SWA - Clipped and Buried

[ADS]

Customer would like SWA clipped to outside wall - but buried!

The problem is, we're not going to get the required depth because the footings don't go deep enough before they hit the concrete slab.

Can we do this or not?

He wouldn't mind it clipped above ground, but there are two 90 degree corners to get around and it's 16mm SWA.

To bury it correctly we'd have to dig a couple of feet out from the building - didn't really want to have to do this.

Any thoughts?

 

[nsbs]

is the cable likley to get danaged with someone digging?

 

[ADS]

is the cable likley to get danaged with someone digging?

I wouldn't think so - they'd have to slice down the face of the brickwork with the spade to catch it.

If you can picture - it's just like being clipped to the outside wall - only a few courses of brickwork underground, rather than a few courses of brickwork above ground.

I just can't decide if it's acceptable or not.

 

[NozSpark]

I don't like SWA burried close to the house and not at the required depth,, what if they put a border in??

I'd probably go at about 12" high to reduce the risk of bashing it, but you would have to be careful about the bending radi, maybe even knock the corner off a brick to help??

 

[ADS]

I don't like SWA burried close to the house and not at the required depth,, what if they put a border in??I'd probably go at about 12" high to reduce the risk of bashing it, but you would have to be careful about the bending radi, maybe even knock the corner off a brick to help??

You hit the reason for my question, Noz.

This was our idea of taking it around the corners - obviously couldn't do it above ground.

I've got to sign the certs and notify, so I want to be sure it all complies though.

 

[NozSpark]

I've done 35mm 3 core before, but that was high up and I was able to sweep it round the corner!

 

[steptoe]

why not keep it out a bit on the corners and a little notice at suitable intervals above ground,

'WARNING, BURIED CABLE'

or something to that effect, there is probably a proper wording for it.

 

[Adrian]

what is the required depth then? I thought it had to be deep enough as not likely to get damaged, so in a flower bed it would have to be at least 2 foot deep or more, but as you said its by the wall, its not likely to get damaged then I see no problem and also it is swa which is classed as mechanical protection

 

[NozSpark]

IIRC the 17th doesn't specify any depth at the moment, just that it should be buried deep enough to minimise risk of damage from tools...

If the amendment is the same as the DFC then it specified 600mm IIRC

---------- Post Auto-Merged at 20:21 ---------- Previous post was made at 20:20 ----------

I do like Steps' idea of several plaques on the wall above

 

[PC Electrics]

This is 6mm 3 core, might not be so easy with 16 tho'!

 

[M107]

I get larger csa swa round corners by either Knocking off the edge of the brick or if csa is too large I "S" it down & round....like I have here at the right of the building...

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j293/gazjothomas/DSC00749.jpg

 

[ADS]

I like that, M107 - just shows, there's always a way - it's just knowing how.

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

There are ways and means of not directly following any guidance or regs,

providing a minimum level of safety and protection is not compromised...

Its a bit of a risk assessment thing...

The bottom line is..

No matter how far down you bury something,

If no one knows its there any cable can be damaged by manual or mechanical digging!

If something is buried less deep in the ground...

BUT

has adequate protection, Overload and shock.

Maybe has additional mechanical protection..

Extra capstones above the cable?

Additional identification of its location... marker tapes..

signs on walls where it enters and exits the ground..

Additional charts plans and details at the CU detailing the cable route (and depth) on building plans etc..

Then its probably about as safe as a cable going under a driveway!

All cables buried in the ground have risks

Q/ What is the real level of risk of someone digging right up against a brick wall???

:|

 

[Chr!s]

Is there enough depth to place some additional protection above the cable(concrete slabs etc) place marking tape on this then back fill with soil.

 

[Evans Electric]

I tend to think in straight lines , ADS, which means , the client isn't bovvered about surface clipped cable ,so, surface clipped it is. At the corner , chisel the angle off to allow the cable to bend properly . If it was a gas pipe ,say, it would be wanged in with no thought of hiding it.

If you really need to bury it, you could lay the yellow warning tape over it or feed some conduit over it , oh ****** that just clip it surface , job done , the cheques in the post and you're down the road like a couple of big dogs. :run