Cables in Timber Frame Wall

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Hi guys,

Currently designing my own timber frame extension and have started to think about the running of the electric cables.

I've read previous similar threads and the one below seems to be very similar to the issue that I have:
https://www.diynot.com/diy/threads/first-fix-in-a-timber-frame-wall.145904/

This thread seems to imply that recessing the cables into the insulation is acceptable and then plasterboarding over the top. Seems to imply that the cable would need to either be tight to the plasterboard or in a conduit.

Would it be preferable to use insulation with plasterboard over the top, or would insulated plasterboard be just as good an option. I want my design to work for the electrician without late changes, so that everything goes smoothly on site.

Also, it's a kitchen so I am thinking that all cables will generally run horizontally between sockets just above worktop height. Does this work for safe zones etc?

Cheers!
 
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I want my design to work for the electrician without late changes, so that everything goes smoothly on site.
Then get your electrician to do this aspect of the design.

Assuming that you will be wanting him to sign an EIC and a Building Regulations certification, nothing else really makes more sense.
 
Then get your electrician to do this aspect of the design.

Assuming that you will be wanting him to sign an EIC and a Building Regulations certification, nothing else really makes more sense.

I'm not planning to design the electrical installation. I'm thinking about the pitfalls of having to run the cables within the wall and how that will affect the design of the electrical installation. I don't think my electrician will design my walls for me :rolleyes:

Anything knowledge that I can glean at this stage will assist in not designing something that will end up causing a headache for the electrician and possibly end up costing me more money.

I am aware that running cables in timber frames is not as straightforward as in masonry and am hoping to avoid issues once the electrician arrives on site. Obviously I will go out for quotes from electricians with drawings showing proposed electrical layouts. I'm not planning to do any of the electrics myself.
 
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we normally create a 25 void for cables in timber framed house on internally insulated wall s normally 25mm battern over vaper barrier
Thanks. So in this case I have insulation between the studs then more insulation internally then plasterboard. I was thinking about using insulated plasterboard if possible.
Could I install battens vertically on the studs, with gaps left to allow the cables to run horizontally. Then the insulated plasterboard gets fixed through the battens into the studs? Would it be sensible to protect cables behind galvanised capping?
 
There are a few options, one is make sure there are stud by every accessory, another is don't put any accessories on external walls (this is done by done passive haus enthusiasts) another is leave a service void as above.

Another point is make sure something to fix the back boxes to!
 
Thaks John. Due to the design of the kitchen, and the locations of the openings, I will need some sockets on the external walls. There is an internal partition between the kitchen and utility room which I plan to fill with acoustic insulation - I guess we have a similar consideration here?

Also, I assume the situation is similar for lighting cable in the ceiling? Although the simplest solution there might be to use less insulation between the roof joists and more under them to leave a void.

As for back boxes, I was thinking I could specify dry lining boxes which clip into position and pull up tight using the front plate screws.
 
I'm not planning to design the electrical installation. I'm thinking about the pitfalls of having to run the cables within the wall and how that will affect the design of the electrical installation. I don't think my electrician will design my walls for me :rolleyes:
I want my design to work for the electrician without late changes, so that everything goes smoothly on site.
I'm not suggesting that you should have him "design the walls", as such, but he is the one who has to be happy with the routes, what sort of channels you'll provide so that he can be confident of pulling cables through, what the installation method(s) will be, and so on. Or, if cables are to be installed while the walls are being built, he's going to have to understand how he'll have to interact with the wall-builders during first fix.


Anything knowledge that I can glean at this stage will assist in not designing something that will end up causing a headache for the electrician and possibly end up costing me more money.

I am aware that running cables in timber frames is not as straightforward as in masonry and am hoping to avoid issues once the electrician arrives on site.
Your best chance of avoiding issues is to involve your electrician as early and as widely as you can.

No matter at what point he becomes engaged he is still going to have to find out about the provisions you made for running cables, he is still going to have to understand the installation method and design the circuits accordingly, and he is still going to have to do whatever due diligence he feels is necessary for him to legitimately sign documents relating to the work.

Given all that, I don't understand why you won't ask the person who will be doing all those things for his advice.
 
To be honest if he manages to get an electrician interested at this stage he'll be doing well, not to mention to still have the same one free and interested by the time it comes to the main event!
 

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