Solar Panels, main cable thickness

[ShaunShep]

We're having a 4kw solar system fitted to our home this week. I'm in the process of chasing a run down a wall ready for the cables from the inverter to our consumer unit to sit in.

Does anyone know roughly what the total thickness of this cable is likely to be, just so I know I've made enough room for the cable.

 

[JohnD]

between the inverter and the CU, it will probably be 4mm T&E, which is about half an inch wide. It might be singles, each a bit smaller than a pencil. He might put in in a 20mm flexible conduit.

When I chase for cables, I make it wide enough to take a cable clip, to hold it in place https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/TC714G.html you can buy a pack in a DIY shop

However I don't think you should chase and plaster them, because they will be out of sight, so easy to nail or drill into.

Whatever you think, you should ask your installer, who will be signing the installation certificate.

 

[ShaunShep]

Thanks for that.

I've explained to the installers where we'd like the cable to run, and they didn't have any objections.

Where the cable it going is a strange place on a small landing at the top of the stairs. We have two bedroom doors each with a small gap between them, I'm chase for the cabling is going between these two doors, which isn't wide enough to do anything with (i.e. put a picture up), but I do understand what you're saying and the risks. Our consumer unit is directly under the floor where I've chased for the cable, so thankfully this is the only place the cable needs to go, and given it's location I'm confident that the risk of it being nailed or drilled is very small.

 

[securespark]

You need to ensure the cable (if concealed) is placed in a safe zone ie in line with a fusebox, switch or socket or 150mm from the corners twixt ceiling and wall or walls.

One way to do this is to fix a box in line with the cable. Maybe an architrave box between the door frames?

 

[JohnW2]

... or 150mm from the corners twixt ceiling and wall or walls.

I think that statement might easily be misunderstood. It would be clearer if you said ".. less than 150mm from the corners ...", or something like that.

Kind Regards, John

 

[securespark]

Is there a self-flagellation icon?