Listed Building & Cable choice

[Cirrus]

Have been asked to quote on a rewire for a listed building. It is a private dwelling but am I right in thinking we need to use low smoke & fume cable? Also, IIRC it doesn't attract vat as it is listed?

 

[Zeespark]

The best people to contact Cirrus, would be the conservation Department of the local council, they will tell you want they expect, it could even be MICC cable that they specify.

AndyGuinness

 

[Sidewinder]

TBH I'd be tempted to check with English Heritage mate, as they have the final say as I understand it, down here we have CADW.

If you get it wrong they have the legal authority to make the owners rip it out and out it right at their cost!

As far as HMRC goes, not sure, again check with them?

The helpline is pretty good & they give you a case number for you to reference so if they got it wrong you can refer them to their own advice.

HTH

 

[Manator]

As above, the standard would be LSF, but it is always prudent to ask beforehand. I strongly suggest as Sidewinder says, get proof that you have taken and followed the advise.

 

[nsbs]

I rewired a listed building a couple of years back and contacted English Heritage and the local council, to be honest neither were all that concerned about installing LSF, the only condition they imposed was that I had to keep the accessories in there existing positions. But it will be worth checking.

ian

 

[Manator]

I can not remember the regulation or where to find it just now, but I do remember something on the lines of Public use buildings and those with national or historic value, this would include listed buildings, The wording went something like that, but thats just from memory.

I have just found this little gem.

Examples of works of repair and maintenance which would not be zero-rated include:

redecorating

re-wiring

re-pointing

damp-proofing

replacement of rotten windows.

In each case the specific circumstances of the works would need to be considered. If they are closely connected to alteration works they may

also qualify for zero-rating.

 

[Cirrus]

Thanks guys. I think I will call English Heritage and the local planning authority today and see what they say. Just makes a massive difference wiring in LSF as he wants 30 downlights and making off 1.5 twin LSF into mains downlights is a pain! Also, I need 400m of 2.5 and 400 of 1.5 and 30m of 16mm twin so it makes a huge difference to the pricing.

 

[binky]

Given the amazing ability of less significant buildings to disappear completely, I'm not sure I would worry too much!

 

[Chr!s]

I concur, the main concern of the English Heritage in my experience is the routing of cables, you need to know what parts of the structure you can notch drill etc, also any chases they may require to be filled with the old lime plaster so protection of the cable may be necessary. Also they were very hot on on appearance, dependent upon property this will include outside cabling and inside, they like the installation to be out of sight.

 

[Badger]

just use a bit of rubber for authenicity :slap

 

[Andy™]

or lead

 

[Manator]

I have asked a few questions about this topic, whilst the consensus is for the use of LSF cables, it would always depend on the listing and importance of the building. If the interior is not subject to any listing, you can, after taking the appropriate advise, do as you will, so to speak. However, just as Plumber suggested, if the interior is under the control and management of the National Trust, or English heritage, even making a hole is often not allowed. I did read an application for a candidate to the CIBSE, who had done such an install, the application did not go into the boring detail, but on interview what he did was totally remarkable, it involved removing substrate, and drilling up, inside the fabric of the building, installing cable management, for future maintenance and repairs, all cables were then taken through the existing outlets with no damage, other than the occasional unforeseen damage, that was made right by expert craftsmen.

The total budget of his works was well over a million, and that was just for the rewire. I guess this example would not help us mere mortals though.

 

[Cirrus]

Seems nobody is bothered. Property is grade 2 listed, 500 years old and neither the conservation officer or EH are worried. They simply said it has to comply with BS7671. Insurance company didn't state a preference either.

 

[binky]

RCD everything for a bit of fire protection then. Would have only thought timber frame buildings would requie anything special.

 

[Manator]

Seems nobody is bothered. Property is grade 2 listed, 500 years old and neither the conservation officer or EH are worried. They simply said it has to comply with BS7671. Insurance company didn't state a preference either.

The main thing is that you at least took advise, and made enquiries, I would mention this on your quote, and make sure you have made it clear that you have been advised that no special restrictions have been imposed. If you got the names of the people who advised you, I would put that in your report as well.

Good luck with the quote.

 

[Cirrus]

Thanks chaps. And Binky - always do RCD EVERYTHING!! Lol. Manator - good point, well made mate.

 

[sellers]

always good to get their email address. I do that with landlords who don't live in the area, a quick email to them, saying for example 'regarding the previous phonecall, would you like me to go ahead with the PIR at 50 smithy lane, costing