It would be great if these books gave you an example why, first of all if the cable was fitted at the lowest point horizontally along a groove in the wall just above the floor exposed then you know that you have to fix the skirting above this point but being careful not to get the no nails on the cable as it effects the insulation of the cable, you then have to take into account heat dissipation of the cable but I cannot see if it derates it that much as it is set into the wall and will absorb some heat, as for being hit by a nails we have to think in many cases for example light drops are always likely to be nailed by picture fixings, Have seen many times cables run down the side of door frames so may be hit by nails again, as for the safe zones I think in my opinion that corners of walls is a very dangerous position due to the fixing of shelves and inbuilt cupboards, these cables are plastered over and you cannot see them at all, at least when a skirting is popped off you then can see it if the cable is exposed and not plastered.
As for running the cable round the edge buried in concrete this is very difficult and time consuming not to mention you don't know what damage you may do, eg pipes damp course membrane etc.
At least you can see a cable once you have removed a skirting, I personally think it should be allowed as it is no more at risk than most other points of installation.
What do you think.
Mike.
