Wiring lights in a summerhouse (can I run cable on outside of summerhouse)?

[uptown47]

Hi all,

I'm expecting delivery of a summerhouse soon. I have mains out to the area where the summerhouse is coming and planning on getting this connected to a small consumer unit for lights/sockets in the summerhouse.

The summerhouse is a 'log' type with 44mm 'logs' and is single-skinned so there's not plasterboard to run the cables behind.

I wondered what was required in order to run cables out through the 'logs' and then along the outside of the building and back in, in order to wire up wall lights and sockets?

Does anyone know if this is allowed? I realise it may not be aesthetically pleasing to everyone but thought it might be an alternative from using plastic conduit inside the summerhouse?

I thought about using armoured cable and then running it along the sides of the summerhouse outside and then drilling back through to mount sockets / wall lights as necessary?

Have you any advice on a better way to achieve this?

Thanks

 

[ericmark]

I would say mineral insulated cable is the best where there is fire risk and problems making it look good. This is the norm for things like churches where cables can't be hidden.

But it requires skill and not really a DIY job. So next best is Ali-Tube can be dressed to some extent like MIC but far easier to terminate.

 

[Echo the husky]

Yep we used bare MI in the last log cabin we did, looked smart as. It can be easily dressed around the logs, and stays where it is put without having to use loads of cable fixings. It's the only cable I'd recommend, but as above it's not suitable for DIY installation. Bare MI should not be used on fresh oak as it will corrode the sheath.

 

[sparkwright]

I'm not sure what you mean by 44mm logs.

That sounds more like sticks than logs.

Can the wiring not be run on the inside then?

If you've got a picture this would certainly help ME.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I'm not sure what you mean by 44mm logs.

That sounds more like sticks than logs.

This may not be the make, but it sounds like a similar type:

http://www.lillevilla.co.uk/44mm-log-cabins.aspx

Can the wiring not be run on the inside then?

That's got to be much more preferable.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I wondered what was required in order to run cables out through the 'logs' and then along the outside of the building and back in, in order to wire up wall lights and sockets?

Does anyone know if this is allowed? I realise it may not be aesthetically pleasing to everyone but thought it might be an alternative from using plastic conduit inside the summerhouse?

It will look truly dreadful, and create multiple opportunities for leaks.

Don't even think about it.

I thought about using armoured cable and then running it along the sides of the summerhouse outside and then drilling back through to mount sockets / wall lights as necessary?

Have you any advice on a better way to achieve this?

Use an electrician.

You need Building Regulations approval for the electrics anyway, so using a registered electrician will be the simplest way.

Make sure you find one who can do MICC/Pryo.

 

[Echo the husky]

If it is with 'logs' like that at least the surface will be flat, which will be much eaisier to install on. We had full tree trunks to contend with!

 

[uptown47]

Thanks for all the great advice.

Sparkwright, ban-all-sheds is bang on the money with his link. The 'logs' are exactly like that.

I'll look into finding a registered spark who can do MICC/Pyro as per ban-all-sheds suggestion. I'd never heard of that but it sounds ideal.

Thanks again for all your sage advice.

Cheers

 

[Iggifer]

Not my photo, this is from the pyro master @RF Lighting. I'm sure he probably has better examples he could show you.

 

[Echo the husky]

It's a great wiring system, the cables are very compact and discrete compared to other wiring types. Installed properly it should never need replacing. I stuck some round the side of my house for a socket and lights. (photo not good in the dark and rain ) Roller straighteners at the ready!

 

[stillp]

It's also vermin-proof, which can be an advantage in an outside building. I love Pyro!

 

[RF Lighting]

I've done a log cabin in pyro. I'll try and find some pictures.

 

[sparkwright]

Hi all,

I'm expecting delivery of a summerhouse soon. I have mains out to the area where the summerhouse is coming and planning on getting this connected to a small consumer unit for lights/sockets in the summerhouse.

The summerhouse is a 'log' type with 44mm 'logs' and is single-skinned so there's not plasterboard to run the cables behind.

I wondered what was required in order to run cables out through the 'logs' and then along the outside of the building and back in, in order to wire up wall lights and sockets?

Does anyone know if this is allowed? I realise it may not be aesthetically pleasing to everyone but thought it might be an alternative from using plastic conduit inside the summerhouse?

I thought about using armoured cable and then running it along the sides of the summerhouse outside and then drilling back through to mount sockets / wall lights as necessary?

Have you any advice on a better way to achieve this?

Thanks

Why can't the cables be run on the inside?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

They can. The OP didn't want that because all he knows is bare cable and plastic conduit.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Oh dear.