cable in underlay

[jonlachlan]

thoughts on running cable in the underlay under floorboards, i.e. by laying the underlay around the cable to allow space for the cable?

 

[JohnW2]

thoughts on running cable in the underlay under floorboards, i.e. by laying the underlay around the cable to allow space for the cable?

What do you mean by "underlay under floorboards"?

Kind Regards, John

 

[jonlachlan]

I mean the soundproofing underlay, it is slightly thicker than the electrical cable and is quite hard. The floorboards are laid on top

 

[phatboy]

Sounds de-rating!

 

[JohnW2]

I mean the soundproofing underlay, it is slightly thicker than the electrical cable and is quite hard. The floorboards are laid on top

OK - so you presumably mean that the cable would be more-or-less immediately underneath the floorboards? If so, no, I don't think that would be acceptable, for fairly obvious reasons - someone with a drill, saw, hammer and nails or whatever wouldn't have a clue as to where there might be cables which needed to be avoided.

Kind Regards, John

 

[jonlachlan]

so should be in a conduit, like that thin trunking you can get at B & Q?

what about flex in the boards? I assume these engineered boards dont flex enough to maybe compress the cable?

 

[EFLImpudence]

what about flex in the boards?

Definitely not allowed.

Are there no joists and space underneath?

 

[jonlachlan]

its a concrete floor. there is a small channel cut and then the floor underlay. the top of the underlay is above the cable.

thoughts?

thanks

 

[JohnW2]

so should be in a conduit, like that thin trunking you can get at B & Q?

If the cable were within 50mm of the top surface of the floorboards, it would have to be in heavy metal conduit.

I think you're going to have to find some alternative route for your cables. Is this underlay lying on a solid floor, or what?

Kind Regards, John

 

[jonlachlan]

yes, lying on concrete floor

 

[jonlachlan]

is the risk from nails/screws/etc or from flex in the floor?

 

[JohnW2]

yes, lying on concrete floor

In that case, as I said, you're going to have to find a different route for your cables (maybe above the ceiling, then dropping down walls) - unless you are prepared to dig channels in the concrete for metal conduit.

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnW2]

is the risk from nails/screws/etc or from flex in the floor?

Primarily the former.

Kind Regards, John

 

[jonlachlan]

Hi John,

thanks for replies. thing is has already been done this way about 2 years ago (it was like that when I replaced the floorboards) but now not so sure

was more wondering if there is flex in the boards from walking on it what that might do to the cable

thanks,

 

[jonlachlan]

they are thick boards, i.e. not laminate