Outdoor prep - cable for future

[Markathorpe84]

Hello! First post, having already been digging around for rendering tips...but for now I have a different question I’m hoping you can help with.

I was going to lay a couple of cables while I’m building my garden (eg, down the side of planters) so that when the time’s right and I get a sparky to actually do the work, I would have to dig up my garden.

What would I need to run? Google suggests 1.5mm 3 core for lights but my neighbour had said he’d run 2.5mm.

I love DIY, I love trying new things but I am terrified of electronics - not that I’m allowed to do the work anyway, but laying the cable seems sensible now and just sealing it up for later, so thanks for your advice in advance

 

[flameport]

What would I need to run?

Cable duct https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Cable_Index/Cable_Ducting/index.html
so the cable(s) can be drawn in later once whoever is installing it has determined what size and type of cable is actually required.

 

[Markathorpe84]

Thanks - I did wonder the same, but figured that as the longest will likely be 20-25m and have maybe 3x 90 degree turns, that that might be fiddly to feed a cable all the way through?

 

[bernardgreen]

Cable duct

Cable ducts One for mains cables and the other for cables such as telephone, data, alarm, etc etc

 

[bernardgreen]

3x 90 degree turns,

use swept bends such as THESE

There are other suppliers....

 

[Markathorpe84]

Ahhh nice one, thanks both, this looks like the sensible option then

 

[bernardgreen]

Smaller diameter bends HERE

 

[mattylad]

why go smaller?
Keep it big so then the kids hamster can run back and forth when it escapes

 

[securespark]

And put ropes through them so you can tie on and pull through the cables.

 

[Markathorpe84]

And put ropes through them so you can tie on and pull through the cables.

Ah! So simple but that totally makes sense.

 

[bernardgreen]

So simple but that totally makes sense.

It is better to use a plaited/braided rope rather than a simple rope made of of twisted fibres. When a twisted fibre rope is under tension it tends to un-twist at the ends. This then twists up the cables being pulled into the duct.

If pulling only a single cable this is not a problem ( as long as the cable is not damaged by being twisted )
If pulling more than one cable then the cables will be twisted around each other. Not a problem until one of them needs to be replaced,

If a new draw cord is being pulled in with the cables then will be twisted with the cables and thus may not be usable to pull in additional cables.

This is one source of value for money braided cord. https://www.cheaprope.co.uk/braided-polypropylene-cord-c-4000_9327.html

 

[Taylortwocities]

And put ropes through them so you can tie on and pull through the cables.

Ah! So simple but that totally makes sense.

the duct recommended in Flameport’s post (#2) comes with a draw cord already provided.

 

[securespark]

Ah, didn't check the link.

 

[bernardgreen]

To get a draw cord into a duct requires light fishing line ( or other light weight but string thread ), a lump of cotton wool and a vacuum cleaner.

If the duct could have got water into it then use a wet and dry vacuum cleaner

 

[crystal ball]

We used to blow them through with compressed air, probably get a written warning for that now