DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

I have just had a consmer unit changed outdoors (to supply a set of garages). The electrician was Stroma registered.

The armoured cable from the consumer unit to the garages is buried underground in a rubber conduit/sheathing (not sure of the correct term). This has been left open at both ends and rainwater will inevitably run in and leave the armoured cable sitting in water. Is this ok? I would have expected the ends to be sealed (silicone mastic?) or be indoors somewhere.

Thanks in advance.

The first question is who installed the conduit?

Ideally, the start and end should not be "exposed to the elements" Not because of the cable, but because it will over time fill with water. (Sealing it, will be of little or no use since the air inside will condense and still fill the conduit with water)

SWA cable does not actually need conduit, it can be buried directly in the ground.

Thank you Mr White. The conduit was already in place from many years ago. It was then used recently by the electrician that replaced the consumer unit.

If the cable can be buried without a conduit, can I assume that it is ok to be sitting in water? Not ideal I guess but is it a problem?

I am chasing the installer because we have not been issued with a certificate and I dont know if the local authority was informed.