New electric gate and driveway lighting - advice needed

[riazawais]

Hi,
I am currently in the final stages of having the driveway laid. I want outdoor lighting and an electric gate in the future, and would like to run the wire from the house to the end of the drive now.
Does the armoured cable have to be run underground? If so, what's the minimum depth.
Or, is it safe and up to code if we ran it above ground (i.e. running on the ground along the fence) inside a galvanised conduit?
Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[trojanhawrs]

450mm for direct burial which would be the tidiest option. If your fence is solid you can clip it along, at least 150mm up from the ground so it's visible, wouldn't have to be in conduit if you're using armoured it provides the mechanical protection.

 

[Murdochcat]

Ducting and draw cords are the best option at this time

 

[ericmark]

After the death in Manchester there are very strict rules on electric gates, I would ask the installer what they want. In Wales the cable is notifiable work.

 

[SUNRAY]

Ducting and draw cords are the best option at this time

By far the best advice as different installers may have very different ideas on what they require and as Eric has mentioned the requlations for electric gates are numerous, very strict and enforcable by law, unlike most of the wiring regs.

 

[Taylortwocities]

@riazawais I'll echo the safety messages above. Before you get to this point

I am currently in the final stages of having the driveway laid.

Find yourself a certified electric gates company NOW. You will not just need a power cable to near the gates. You may also need an inductive loop under the drive - both sides of the gates - so that vehicles are detected. Also there will be cables between the two gates to provide signalling, vehicle presence magic eye and drive to the motors on each.
I do not know what sort of property you have, but if you plan on an entry keypad with microphone and response speaker there will be more cables needed back to the house.,
Also, Are you having an electrically operated pedestrian gate too? more to think about there as well.

Seriously - DO THIS NOW, not after the driveway is down or you will be digging much of it up again. If you fail to plan then you plan to fail.