Boxing-in cables

[Dewi]

I'm in the process of carrying out a loft conversion and have found that I have very limited space to box in a multitude of cables that are running the length of the loft. At the moment the cables are just lying in between the rafters under the loft insulation right next to a wall. There is just about enough slack to move them but it means that I will heave to have 'tie' them all together. There are 2 x 1.0mm T&E, 1 x 6mm T&E, 2 x co-ax cables and 2 x 2.5mm T&E cables which I intend to somehow box in behind plasterboard. My question is: is it acceptable to run all these cables together whether it is in some sort of trunking or by bunching them together and somehow 'squeezing' them into the limited space that I've got?

 

[NuttallsSpark]

Cable grouping does effect the current capacity of cable also if they are in a confined space where heat can gather. Never put data cables i.e tv cable with 230V cables this will effect them unless they have 230V rated insulation ( Prob Not)

You can buy trunking with compartments in them to separate these cables but make sure that when you enclose them that heat can be dispersed. Also try and avoid placing the cables near heavy amounts of roof insulation.

My advise is that if your not sure about the area call an electrician to see if he can route the cables any better.

 

[PompeySparks]

Just getting the cables out from under that insulation will increase the cable's current carrying capacity much more than any subsequent grouping would decrease it!

 

[andy]

Just getting the cables out from under that insulation will increase the cable's current carrying capacity much more than any subsequent grouping would decrease it!

true, but what if they were never derated in the first place

 

[PompeySparks]

Even if the cables are not already de-rated due to proximity of loft insulation, then (in my opinion) the added mechanical protection given by new trunking is a worthwhile trade-off for the de-rating caused by grouping them inside of it!