Safe zone broken by window?

[Part-time-Paul]

I have a problem regarding installing 2 outside lights onto an extension, in that I am struggling to find a prescribed zone. There are 3 double sockets internally that obviously create vertical zones which I could utilise, however they are "broken" by windows above them (I was looking to come down the wall from above and then out). Now I can't find anything in the reg's that mentions zones being interrupted in this manner, but I would have thought the presence of the window might lead someone to believe there were no cables above it. Obviously if they looked outside they may suspect that the internal zone may be being used. The wall in question is the gable end and the extension has a vaulted ceiling so there is a good chunk of wall above the windows. I could chase into the block-work externally as it is going to be rendered but am I being a bit over cautious here?

 

[Lurch]

Why would you chase into the block if it is going to be rendered? Just run up the outside as you would if it was inside.

 

[Part-time-Paul]

Why would you chase into the block if it is going to be rendered? Just run up the outside as you would if it was inside.

Well, when I say rendered it's actually going to be pebble-dashed and I am not exactly sure how thick any render (if at all) is going to be.

 

[Lurch]

I've run cables behind pebble dashing (on many occasions, with different builders) so I wouldn't expect there to be any problems doing so there. 

If you don't want to do that how high are the lights? Can you not drill up at an angle to get into the roof/floor void. Or you could drop them down the cavity.

 

[Part-time-Paul]

TBH I might be not have given this enough thought, there is always a solution it's just a matter of finding it. I can come down the zone in the corners and then out and hopefully either straight into the light fitting or just run along horizontally outside a short distance, the blocks are pretty soft ones so chopping them in a foot or so won't be a big deal. I reckon the question about the windows breaking the zone is a bit of a grey area though??

 

[sprocketflup]

The diagram detailing safe zones in the On Site Guide shows a wall with a horizontal safe zone being broken by a door. I'd assume that windows would do the same, for both vertical and horizontal zones.

 

[Lurch]

The diagram detailing safe zones in the On Site Guide shows a wall with a horizontal safe zone being broken by a door. I'd assume that windows would do the same, for both vertical and horizontal zones.

That's the only reference I could find, which makes sense and have always followed. Wonder why a window was never included?

 

[sprocketflup]

I guess not too many clients would be happy with cables being dropped in front of their windows

 

[Andy™]

at least they couldnt say they didnt know they were there when the put a nail / screw through them

 

[Adam W]

Could you chase the cable in inside then run it out through a backbox, and then put a blanking plate over it?

 

[Andy™]

thats going to look rough

 

[Adam W]

No more than a socket or switch.

 

[Andy™]

a socket or switch has a purpose. a random blank plate in the middle of the wall is rough. if you suggested that on one of my jobs, you wouldnt be doing it

 

[Lurch]

at least they couldnt say they didnt know they were there when the put a nail / screw through them

I wouldn't want to bet that they wouldn't! You've seen drawing pins through trunking before right?

 

[Andy™]

almost forgot about that. but yes, drawing pins through trunking lid...

and just for those who havent seen it

 

[OnOff]

A miss is is miss I guess but just shows how symmetry takes  precedence over safe zones in many homeowner's eyes:

"The dinner gong just looked better in line with the switch!"

 

[Lurch]

"The dinner gong just looked better in line with the switch!"

Can't argue with that!