Wiring In The Wall Cavity

[BJS]

Is it permissible to run parts of the house ring main using the cavity rather than conduit. When I had a extension done in the 1970's, which became the kitchen some of the socket wiring was done using the cavity. We are now having a kitchen makeover and when I mentioned about the cabling I was told this is allowable, Is this correct. Thanks for any advice.

[Iggle Piggle]

I see no problem using the cavity. I've done so on many occasions but I am a little out of date with current electrical regs. Where's 'The Builder' when you need him ?

[ladyalex]

Gosh I am so plased to hear the two replies above.
I think all of our wiring is in the cavity.
Conduit? what conduit?

Thanks chaps.

[ladyalex]

^ pleased^

wretched ipad.

[melv16]

I think it's illegal to put wiring in the cavity. Common sense tells me if you were drilling a hole through to the outside wall you might hit the cable.

[melv16]

Wonky. I've just read it's against building regs.

[BJS]

Where did you read that melv16

[Buenchico]

The discussion here sums it all up rather neatly.

The post from Coloumb explains how an ultra-strict reading of the Regulations (and the requirements of the National House Building Council) make the placing of cables within a cavity wall 'undesirable' (if not actually 'illegal').

The response from X seeks (quite reasonably in my view) to rubbish that opinion, based upon a bit of common sense:
http://community.screwfix.com/threads/wires-in-wall-cavity.43119/

[melv16]

http://www.theiet.org/forums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=205&threadid=40397
I think its you that needs the toilet roll as you seem to be talking s--t

[melv16]

Ooooo get you wonky

[Buenchico]

Stop squabbling guys ('cos I get fed up having to remove lots of posts) and read my link (above). You'll see there the arguments put forward as to why placing cables within a wall cavity does at least risk breaching the Regulations and a well-reasoned response to those arguments.

[BJS]

I have a bit of electrics knowledge from my old career. There are 2 things one being IF a drill touched a wire in a cavity it would possibly push it to the side. Yes it could nick it. If a drill hit a wire in a conduit. which I believe is plastic now it would probably cause far more damage, IF I am right about the conduit is plastic.

[Tilly2]

Calm down, wonky.