Running cables in walls

I want to install an additional double socket in my living room, which will necessitate chasing out and running a cable vertically up the wall and into the loft where I intend to connect it via a junction box to the supply.

Firstly, am I correct in understanding that as long as the cable is routed in a vertical or horizontal safe zone, there's no need to use conduit? As it happens I probably would use conduit anyhow, but I just want to check the regs.

Secondly, is there a minimum height from the floor at which new sockets should be fitted?

Cheers.

Some of the answer is in my socket thread if u can find it. Pretty heated debate.

amfisted said:

Firstly, am I correct in understanding that as long as the cable is routed in a vertical or horizontal safe zone, there's no need to use conduit?

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That is correct.

As it happens I probably would use conduit anyhow, but I just want to check the regs.

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It depends what you mean by conduit.
Proper steel conduit is probably not what you have in mind.
Plastic is just for ease of install and does nothing for protection.
Unless you use earthed shielding the circuit will have to have RCD protection.

Secondly, is there a minimum height from the floor at which new sockets should be fitted?

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Nope.

notaplumber1 said:

Some of the answer is in my socket thread if u can find it. Pretty heated debate.

Click to expand...

//www.diynot.com/diy/threads/wall-socket-replacements.439747/

Thanks for all replies. Yes, I see the issue with plastic conduit, being primarily for tidiness rather then protection of the cable. However, I'll use it anyhow and route the cable in the vertical safe zone. The circuit was checked, updated and certificated last year by a bona fide electrician and has RCD protection.

I see what you mean, notaplumber, about that thread getting "heated". Beats me why some folks on this forum are so quick to get their claws out when simply posting the facts would be so much more effective in sending the questioner in the right direction. Personal abuse is SO counterproductive.

Thanks again.