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CABLES IN PROTECTED ESCAPE ROUTES

John Peckham

Thinking about the the thread on metering for flats.

The DPC for Amendment 2 in 422.2 only allows cables supplying safety services, lighting and sockets for cleaning to be installed in a protected escape route.

I am thinking that it is usual for supplies to flats, in blocks of flats, to be run from a riser cupboard down the corridors and enter each flat above a demountable ceiling. 

So post AMD 2 how would the supplies to flats from a riser be practically installed. There is only minimal clearance from the demountable ceiling to the soffit , it would be difficult to enclose the cables in  Durasteel fire cladding. Lowering the ceiling is not a usual option.

Answers on a post card to ………………………..

JP

 

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    Hmm, an interesting spot.

    Assuming  they mean the same definition as part B, (fire)  then the definition will catch a lot of situations where a sub main is not an unreasonable thing to be routed - like on the wall with the front door of the flat in it..

    A protected corridor/lobby is, 'A corridor or lobby that is adequately protected from fire in adjoining areas by fire resisting construction.'

    At this point one wonders about very large dia. conduit, or metal trunking, or if it would be better if the authors of the regs stuck to wiring, and asked the folk who write the ADs part B to consider this sort of thing.

    Mike.

     

     

     

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    The answer then is that the ceiling has to be fire rated for the same duration as the walls. That's how it's regularly done in Firefighting Lobbies and Shafts.

    And as Mike has highlighted, it's already a requirement of part B so it is mandatory now. We shouldn't wait for AMD 2….

    regards, burn 

  • 0

    I was thinking, what is the risk of an unjointed LSF SWA cable above the false ceiling in a protected escape route secured with metallic cleats or on a cable tray with metal ties?

  • 0

    I am involved in the conversion of a 5-storey office building into a hotel. The building is listed with special historical interest of features in the corridors Which will give access to the bedrooms. All services are run in the central ceiling portion of the corridor and hidden from view by a dropped ceiling that does not fit wall to wall but allows a view to the decorative cornices on each side. Cables are on tray, all LS0H but  there is no dispute that they are in the protected route as the ceiling does not form a complete enclosure. Neither BC or the fire engineer have any concerns.

    I agree that cables in protected routes should be installed to minimise any risk from collapse and should be selected to minimise any detrimental effect should they be attacked by fire but I do not agree that cables should be totally precluded from being run along corridors. 
    I would like to know how the imperative for proposed regulation. Who lobbied for it, with whom did they consult and what was the evidence used to support the determination.
     

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