Cabling above suspended ceilings

[cliffed]

Cabling above suspended ceiling the 600x600mm type tiling ceilings.
Basically cables routed above ceiling’s no fixings, laid on top of framework, the gap above the tile is approximately 50mm, nearly impossible to get tile out.
The Install of these cables between 1969 until present day, I’m wondering if theses ceilings are acceptable for compliance with fire regulations.
I know it’s not compliant now but compliant “Partly” when installed.
What code would you give on a EICR…& advice to Client

 

[westward10]

Comply with 'fire regulations' or do you mean BS7671.
You cannot use the ceiling grid for cable support no matter when it was installed.

 

[cliffed]

Comply with 'fire regulations' or do you mean BS7671.
You cannot use the ceiling grid for cable support no matter when it was installed.

Agree this install was done in the days when chucking cables over ceilings were the Norm. Also I’m not using the grid for cable support

 

[westward10]

Cables should not be thrown across suspended ceilings it was never the norm.

 

[cliffed]

Cables should not be thrown across suspended ceilings it was never the norm.

Have you not seen it…in your working experience

 

[westward10]

Of course I see it virtually every day but it doesn't mean it is correct.

 

[cliffed]

Of course I see it virtually every day but it doesn't mean it is correct

How do you Advise the Client

 

[Intoelectrics]

Since the cables are incorrectly supported then you can code it accordingly for that departure. Then advise the client based on your findings - either some containment or additional support in line with the current regs should be installed.

 

[Dustydazzler]

I would say 99% of jobs you will come across daily as a working sparks will not fully meet current regulations. Especially jobs that have been modified by every tom dick and harry over a long period of time. Cables slung in on-top of a false ceiling happens every day and will continue to happen every day as price is always the main driving factor.
Can you imagine telling someone you need to fit a whole bunch of galv tray above a ceiling just to install an extra socket? you simply would never get any work.
I don't do shop fitting anymore but when I did we were 'Told' to just lash the cables above the ceiling as quick as possible. As a 17 year old you did what you were told ( even if you knew it was a complete lash-up) and I bet a months wages nothing has changed since

 

[Intoelectrics]

I would say 99% of jobs you will come across daily as a working sparks will not fully meet current regulations. Especially jobs that have been modified by every tom dick and harry over a long period of time. Cables slung in on-top of a false ceiling happens every day and will continue to happen every day as price is always the main driving factor.
Can you imagine telling someone you need to fit a whole bunch of galv tray above a ceiling just to install an extra socket? you simply would never get any work.
I don't do shop fitting anymore but when I did we were 'Told' to just lash the cables above the ceiling as quick as possible. As a 17 year old you did what you were told ( even if you knew it was a complete lash-up) and I bet a months wages nothing has changed since

All true and we all come across it regularly. But for the purpose of the report then Cliff should code it accordingly and offer the advise to the client based on the regs. It's up to the client then to decide if they want it improving.

 

[Dustydazzler]

All true and we all come across it regularly. But for the report then Cliff should code it accordingly and offer the advise to the client based on the regs. It's up to the client then to decide if they want it improving.

and this is the problem , even if Cliff says the current install is Code steamingpileofsh!t the client is under no obligation whatsoever to do anything about it. they can just leave it as it and carry on regardless

 

[Intoelectrics]

and this is the problem , even if Cliff says the current install is Code steamingpileofsh!t the client is under no obligation whatsoever to do anything about it. they can just leave it as it and carry on regardless

Yep, I agree this is the failing of the system though not Cliff. All he can do is report what he finds and advice accordingly to the requirements.

We all know the client is not going go to the expense of having the work done. But if there was ever a fire and the ceiling came down and a fire fighter was killed because he/she got caught up in all the hanging cables then there will be an investigation, a paper work trail that will eventually lead to who is liable.

 

[cliffed]

Yep, I agree this is the failing of the system though not Cliff. All he can do is report what he finds and advice accordingly to the requirements.

We all know the client is not going go to the expense of having the work done. But if there was ever a fire and the ceiling came down and a fire fighter was killed because he/she got caught up in all the hanging cables then there will be an investigation, a paper work trail that will eventually lead to who is liable.

Cheers Client will not have the necessary works for requirement, thanks all for your input.
Also it’s the fault on all Party’s who over the years & lately have just not complied… just chuck it over & way we go

 

[Dustydazzler]

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