Routing cable through loft joists

[trev77]

Hmmm, just been up into the loft, removed the T & G flooring, to find the cables have been laid in shallow notches cut into the top of the 3-inch joists

Now, should I make the joists even weaker by drilling through them to route the new cable for the downlights, or use the existing cut-out for the new cables and cover it with a metal plate to protect them?

Or re-route the existing cables through new holes drilled in the joists as well?

Or raise the section of floor by a couple of inches using 2 x 1 wooden blocks so the cables can be safe from stray screws from the T & G?

TIA

Trev

 

[Jaymack]

Hmmm, just been up into the loft, removed the T & G flooring, to find the cables have been laid in shallow notches cut into the top of the 3-inch joists

Now, should I make the joists even weaker by drilling through them to route the new cable for the downlights, or use the existing cut-out for the new cables and cover it with a metal plate to protect them?

The floor has not collapsed so far; so use the existing cutout and plate over as you say, (TLC supply suitable plates). Mark the points where the plates are; when the T&G is reinstated.

Or re-route the existing cables through new holes drilled in the joists as well?

Not necessary and would further weaken the joists.

Or raise the section of floor by a couple of inches using 2 x 1 wooden blocks so the cables can be safe from stray screws from the T & G?

No.

Jaymack

 

[trev77]

Thanks for the advice.....safe plate cable protection now on order