DNO Tails on ladder

Apostolos Kasinalis:

Good morning

I have a big student accomodation building with a dedicated DNO substation and a nearby LV switchroom where the DNO will place the cut-out ACB (1250A)

On the opposite wall we are putting our Main Distribution Panel.

Now, usually in previous cases the DNO cut out and the MDP panel are side by side and the tails go into a trunking.

In this case they will go on a ladder. From the DNO cut out box up to the ceiling, across the room and down to the MDP panel.

I know that ladder does not offer mechanical protection.

Can I still go with tails on the ladder? Or I need XLPE/SWA single cores in this case?

Is there something in BS7671 that prohibits the use of double insulated tails on a ladder?


Sorry for my ignorance

Kind Regards

Are they not coming straight from lv side of transformer into your lv panel, also have you looked at LV waveform cables from their equipment to yours, as for double insulated cables on ladder that isn’t an issue as the out sheath is classed as protection, you can also get covers for ladder system if you should require. 

Apostolos Kasinalis:

Good morning

I have a big student accomodation building with a dedicated DNO substation and a nearby LV switchroom where the DNO will place the cut-out ACB (1250A)

On the opposite wall we are putting our Main Distribution Panel.

Now, usually in previous cases the DNO cut out and the MDP panel are side by side and the tails go into a trunking.

In this case they will go on a ladder. From the DNO cut out box up to the ceiling, across the room and down to the MDP panel.

I know that ladder does not offer mechanical protection.

Can I still go with tails on the ladder? Or I need XLPE/SWA single cores in this case?

Is there something in BS7671 that prohibits the use of double insulated tails on a ladder?


Sorry for my ignorance

Kind Regards

Are they not coming straight from lv side of transformer into your lv panel, also have you looked at LV waveform cables from their equipment to yours, as for double insulated cables on ladder that isn’t an issue as the out sheath is classed as protection, you can also get covers for ladder system if you should require.