Conduit cable capacity over short lengths

[cr0]

Hello,

I was replacing some of the switches in the garage due to rusting and I've noticed three conduits (20mm) that are pretty packed with cables although these three conduits are all under a metre in length. The conduits just run vertically up the wall into the roof space (where they end), two have a slight offset in them to negotiate the door lintel. Also the lighting is all LED and is under 2 amps with everything switched on.

The following drawing is probably the easiest way to explain it (I've put a red line against areas of concern).

I recall when using singles you have to leave a certain amount of free space in the conduit for heat / air flow sort of thing. To my mind these cables should not be packed this densely however maybe over very short run lengths like these it may be acceptable? Am I able where the cables enter the conduit to strip off their outer sheath so they become like singles? Basically what is the correct way to address this so that it complies properly with any regs?

I ask from a general safety point of view but also would it be an issue noted in an EICR?

Thanks,
Robert

 

[blup]

A metre shouldn’t make a difference.

 

[morqthana]

A metre shouldn’t make a difference.

No - it's fine if only a short length of insulation melts.

 

[blup]

No - it's fine if only a short length of insulation melts.

But it hasn't melted after years in situ

 

[SUNRAY]

That has taken a certain amount of care and time, personally I'd have moved up to 25mm with for many cables.
With only low powers of LED there isn't likely to be any overheating issue. I wouldn't advocate spending the time and effort replacing the conduit as I don't think it would be beneficial.

 

[cr0]

That has taken a certain amount of care and time, personally I'd have moved up to 25mm with for many cables.
With only low powers of LED there isn't likely to be any overheating issue. I wouldn't advocate spending the time and effort replacing the conduit as I don't think it would be beneficial.

Yeah the general standard/care of the fit of the electrics in the garage seems good (I'm unable to ask anything of the previous owner though as they sadly passed away). I've now managed to find dates on some of the cables which suggests at least that they have been in place 20-25 years and with no signs of overheating that I can see would confirm what you've said especially now everything is LED.

I don't intend selling the property but do you know whether this would be noted as an issue in an EICR?

 

[SUNRAY]

Yeah the general standard/care of the fit of the electrics in the garage seems good (I'm unable to ask anything of the previous owner though as they sadly passed away). I've now managed to find dates on some of the cables which suggests at least that they have been in place 20-25 years and with no signs of overheating that I can see would confirm what you've said especially now everything is LED.

I don't intend selling the property but do you know whether this would be noted as an issue in an EICR?

I doubt it would be noted to be honest

 

[cr0]

I doubt it would be noted to be honest

Might be missed entirely from what I hear about the standard of some EICRs!

Yeah leave it until it's raised, if at all, then deal with it .. I overthink sometimes

 

[morqthana]

Yeah leave it until it's raised, if at all, then deal with it

Who is going to raise it? Are there any reasons why a potential buyer would require you to have an EICR done?

Even if one is done, by you or by them, and those bits of conduit found, then 9 times out of 10, or 99 out of 100, etc, "dealing with it" would consist of you saying "do you want the house or not?".