Cables for socket ring through disused chimney breast

[Moorea21]

I'm in the process of working out where the cables are in my house prior to having new socket rings fitted, the electrician I'm hiring is on holiday and won't want to answer non urgent customer questions, so I thought I'd ask here.

I have a socket at 1st floor level on the side of a disused chimney breast (in a pre 1875 brick house; the chimney was knocked down and the roof rebuilt over where the chimney breast now ends) and 2 more either side of the breast downstairs, also floor level. I've left looking at this area until last, but I suspect that the cables for all of these may run inside the chimney breast itself, through its walls. If so, it would be good to have the new cables fitted the same way, so as not to have to have the wall dug out and cables chased in.

Is this BS7671 compliant? Is it a good idea? Should I pass it through PVC conduit?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Just to clarify:

Do you mean that just the part of the chimney that was above the roof has been removed and all the rest of the chimney is still there?

 

[Moorea21]

Yes, from the outside of the house there is no chimney visible on that side of the house and the breast extends up to the roof line in the attic. Also there's an electric heater in the fireplace downstairs, rarely used, but might be an issue. Forgot that bit.

 

[EFLImpudence]

I have a socket at 1st floor level on the side of a disused chimney breast (in a pre 1875 brick house; the chimney was knocked down and the roof rebuilt over where the chimney breast now ends) and 2 more either side of the breast downstairs, also floor level. I've left looking at this area until last, but I suspect that the cables for all of these may run inside the chimney breast itself, through its walls.

I doubt if original cables do run inside the chimney.
What anyone might have done since is impossible to say.
Can you not remove the heater and have a look?

If so, it would be good to have the new cables fitted the same way, so as not to have to have the wall dug out and cables chased in.

I suppose if some are already there it won't make much difference but it is not ideal.
Cables in the wall cavities are not really allowed nowadays.

Is this BS7671 compliant?

If the cable won't be damaged by anything.

Is it a good idea?

Depends whether your electrician thinks it is or not.

Should I pass it through PVC conduit?

No, whether steel conduit would be advisable is again up to your electrician.

 

[Moorea21]

Think I'll just leave it and let sparky sort it out when he gets back.

 

[EFLImpudence]