You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion
CMS
Former Community Member
Hi everyone, this is my first post , after spending 8 hours on line and no success ,being an M&E Manager electrically biased, I check for conformity on twelve domestic construction sites, one in particular has a design and build electrical contractor, my issue is in the electrical intake room in the basement of a new build 5 storey apartments, the tray and trunking is installed to a good standard however all the conduit from a stop end box on the trunking is in white plastic, at least 60 lengths serving both high level lights, sockets and life safety systems, can someone please tell me is their is a BS or regulation which opposes this install, also where do the fire regulations sit with this.
Generally conduit and trunking does not have to be IP rated indoors - it may just be providing some mechanical protection and marshalling for cables inside that have their own water proof insulation. IP4x is not watertight, just rather better than finger proof - the test is a wire probe.
From BS7671 perspective trunking and conduits can be quite a bit more open than that and comply - IPXXD and or IP30 are common alternatives. previous discussions on this
I agree steel is normally used, as it looks the part and then there is then no question about robustness, or earthing arrangements, but it may be more a case of house style rather than strictly required in all cases.
Fire load (the 'free fuel' built into the fabric of the building by choice of materials) is a holistic question, and conduit may well be OK if other things around it do not burn, and you do see some funnies. That said I cannot imagine anyone rushing to fit plastic cladding in the near future.
Who is the fire risk authority for the design - is that you ? A site visit from a specialist may be needed.
Fire alarms are interesting - does the system have its own central battery back up - if it has a 'control panel' then it probably does, so the mains supply failing in a fire may not matter. I'd still expect the fire rated cable to be used however, inside a plastic pipe or on the surface.
Generally conduit and trunking does not have to be IP rated indoors - it may just be providing some mechanical protection and marshalling for cables inside that have their own water proof insulation. IP4x is not watertight, just rather better than finger proof - the test is a wire probe.
From BS7671 perspective trunking and conduits can be quite a bit more open than that and comply - IPXXD and or IP30 are common alternatives. previous discussions on this
I agree steel is normally used, as it looks the part and then there is then no question about robustness, or earthing arrangements, but it may be more a case of house style rather than strictly required in all cases.
Fire load (the 'free fuel' built into the fabric of the building by choice of materials) is a holistic question, and conduit may well be OK if other things around it do not burn, and you do see some funnies. That said I cannot imagine anyone rushing to fit plastic cladding in the near future.
Who is the fire risk authority for the design - is that you ? A site visit from a specialist may be needed.
Fire alarms are interesting - does the system have its own central battery back up - if it has a 'control panel' then it probably does, so the mains supply failing in a fire may not matter. I'd still expect the fire rated cable to be used however, inside a plastic pipe or on the surface.
