Downlights in a thatched house

[D Skelton]

On another note I can't understand why all this fuss sometimes about certain cables in thatched lofts, I've seen more damage from mice/rats under the floorboards.

Because the treated timber above and the soil that is most likely to be below is unlikely to be easily combustible. With thatch, one unlucky spark and yer house is a gonner.

Would you run T+E in a hay barn???

 

[Guest77]

Been asked to provide a rewire quote for a thatched cottage.

Customer asking for downlights in ceilings as headroom is quite tight! Ceilings are lathe and plaster and will probably be overboarded.

I suppose it could be done OK with LED downlights and firehoods, as there are also signs of mice would be best to install cable in metal trunking/copex.

Anyone have any reservations on this?

Fire proof LED fittings would be my choice, the wiring would however be my concern, PVC/PVC and evidence of mice in a thatched cottage? time to rethink the whole scheme fella.

 

[yellowvanman]

It's not rodent 'proof' so to speak, however fire risk is minimised due to the metallic sheath protecting the conductors within by having fault current carrying capabilities. An RCD with a maximum operating current of 300mA would also aid with fire prevention.

Unlike T+E, a rodent chewing through an RCD protected BS 8436 cable would simply just trip the device.

Like I said, insurance companies instructions need to be followed and in the absence of such instruction, as a minimum I would be installing this. Again, as I said, a strong recommendation would be made for installing mineral.

I have used BS8436 successfully in a thatch before, hence my awareness of it not being rodent proof, but as you say a safer option than T&E and a cheaper option than pyro!

 

[D Skelton]

I have used BS8436 successfully in a thatch before, hence my awareness of it not being rodent proof, but as you say a safer option than T&E and a cheaper option than pyro!

Exactly.

When both options are presented to the customer then they can weigh up the pros and cons against cost implications themselves.

Remember, separate drivers for the LED spots!