Safe zones: clarification?

[Sparkmaker]

Where there is an ornate plaster cornice (as found in Victorian/Edwardian houses etc.) does the top 150 mm of the wall start at ceiling level or the bottom of the cornice?

Does the front corner of a chimney breast count as the edges of two walls?

Thanks

 

[EFLImpudence]

Ceiling level.

There is no distinction in the regulation between inside and outside corners - just the corner between two adjoining walls; however, is a chimney two adjoining walls? Up to you to decide.

Would such a place would ever be preferable and unavoidable?

 

[Sparkmaker]

Ceiling level.

There is no distinction in the regulation between inside and outside corners - just the corner between two adjoining walls; however, is a chimney two adjoining walls? Up to you to decide.

Would such a place would ever be preferable and unavoidable?

Thanks, both answers as I expected

The situation that prompted the query is a new light (addition to existing cct.) centred on a chimney breast that has an ornate cornice above.
The cable cannot go straight down (mantle piece and fireplace in the way) cannot go straight up and furtle behind the cornice into ceiling space (hearth slab above in the way) leaving horizontally as far as the leading edge of the breast and up to 149.9mm around the corner before turning up . Compliant but not good practice methinks... time to install an rcbo in the (rather elderly) CU? If one can be found that is suitable. Or an earthed bit of conduit? Damage to wall is not an issue, the plaster is about 25mm thick and all will be redecorated anyway.

 

[RF Lighting]

The cable is required to be surrounded by earthed metal if you can not route it within the prescribed safe zones.

The use of RCD protection does not negate the above regulation, and is required in all situations.