Why I do my own electrics.

[Dave-sparks]

To be fair, cable clipped so it is resting on pipes annoys me too - it is just gash.

Usually there is enough room to get the cable behind the pipes without touching them, or route it a different way to avoid them with a bit of planning.
A lot of people seem to start a job and then work around the obstacles as they encounter them, rather than spend a few minutes working out a rout9e first. Something about the five p's...

You wont get the SWA in the pictures behind your average domestic water pipe.

I agree that cables being run in contact with water pipes isn't ideal, and I wouldn't do it like that. But that doesn't mean it is a reason to condemn the installation.

Yes you can put a lot of time in to planning a route, but sometimes you just have to get past some pipework and at that point you have to decide what is actually a reasonable way to do this.
Bear in mind the OP is already condemning the cost of the installation so adding the cost of some containment to pass over the pipes would result in the installer being labelled as even more of a rip-off merchant.

 

[MetalMonkey]

You wont get the SWA in the pictures behind your average domestic water pipe.

I agree that cables being run in contact with water pipes isn't ideal, and I wouldn't do it like that. But that doesn't mean it is a reason to condemn the installation.

Yes you can put a lot of time in to planning a route, but sometimes you just have to get past some pipework and at that point you have to decide what is actually a reasonable way to do this.
Bear in mind the OP is already condemning the cost of the installation so adding the cost of some containment to pass over the pipes would result in the installer being labelled as even more of a rip-off merchant.

It's hard to say for certain without actually seeing it, every installation is different - but for example often pipes will step out near the ceiling or floor. There is usually a way around it if there is the inclination to find it.
I would suggest that really, planning the route should be part of the quotation stage - so you know what you are likely to encounter and what materials you need, and how much it is going to cost.

Obviously it is impossible to plan for every eventuality, but a lot of times you come across something that can only be down to inexperience, laziness or just rushing to get the job done.
A good example of this are solar installations - I reckon if you see one that is installed properly and neatly it has got to be the exception, too many cowboys rushing to get them in and cash in. How many of those installers are still in business?
EV charge points are going to be the next thing - the pressure is on to get them in, and most of them will get slapped in any old how.

 

[daleyd]

Don’t mean to derail the thread but I need to get an EV point out in and was wondering if it’s mandatory to use armoured or are there other options that can be used (eg H07)?

I have a 6mm cable run in to the attic and a spare way in the db, the cable would be running down from the eaves to the charger.

 

[selectedgrub]

There was a nice clear run along the ceiling. Away from any obstructions. As it is he’s gone over two water pipes, one of which is a hot pipe.

View attachment 331143

Don't know why I love this, it's so $#@^ you.
But a couple of loops around that 99p clock would just set that tackiness right off.
Like next level.

I mean why notch the clock to go over the pipe.

Legend.

 

[Dave-sparks]

Don’t mean to derail the thread but I need to get an EV point out in and was wondering if it’s mandatory to use armoured or are there other options that can be used (eg H07)?

I have a 6mm cable run in to the attic and a spare way in the db, the cable would be running down from the eaves to the charger.

The regulations don't specify a particular cable type, it is up to the competent person who designs the circuit to select the most appropriate type of cable.

 

[MattF]

he could have taken a touch of mortar out of the joint on the corner to reduce the radius

That's the way I always do it, when running a cable round a corner.

 

[sparkysy]

It's not specific as to what cable, I use swa or NYY-J or Ho7 whichever is most practical for the situation. There are manufacturers now that make cable with the data cable built in to save having an extra cat5 strung about!

 

[daleyd]

It's not specific as to what cable, I use swa or NYY-J or Ho7 whichever is most practical for the situation. There are manufacturers now that make cable with the data cable built in to save having an extra cat5 strung about!

Thanks, that’s good info


there’s no data cable as it’s just a standard charger, my preference would be h07 or nyy but I’ll see what whoever does the install says.

 

[sparkysy]

No problem at all, yes NYY-J is my preferred choice or Ho7 as it's easier to work with and gland. As I say all down to what is best for the job, sometimes you need the extra protection of SWA.
I would say it's worth running a cat 5 or the EV ulta cable with it built in to future proof it and also it will allow you more control over the charger with the CT clamps ect. I've fitted a fair few but the Zappi is my favorite due to its quality, flexibility, reliability and safety features. They are a really Clever well thought out unit!
Also a lot of the new chargers have built in PEN fault detection so don't need an earth rod, depending on where they are sited and other exposed metalwork.

 

[daleyd]

I’ve got a Schneider ev link one, nothing fancy but i work for them so got it for staff discount (cost price) so it’d have been rude not to!!

The zappi one looks good and has a lot more features but was a fair bit more expensive than i paid for this, but you are right I think I might as well get the data/ev cable fitted while it’s being done even if I don’t use it currently!

 

[sparkysy]

Thats alright then. I have never fitted one of those, be interested in how you get on with it!
Tbf most of them now are very similar internally.
Yes the Zappi isn't the cheapest option! But very versatile if that's what you need or are in a fix due to main fuse size or loading issues.
Sy

 

[daleyd]

Ah yeah - we are ok for loading, we don’t have anything other than lights and plugs - everything else is gas (ch, shower, cooking, h/w) and a 100a fuse so we should be nowhere near. I have a 32a feed to garage but that’s about it.

Thanks for the info, got some more stuff to think about now!

 

[sparkysy]

Thats good then, should be a nice straightforward install in that case!

 

[daleyd]

Thats good then, should be a nice straightforward install in that case!

Fingers crossed, never seems to go that way for me but once, just once -would be nice