Plastering over cables Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[greg-s]

Hi, I'd be glad for your advice please on whether cable can be plastered over directly or does it have to run under a protective cover or tubing. In this case it's a spur using 2.5mm to a socket. The cable length is 2mts. Thanks - good to have found this site.

[kbrownie]

HI greg-s,
They can be plastered straight over with out any mechancical protection, providing the cables are routed within the permited areas.
If they are not routed within these area they need to be buried at least 50mm in to wall surface (that includes both side of a partition wall) or have mechanical protection.
It is advisable to protect the cable though from damage that the plasterers trowel may cause, so not a requirment but a good idea.
KB

[rosebery]

It should be mechanically protected (capping or oval conduit). Capping protects it from the clumsy spread and his sharp trowel (:lol:). If you use conduit then the cable can be easily replaced if necessary later or another cable added if necessary and if the conduit is large enough.

KB is correct in that there is no actual requirement not to plaster over directly. I would argue that it's not good practice though.

[greg-s]

thanks for the advice guys

[stoneyboy]

greg-s,
If you are installing a new spur and cabling different regulations need to be complied with.
end

[kbrownie]

Hi stoneyboy,
I would be interested to know what different regulations are applied to protecting a spur from mechanical damage?
The regulations regarding addition and extending circuit is a different matter.
A minor works cert is needed
KB

[stoneyboy]

kbrownie,
Sorry my term "different regulations" is a bad choice of words they are after all the same regulations.
Perhaps we should have asked greg-s whether the spur is an addition - if yes then we would have to suggest a more stringent standard of protection or RCD/RCBO fitted on the circuit.
Thanks.
end

[kbrownie]

Hi Stoneyboy,
no worries, just thought I had missed something, earth leakage devices very useful part of systems. May be should have mentioned them in earlier posts.
Was really thinking of mechanical protection rather than shock protection, but good point.
KB