External cabling and the issues with EV.

You have eloquently cited the reasons it wouldn't be a good idea to run along a fence etc. - I guess it depends on how secure the fence in question is (or will remains). It also depends on where you live - in my area, we have regular gale-force winds, even for quite a distance inland (because it's flat), so many standard wooden fences are not suitable ... but it depends on the structure.

Nothing wrong, however, with securely running SWA along more rigid structures, such as a wall.

Dom said:

With Ev and the subsequent demand I feel our industry desperately needs to look at new containment solutions or pursue solutions in fulfilling a clients ask. Safely of course!!!

There are two sides to this story ... wishful thinking that an EV charging point can be purchased and installed in most installations for < £500 could be said to be one of the issues. It's long been known that major infrastructure changes would be required for EV charging, and that isn't limited to the distribution network. That also ignores installations that may require other enabling work to be carried out, and the debacle over earthing issues ... not limited to the charging point itself, but say you already have a separate garage on TT, there are still multiple earthing systems in the installation, and therefore still potentially requires a simultaneous contact assessment.

Couldn't make it up, could you?

Thank you for these points some excellent ones to consider (simultaneous contact) - which I will. Can I ask you your thoughts on new cable containment systems to support the evolution of EV in respects to a clients ask and ease of install. Do you think there will be a need for such a thing moving forward? 

In respects to your point around the security of fences I would deem the structures with concrete bases to be of solid construction with due diligence taken to fix to the concrete pillars only, one must be mindful of support distances of cables in this instance.

Would it be fair to use engineer judgement in fitting to a fence that is mechanically sound. Is this something that we should be looking at within the next amendment? Or is it prudent to leave as is, part of me believes these issues should be discussed and the discussion should work around solutions, there has never been more of a demand for outside cabling as there is to day. If the proper questions are asked and discussed then we may well be able to make a decision that is in line with the professional and safe standards BS7671 has provided us with for decades.

Thanks, 

Dominic.

What is wrong with running cable on the floor? Am thinking at the bottom of a fence along and not across a footpath or driveway. It doesn't lend itself to every situation, but in actuality, what is wrong with just laying the cable  straight onto the ground? It could be secured at intervals with cleats to keep it in place and if run tightly against the bottom of the fenceline it should not get damaged.

I cannot argue with that. The supply to the neighbours' gates has done just that for getting on for 20 years and it has not even been chewed by the foxes.

I cannot argue with that. The supply to the neighbours' gates has done just that for getting on for 20 years and it has not even been chewed by the foxes.

And it could be either the supply to the charger, or the cable from it. perhaps not appropriative for flower beds and places likely to be dug up or covered over, but OK on tarmac or cement. you could even have something a bit like a small speed hump nailed to the floor to protect it across driveways etc.