets, switches light fittings etc where you basically are changing an electrical point or accessory having said that, if through the interactions we deem the DIYer is not competent we will express our concerns and suggest they get an electrician in (safe advice is our priority).
What the DIY section or any other for that matter is not for is a step by step guide on how to do work, this applies throughout the board be you a DIY or a Qualified person.
The forum is here to help and guide but we have to be satisfied that you are competent enough to undertake the work you are doing.

Where a DIY question comes up that goes beyond what is considered DIY work then we take it on a case by case value, if the member has electrical knowledge and experience in different areas than said work he is asking about then we may be lenient and offer more advice than normal.

In this particular case of this thread in that circuits are been altered and/or extended then this should be done by a competent Electrician or you should be using a competent Electrician to oversee you work. Also to note here is said existing circuits will require to be tested prior to extending/altering them and signed off after, your average DIYer will not possess the meters to do so or the knowledge to interpret the readings, it is this fact that we limit the DIY section to simple tasks.

Lastly there are many questions that would need to be asked about the existing electrical system from circuit protection methods to bonding arrangements (if required), the incoming supply type may mean additional work is needed for a safe installation, this could include RCD protection if missing and the earthing of other services, some of these questions will not be fully understood by a DIYer and thus would require a competent person to come in and assess the job in full.
May I add, if the BCO was in deed on this job, they would be wanting the work to be fully signed off and assessed before, during and after by a competent person if the actual work itself is undertaken by the DIYer, given that you are on here asking such questions implies you have not brought a competent person in to do this as you would ask them these questions and I struggle to believe the BCO are aware the work is been done either as you would have already been told the work will require signing off by a professional.

 

[dan1w]

Apologies if I came off as rude as someone suggested. I just found the original few responses a tad curt, the following responses were in my opinion more reasonable and I completely understand your point of view.

In terms of the work itself, the existing circuit is up to scratch/RCD protected as new CU went in last year. the job is as it stands is not notifiable although of course BC will pull me up on anything they find that is non-compliant.

It would actually probably be worth it to remove the old cable and run new to the CU as then the onus of testing would fall to BC.

But as it stands, on completion of the garage conversion I have a sparky coming in to run a new circuit in SWA for the new detached garage, he will then test my installation, I see no requirement to have him oversee all my work.

Therefore my focus is on complying with the regs in the installation.

As to why I don't just go behind the insulation boards, although that's probably what is commonly done and also what my builder was expecting it seems that technically that would come under reference method 103 and derate the cable to 13.5A. As I'm extending the circuit, using a larger cable is not an option nor desirable.

There could be an argument that if I clip the cable to the masonry behind the insulation I could call it clipped direct, however I imagine what should be the actual derating factor for that setup is somewhere between the figures for those methods and so not so straightforward, and then there's the issue of condensation and cold bridges.

So my solution was as mentioned, reference method 102 and I just wanted clarification and how much support the cable required on the drop to the socket.

 

[telectrix]

clipped to the brick would indeed be clipped direct as long as there was an airgap to the insulation. cable support is not a problem as you can put in as many clips as you like.

 

[dan1w]

clipped to the brick would indeed be clipped direct as long as there was an airgap to the insulation. cable support is not a problem as you can put in as many clips as you like.

Thanks for that telectrix. Are you referring to running it behind the insulation when you say cable support is not a problem?

 

[telectrix]

yes. clip to brickwork.

 

[MDJ]

Exactly what is the purpose of the DIY section of this forum?

Good question, very good question.

 

[Darkwood]

Good question, very good question.

I think I explained it well in my reply if you care to read it

 

[Midwest]

In terms of the work itself, the existing circuit is up to scratch/RCD protected as new CU went in last year. the job is as it stands is not notifiable although of course BC will pull me up on anything they find that is non-compliant.

It would actually probably be worth it to remove the old cable and run new to the CU as then the onus of testing would fall to BC.

But as it stands, on completion of the garage conversion I have a sparky coming in to run a new circuit in SWA for the new detached garage, he will then test my installation, I see no requirement to have him oversee all my work.

Therefore my focus is on complying with the regs in the installation.

Just commenting on the points you've made about compliance, in domestic properties Part P (England & Wales). Electrical installations shall be designed & installed in accordance with BS7671, doing so will ensure compliance with Part P building regs, both for notifiable & non notifiable work. BS7671 defines the skills of persons electrically.

IMO your LBC officer will have limited electrical design knowledge, they typically rely on qualified electricians/companies to carry out such work, and will therefore not 'pull me (you) up on anything they find that is non-compliant'.

BS7671 requires appropriate design, construction, inspection & testing, with certification for new work or alterations & additions. You state that an electrician will test 'your' work after completion, and presumably provide the appropriate certification. Although I don't doubt there are electricians who will test & certificate without seeing how the installation has been installed, the model forms (BS7671) require a signature for that declaration.

Of course you may have the adequate education, training and practical skills, and are able to perceive risks and avoid hazards which electricity can create to carry out this work. But I don't think you have stated your expertise?

I commend anyone who carry out any work on their own properties. However, I would be concerned on how the installation is constructed, and I would not sign an appropriate certificate as you are suggesting, without that knowledge.

Edit; just like to add, I would not test & inspect as being suggested here, just before anyone says anything