Clipped direct

[Cartboy52]

Hi folks,

Is it OK to clip the ring main to exposed beams?

The property is a very old farm cottage which has exposed beams. The idea was to clip the wires to the beams and then paint over them. This is how the old wiring was attached.

I've been told that all wiring, even exposed stuff, must be in conduit. Sounds wrong to me, as I don't see any need for it, but thought I'd ask the experts!

Cheers.

 

[jj4091]

Yes there is nothing wrong with clipped direct, surface mounted cable, apart from the fact that it looks awful.

 

[ericmark]

Look nicer in mineral cables and if you can't work with mineral how about ali-tube?

 

[RF Lighting]

Wooden trunking stained the same colour as the beam perhaps?

 

[Cartboy52]

The beams are painted white / many years of lime wash.

Painting over the cables hides them quite nicely. Conduit would stick out more and make them more noticable.

Just wanted to know if they have to be in conduit for the regs, as I was informed they do, but doubted the advice.

Cheers

 

[RF Lighting]

IIRC additional mechanical protection is only required for cables below 1800mm from the floor, but this might just be one of those best practice things.

 

[rebuke]

You might be able to find a bit of D-line trunking (http://www.d-line.co.uk/) that looks nicer than the cable alone - I've used this stuff in my living room as a dado rail and it's worked quite well...

 

[Lectrician]

D-Line in a cottage would look a little naff.

Clipped direct would be fine - it is good practice for you

You could use LSZH cable - It has a white sheath.