I am undertaking a complete rewiring project in Malta. The local electrical regulations are based on the latest IEE Wiring Regs, but there are few unexpected practices: Plastic backboxes are used rather than metal. This is because they are chased into limestone blocks, not brick, so metal backboxes tend to corrode. Single core cables are run inside plastic conduit rather than using twin core and earth in a PVC jacket. The cables are also multistranded rather than solid core, though for some terminations the wire is capped and crimped to give a solid core like end I want to follow local practices as far as possible, but would be grateful for any advice about the above. What changes, if any, should I ask for? What are the disadvantages/ advantages of the above?

Use of plastic backboxes rather than metal, use of multistranded rather than solid core cables for power/lighting

I am undertaking a complete rewiring project in Malta. The local electrical regulations are based on the latest IEE Wiring Regs, but there are few unexpected practices:

Plastic backboxes are used rather than metal. This is because they are chased into limestone blocks, not brick, so metal backboxes tend to corrode.
Single core cables are run inside plastic conduit rather than using twin core and earth in a PVC jacket. The cables are also multistranded rather than solid core, though for some terminations the wire is capped and crimped to give a solid core like end

I want to follow local practices as far as possible, but would be grateful for any advice about the above. What changes, if any, should I ask for? What are the disadvantages/ advantages of the above?

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0 mapj1 over 1 year ago

Nothing you indicate contravenes anything in the IET regs, and given the local building techniques and tendency to use stone walls and poured concrete floors, and the threading of flexi-conduit with singles makes perfect sense. Well crimped ferrule or bootlace ends to make a 'hard end' for those connectors that need it,- again is perfectly acceptable under the regs and is very sensible.

Additionally I suspect (only based on being there for work over 20 years ago mind you) that the Maltese may make more use of TT supplies, so choice of RCDs becomes more important, and at that time they seemed to prefer a larger number of 2.5mm2 radial final circuits covering a small area (bit like our continental cousins) rather than higher current rings covering more of the building.This was probably as well given the no of europlugs seen stuck in 13A sockets..

However, 'common practice' may well have changed quite a bit over time so a pinch of salt with my info may be needed. ;-) Others may well be rather more up to date.

Mike.
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0 mapj1 over 1 year ago

Nothing you indicate contravenes anything in the IET regs, and given the local building techniques and tendency to use stone walls and poured concrete floors, and the threading of flexi-conduit with singles makes perfect sense. Well crimped ferrule or bootlace ends to make a 'hard end' for those connectors that need it,- again is perfectly acceptable under the regs and is very sensible.

Additionally I suspect (only based on being there for work over 20 years ago mind you) that the Maltese may make more use of TT supplies, so choice of RCDs becomes more important, and at that time they seemed to prefer a larger number of 2.5mm2 radial final circuits covering a small area (bit like our continental cousins) rather than higher current rings covering more of the building.This was probably as well given the no of europlugs seen stuck in 13A sockets..

However, 'common practice' may well have changed quite a bit over time so a pinch of salt with my info may be needed. ;-) Others may well be rather more up to date.

Mike.
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Use of plastic backboxes rather than metal, use of multistranded rather than solid core cables for power/lighting

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