choc block regulations

Munroast · 1 Aug 2014

If I was using a choc block to join cable and that choc block was to be in an inaccessible place (for instance between ceiling and floor) does it have to go inside some form of insulating safety box, or can it just be left as is.

Gutterball · 1 Aug 2014

if it's not accessible it will need to be an maintenance free joint.

PrenticeBoyofDerry · 1 Aug 2014

You cannot use choc blocks in areas where the joint is inaccessible, the joint must be maintenance free. Choc blocks are not of that standard.
You will be better of using Hager/Ashley MF boxes.

20A
32A

Taylortwocities · 1 Aug 2014

Even if the box were accessible, it would also need to incorporate a form of strain relief for the cables. (eg a "chocbox"). Alternately it could be a junction box, screwed to backgrounds with the cables clipped in place.

BUT, as above, the box would have to be accessible. Under the floor does not comply.

Master of None · 5 Aug 2014

Just out of interest.
If it were in a back box with blank face plate why would it need strain relief?
Its just I have one like this in my kitchen.

JohnW2 · 5 Aug 2014

Master of None said:
Just out of interest. If it were in a back box with blank face plate why would it need strain relief?

If the cables were emerging into the box from being buried in plaster, that would probably constitute adequate strain relief.

Kind Regards, John

aesmith · 5 Aug 2014

JohnW2 said:
Master of None said:

Just out of interest. If it were in a back box with blank face plate why would it need strain relief?

Click to expand...

If the cables were emerging into the box from being buried in plaster, that would probably constitute adequate strain relief.

Kind Regards, John

If the cables terminated directly on a switch or socket then they'd have no strain relief either.

JohnW2 · 5 Aug 2014

aesmith said:
JohnW2 said:

If the cables were emerging into the box from being buried in plaster, that would probably constitute adequate strain relief.

Click to expand...

If the cables terminated directly on a switch or socket then they'd have no strain relief either.

Well, as I said, if the cables emerge out of plaster, that counts as strain relief in my book. However.....

.... this discussion is really sliding off track. Strain relief is only an issue when the cables concerned are at risk of applying a strain to the connections - particularly (as per OP) when one has untethered loose cables entering a JB, accessory or whatever. Such a risk doesn't (usually!) exist in relation to fixed accessories such as flush switches/sockets. However, if you had surface mounted cable entering a surface box bearing an accessory, then you would have to provide that cable with strain relief (clips or whatever), to prevent it being 'yanked out' of the accessory.

Kind Regards, John

ban-all-sheds · 5 Aug 2014

JohnW2 said:
If the cables were emerging into the box from being buried in plaster, that would probably constitute adequate strain relief.

What if they weren't?

What if they ran up from under the floor in conduit, or behind a stud & plasterboard wall?

JohnW2 · 5 Aug 2014

ban-all-sheds said:
JohnW2 said:

If the cables were emerging into the box from being buried in plaster, that would probably constitute adequate strain relief.

Click to expand...

What if they weren't? What if they ran up from under the floor in conduit, or behind a stud & plasterboard wall?

See my immediately preceding post (a couple of hours ago). In the situations you describe, there would be no effective strain relief, but nor would there be a need for strain relief.

Kind Regards, John

ban-all-sheds · 6 Aug 2014

JohnW2 said:
Master of None said:

Just out of interest. If it were in a back box with blank face plate why would it need strain relief?

Click to expand...

If the cables were emerging into the box from being buried in plaster, that would probably constitute adequate strain relief.

And in effect JohnW2 also said:
If the cables were not buried in plaster but ran up from under the floor in conduit, or behind a stud & plasterboard wall there would be no effective strain relief, but nor would there be a need for strain relief.

JohnW2 · 6 Aug 2014

ban-all-sheds said:
JohnW2 said:

If the cables were emerging into the box from being buried in plaster, that would probably constitute adequate strain relief.

Click to expand...

And in effect JohnW2 also said:

If the cables were not buried in plaster but ran up from under the floor in conduit, or behind a stud & plasterboard wall there would be no effective strain relief, but nor would there be a need for strain relief.

Click to expand...

All true. If you're being critical because I didn't (forgot to) add to the first of those quotes something like "...and, in any event, strain relief would not be required, anyway", then I plead guilty.

Kind Regards, John

ban-all-sheds · 6 Aug 2014

Take him down.

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choc block regulations

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