Inserting Wires Into Conduit - Why?

[EViS]

Should all cabling (whether this be mains or networking) always be inserted into plastic conduit around residential dwellings?

If so, is this a building regulation or simply good practice? Whichever is the correct answer, what's the reasoning behind this?

 

[breezer]

answer is no.

conduit is for mechanical protection only.

some countries wire the house with flexible conduit everywhere

 

[RF Lighting]

It depends. Tell us what are you proposing to do, and we will tell you if it is required for your situation or not.

 

[EViS]

answer is no.

conduit is for mechanical protection only.

some countries wire the house with flexible conduit everywhere

What do you mean by 'mechanical' protection?

 

[EViS]

It depends. Tell us what are you proposing to do, and we will tell you if it is required for your situation or not.

To be honest I'm just looking for a general answer. As I like to use conduit everywhere, most people I come across never bother.

I'm referring to electrical cabling which is chased into a wall for lights, sockets, tv/sat coax, cat5e, etc.

 

[RF Lighting]

Oh right. It is not an electrical regulation to use conduit, but certainly is considered good pactice.

All the electricians I know either use conduit or capping

 

[EViS]

Why is it good practice (what does it aid)? And what is capping?

 

[breezer]

it gives mechanical protection.

suppose you hit a cable with a hammer, wont do it much good, now put another cable in conduit, now hit it. see the differance?

 

[securespark]

Capping is only there to protect the cable from damage when plastering.

 

[RF Lighting]

It prevents possible damage to the cables from the plasterers trowel, and any possible detrimental effects from chemicles in the plaster or rendering etc.

It also facilitates the replacement of cabling should it be reqired in the future with out the need to remove plaster and redecorate.

Capping only covers the cable on one side, and is fitted after the cables are in place.

 

[JohnD]

plastic conduit provides very little mechanical protection

but it can make it much easier to thread new cables in if for some reason you need to later, and might save you having to chase out. But you have to leave room.

I have done this a couple of times when replacing a length that had been drilled through.

 

[EViS]

Thanks for the answers guys. Much appreciated .

 

[mattylad]

Not to forget that the conduit needs to be earthed.

 

[breezer]

not if its PVC

 

[RF Lighting]

Not to forget that the conduit needs to be earthed.

No it doesn't.