Safe Zones

[Octopus]

I'm prepared to take flak and insults for this post, but I'd like to gauge opinions on safe zones which are in walls behind built in furniture and/or kitchen units.

My feeling is that the safe zones as published should be followed whether the wall is directly "available" or behind a built in wardrobe or kitchen unit. I know from talking to other sparkies and fitters/builders that they say not always!

I've got a job underway where I need to run a cable up a wall, behind a built in high level oven. A mate has suggested, very helpfully, that running said cables through a back box (no connections in them) and having a "cover" face plate on the box only. The positioning of said back box on the wall above the cooker unit would be enough to alert anyone now, or in the future to the fact that cables are there.

Opinions please.

Tin hat on

 

[1shortcircuit]

Is it going to remain out of sight completely then whilst the built in oven is in position? If so, why not surface mount it in trunking?

Any chance you could draw a diagram or add a picture to help view the scenario please:thumbsup

 

[Octopus]

Is it going to remain out of sight completely then whilst the built in oven is in position? If so, why not surface mount it in trunking?

Any chance you could draw a diagram or add a picture to help view the scenario please:thumbsup

It will be in sight between the top of the kitchen unit and the coving/ceiling.

 

[DaveyD]

OK, This is MY opinion ...

I'm prepared to take flak and insults for this post, but I'd like to gauge opinions on safe zones which are in walls behind built in furniture and/or kitchen units.

My feeling is that the safe zones as published should be followed whether the wall is directly "available" or behind a built in wardrobe or kitchen unit.

I agree.

I've got a job underway where I need to run a cable up a wall, behind a built in high level oven. A mate has suggested, very helpfully, that running said cables through a back box (no connections in them) and having a "cover" face plate on the box only. The positioning of said back box on the wall above the cooker unit would be enough to alert anyone now, or in the future to the fact that cables are there.

Yep, agree. Not best but better than nothing and better that blanking plate just glued on the wall (yep seen that too) Only problem could be if the next trade or next customer takes off the cover to take a look they may just figure its all ok and fill the box and paint.

 

[1shortcircuit]

Murdoch, I think what you ought to do is chase to the nearest safe zone, and follow that until you are able to drop down to the desired position.

If you can't won't or would prefer not to do it that way then why not provide it with mechanical protection with a length of steel wire armoured cable:thumbsup

Safe zones + RCD protection or Mechanical protection :thumbsup

 

[Darkwood]

It always best to design with safe zones in mind, is it not possible to drop down above a socket then as it passes behind unit you can surface trunk it into position, i dont think i have ever come across a situe where keeping to guideline and safe zones wasnt possible if pre-empted, ive seen the extract fans and ducting drilled through cooker cables before for this very same setup you have so even though i see your argument i still have to say it still happens.

 

[telectrix]

murdoch, you don 't say what the cable is for. it would help.

 

[Octopus]

murdoch, you don 't say what the cable is for. it would help.

2 cables actually - 1 is the return leg of a ring and the 2nd is the hob feed. Used to be two rooms, dividing wall removed, solid floor so cables have to run up the wall across joist and back down the other side of the room.