Chasing cavity block wall

[scania164]

I need to run new wiring down a cavity block wall.
It is possible for me to chase it but it doesn't seem like a good idea.

What options are available to me?
I loathe surface mount and will do pretty much anything to avoid if.

-Thanks

 

[telectrix]

chase it. you are allowed 1/3 of the thickness of the block vertically, and 1/6 of the thickness horizontally. is the wall plastered? if so, that's enough for your cables. cut deeper for socket boxes, but be wary if it's hollow block.

 

[Rockingit]

A dedicated wall chaser is your friend, here, as you can set the disc depth to the minimum you need and no more, and know it will be stuck to. Hire one with a dust extractor and you're good to go. Use it also to run the lines for your boxes for the same reason and go easy on the hammer afterwards - lots of little light taps will do far better than a big whack which takes the block out!

You might also like to have a bag of readymix mortar or bonding coat to hand - just in case it all goes wrong!

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

It's basically impossible to run a cable unsupported in a cavity wall to current regulations.

 

[Rockingit]

It's basically impossible to run a cable unsupported in a cavity wall to current regulations.

I don't think that's what the OP is asking. He's asking about hollow blocks - that's the ones that look like an '8' if you stand them up.

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Agh my bad. Ignore my comment then. And make sure you don't knock out to much.

 

[Rockingit]

Agh my bad. Ignore my comment then. And make sure you don't knock out to much.

My guess is he already has - else why would he know??! :detective:

 

[DPG]

I don't think he's mentioned hollow blocks - only a cavity wall. Could still be solid blocks. Daz

 

[uksparks]

If you can get into the cavity you could drop pipes in like I did on a rewire, see pic below. Was a very neat job actually, the pipes only went up two feet in the cavity though, was a fiddle getting them in as they were 50mm.

As cables cannot just be put into the cavity without some form of protection from debris, falling objects, poly insulation etc, pipes was the best way, just popped up my local fish shop and it didnt cost much, ok it was a fiddle getting it in, but its done now and so easy to rod more cables through.

 

[Badged01]

Whats this piddly thingy label I see at the bottom for ......



I reckon that would have been a b*tch of a job to get those pipes in but the end result does you full credit for a real professional finish! Get your label changed to "master craftsman working"!