Wiring under ground to front boundary

[dchopp]

I have arranged for a block paving driveway to be installed and new fences erected. It has been suggested to me that after the old drive has been removed by the groundwork contractors I lay sufficient SWA cable from the house to the front boundary in case I ever need lighting, sensors or even an electric powered gate. The front boundary is approx 17 metres from the garage and another 5 metres or so to the unit. I have no plans to connect it up at the moment.

This seems a very good idea. My research so far is to lay SWA 2.5mm 2 core. Do I need to put it in conduit or PVC pipe. Do I need an earthing cable?

Any suggestions would be welcome. Thank you.

David

 

[plugwash]

That would be ok for lighting (though i'd preffer 3 core to give a dedicated earth wire) but if you want sensors or an electic gate you will need more wiring.

My advice would be to put in a duct with a draw rope, you can then pull in whatever cables are needed as and when you need them.

 

[ricicle]

I think a lot of wholesalers have stopped stocking the smaller sizes of 2 core swa.

As Plugwash says though install a duct and drawrope then the world is your lobster.

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Put in 2 ducts as above, in case you want an intercom/CCTV camera out there as well.

Other suppliers are available, but last time I checked these people were reasonably priced:

http://www.drainageonline.co.uk/search.asp?search=duct&search2.x=48&search2.y=19

 

[dchopp]

Thank you all for your recommendations.

The groundwork contractor is ordering and installing flexible ducting during the preparatory work. I had better keep watch to ensure a drawrope is inserted otherwise I'll be in the mire.

David

 

[17thman]

if youwant electric gates with motors on both sides, you will need a duct to the other upright aswell

 

[ricicle]

You can get ducting with a string already in it which can be used to pull in a more substantial draw cord when needed.

 

[DetlefSchmitz]

But when they lose the end of the string, a steel fish tape will push through in thirty seconds to replace it.

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Hand+Tools/Electricians+Tools/Steel+Draw+Tape+30m/d10/sd170/p90326

 

[dchopp]

Just to inform you that ducts have been installed by the contractors and job finished.

Thank you all for your tips

David

 

[bernardgreen]

But when they lose the end of the string, a steel fish tape will push through in thirty seconds to replace it.

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Han.../Steel+Draw+Tape+30m/d10/sd170/p90326[/QUOTE]
Or lightweight string and a vacuum cleaner to suck it through.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Or a hungry ferret at one end, with the string tied to him, and a nice bit of chicken at the other.

 

[heathelect]

Or a hungry ferret at one end, with the string tied to him, and a nice bit of chicken at the other.

We always use a conduit mouse, I keep mine in a matchbox in my top pocket !!!