Protecting cables in walls/hiding conduit.

[JohnW2]

I agree the idea is sound but the cost of Ali-tube and the problems of buying short lengths mean in real terms more trouble than it's worth.

Indeed - which is presumably one of the reasons why it's virtually never used 'routinely' in domestic situations.

I did say freezer which as long as marked freezer only does not need RCD protection.

Yes, but that's surely the other way around? If one specifically wants to have a freezer supply which is not RCD/RCBO-protected (presumably to avoid susceptibility to 'nuisance trips') then, if the cable is to be buried, one has no choice but to use ali-tube, SWA or suchlike, or to put the cable in proper (earthed) metal conduit.

Kind Regards, John

 

[sparkwright]

For the sockets, be certain to run TWO 20 mm oval conduits at each socket. This will ensure you will get two cables to the socket without problems.

Avoid having joins in the conduit.

Push something in the end of each conduit where it's liable to get blocked up with plaster.

 

[Risteard]

So in 2008 the rules were changed and if any metal is used in a wall then had to be earthed.

Not correct. Steel conduit is an exposed conductive part and therefore must be earthed (regardless of whether it is installed on the surface or concealed in the wall, and regardless of whether or not it is utilised as the cpc).

There is no requirement to earth capping (something which is never used here), but it will not negate the requirement for RCD protection of concealed cables, whereas earthed metallic conduit will.

 

[JohnW2]

So in 2008 the rules were changed and if any metal is used in a wall then had to be earthed.

Not correct. Steel conduit is an exposed conductive part and therefore must be earthed (regardless of whether it is installed on the surface or concealed in the wall, and regardless of whether or not it is utilised as the cpc). There is no requirement to earth capping ....

IIRC, in the case (involving a whole series of factors/errors) to which eric referred, the issue was 'structural' metalwork within the wall, not conduit or capping.

Kind Regards, John