Cable routing in attic

[DomB]

Chaps,

Is it OK, regulations-wise, to run my cable across the top of the ceiling joists in the attic or do they need to be clipped beneath the top line if running in-line with the joists and drilled through if running perpendicular?

Thanks

 

[SirKit Breaker]

It is better for the cables to be installed as you say, but if there is no plan to overboard etc, then leave them loose and long so that if the loft is ever re insulated then they can be lifted above the insulation. Clip them where they go into the rose and switch drops to prevent them being pulled or strained.

Cheers........Howard

 

[nickblake]

How id do it , if you put your cables to the edge where the apex of the roof meet the ceiling so you basically end up with your wireing loom at the edge of your attic then clip your cables along the ceiling joists 50mm from the plaster board then its clear of insulation and if you need to lay a floor you can , but do try to avoide drilling hole through the joists as you will not meet the requirements as youll be less than 50mm from each each edge if the ceiling joists are 75mm

 

[SirKit Breaker]

Good idea that.

 

[telectrix]

as nickblake says, run cables on top of ceiling joists but route in a low part of the loft, i.e. where the cables can't be walked on. when running along the joists, keep them 2" above the ceiling.

 

[ian.settle1]

Chaps,

Is it OK, regulations-wise, to run my cable across the top of the ceiling joists in the attic or do they need to be clipped beneath the top line if running in-line with the joists and drilled through if running perpendicular?

Thanks

I wouldn't drill any joists in the attic unless they joists are quite substantial otherwise you maybe weaking the roof construction.

 

[DomB]

Thanks all. Just for info I'm running them perpendicular to the ceiling joists. I couldn't find anything in particular in the reg's so I guess just keeping them away from 'external influence' is the plan. I'll tuck them as far toward where the angled roof meets the ceiling joists but run them across the top of the joists.

Thanks very much.

 

[Des 56]

I believe Ian has given important advise, and well worth anybody who is unsure of routing taking this on board

 

[brucelee]

yes ian is right building regs do not allow the drilling of roof joists or trusses as it will weaken the structure

 

[malcolmsanford]

I know it can make the job longer, and the last thing you want is to spend more time in a loft, would never drill through joists and trusses espiically modern roofs as they are so flimsy. I always clip along the joist to the wall across the wall and back onto your next joist.

It may be a little more in time and cable but it's the safest way IMO