by ericmark »
Sat Jan 16, 2010 12:48 pm
I note you said "other side of the partition shower wall" so I have assumed the cables and other items do not go into the shower room. Any fixed partition which either reaches the ceiling or over 2.25 meters high is a barrier to shower rules so from what you have said I have assumed (Maybe incorrect?) that it has nothing to do with a shower being the other side of the wall.
However stud walls have attracted some extra rules of late due to the problem of people drilling through hidden cables and also hidden cables making contact with internal metalwork and faults being transmitted from one area to another.
The new rules mean either special cable or RCD protection is required. 50mm deep from both sides means the stud wall would need to be over 100mm thick and the cable would need to run down centre to escape requiring protection.
The rules on sockets have also changed and all sockets over 20A not just those used outside now need RCD protection. (30ma) This leaves a problem when extending existing as although you don't need to upgrade existing anything new needs to comply.
Theory is great and to wire a new socket in Ali-tube cable and for the new socket to be a RCD socket would comply. However when one goes into B&Q and ask for Ali-tube cable to BS 8436 they tend to look at one with a blank expression. Even the whole sale outlets will only order up a full role and there seems to be no way to buy 5 meters of the stuff. OK you could use SWA to BS 6346 but that is rather over kill.
As a result often one has to use RCD FCU at origin of new extension and where a lot of work is being done often changing the MCB to a RCBO is easy way out. However once you start to alter items inside the consumer unit Part P raises it's ugly head and either you pay the LABC their £100+ for passing go or you need to employ an electrician who can self certify his work.
Even where the job looks very simple for example change a single socket to a twin if you follow regulations then you need to complete a minor works certificate and this in turn requires you to enter information like "Earth fault loop impedance", Insulation resistance" and "RCD tripping time in milliseconds". This will normally need all three test meters although you may be able to calculate the "Earth fault loop impedance" however to buy the test gear will cost around £750. You may be able to hire. But using a Earth loop impedance tester can result in dangerous voltages and the 500 volt used with the insulation tester is not something to play with.
Do remember you asked about regulations and yes I know many DIY people don't follow them but you asked.
Proving dead when working on items is also a problem if followed to the letter. Three stages. One prove the tester works and tester must be of type which can't be switched off or wrong range selected. Then test item. Then (normally with a proving unit) re-test the tester. I am not saying again everyone follows the rules but not everyone keeps to 30 mph speed limit either.
On new houses there is also regulations on socket heights, use of discharge (energy saving) lighting, extractor fans, and a host of other regulations. Older houses may have listing problems and permission from archaeologist may be required. The list goes on.
If you ask a more down to earth question maybe we can give a more down to earth answer.
This forum checks all our answers first before publishing so is slow but rubbish is removed. It does not officially allow links although they let some through and there is no provision for pictures. I like it as any mistakes are not my responsibility it is checked. Other forums do allow pictures and do allow links but if you asked question like you have worded hear you are likely to also get abuse.
However you can draw out what you want to do and they may help you where pictures can replace a 1000 words.
Nearly all have some area like "Projects" on this forum where standard information is given. And step one is to read projects so you can ask questions which are restricted to a smaller area and therefore likely to get better response.
Your questions answer would span the 4 years apprenticeship and account to weeks of lecture time. Hence I have only scratched the surface.
