cable routing behind plasterboard

[godwinap]

Hi, In my garage internal wall running down from ceiling I have a lighting cable to a switch and a power cable down to a socket both clipped onto a bare breeze block wall.
I would like to plasterboard the wall which will cover these cables, what do i have to do to make sure I comply with regs,
power cable is a spur of the ring, rcd protected,
lighting cable on downstairs lighting circuit 6a mcb

Many thanks

 

[winston1]

Make sure they will be in the safe zones.

 

[sparkwright]

By safe zones, this would typically mean that the cables are in line vertically or horizontally with the accessory.

There are other safe zones, but the above is the common arrangement.

You should also replace the back boxes with metal knockout boxes, so once the boarding has been done, only the socket/switch faceplates can be seen.

For a top job, remove the cable clips and fit pvc capping over the cables. The wider capping is best.

 

[godwinap]

Thanks for your replies, i am concerned though that the lighting cable is not rcd protected and will not meet the regs?

 

[flameport]

the lighting cable is not rcd protected and will not meet the regs?

To comply, either
- add an RCD to the circuit
- install earthed metal conduit and put the existing cable inside it
- replace the cable with one which has an earthed metallic layer / armour as part of it's construction.

 

[Doggit]

install earthed metal conduit and put the existing cable inside it

Or use a metal capping rather than a pvc one.

 

[godwinap]

Thanks for the replies if I use metal capping will I have to connect an earth wire ie 1.5mm single to an earth point ie earth in socket or switch

 

[Doggit]

No, it's to stop drills going through the wires to easily.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Or use a metal capping rather than a pvc one.

Metal capping does not comply with the requirements for cable protection. Earthed steel conduit: yes,
3mm metal capping: no.

 

[Naz1977]

Is this a detached garage or attached to your property? Do you not have a Garage Consumer Unit installed?

 

[Doggit]

Sorry Taylor, you're correct, there's no RCD on the lighting circuit.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Or use a metal capping rather than a pvc one.

No - capping does not provide suitable mechanical protection.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

No, it's to stop drills going through the wires to easily.

You need a better drill, and some new bits.

 

[Doggit]

The drills okay, I tried to get some new titanium drill bits this weekend, and got given HSS drills instead. But yes BAS, I got this one wrong.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

The drills okay, I tried to get some new titanium drill bits this weekend, and got given HSS drills instead.

My comment was based on there must be something wrong with your drill or your bits if you find that capping puts up a fight.

3mm

Really?