Having been asked to fit a new weatherproof external socket to a domestic property, it's not feasible to fit the easy way, back-to-back, but perfectly possible and, I would expect, acceptable to fit it at the end of a 2m horizontal length of PVC conduit. HOWEVER, the client would also like a new internal socket back-to-back from this position. Is it considered acceptable to extend the ring circuit through the conduit to this new location - OK, I'd upgrade to galv steel - whilst keeping the external socket as a fused spur? Location is adjacent to the path from gate to front door. All other requirements (RCD etc) are satisactory.
I think you are worrying over much. Back near my parents place I know of a house that has the supply for the upstairs lights run in T and E up the outside wall, coming out of the consumer unit and going up and back in again at the eaves.
Despite making me wonder how anyone thought it was a good idea (and yes the chap who did it was registered with a well known trade body) it has been working just fine for something like 30 years now (at no time has cutting a slot in the hall landing stairs wall been worth it, a re-run in SWA might be). I've heard tell of TV installers putting a socket on the wall and running black flex beside the coax outside, though I suspect that is less common nowadays. The appeal in terms of not damaging the decor is obvious, and the problems are beyond the guarantee period.
It is certainly fine to run cable outside and back in again - the concerns as you identify are mechanical and perhaps weather related. You need to decide plastic and possibly sacrificial (mini trunking or black plastic conduit) or built like the rock of ages. (metal or concrete)
I think you are worrying over much. Back near my parents place I know of a house that has the supply for the upstairs lights run in T and E up the outside wall, coming out of the consumer unit and going up and back in again at the eaves.
Despite making me wonder how anyone thought it was a good idea (and yes the chap who did it was registered with a well known trade body) it has been working just fine for something like 30 years now (at no time has cutting a slot in the hall landing stairs wall been worth it, a re-run in SWA might be). I've heard tell of TV installers putting a socket on the wall and running black flex beside the coax outside, though I suspect that is less common nowadays. The appeal in terms of not damaging the decor is obvious, and the problems are beyond the guarantee period.
It is certainly fine to run cable outside and back in again - the concerns as you identify are mechanical and perhaps weather related. You need to decide plastic and possibly sacrificial (mini trunking or black plastic conduit) or built like the rock of ages. (metal or concrete)
