Overhead cables between buildings on domestic property

[burtwald]

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Hi all. I've recently bought a bungalow. It currently has a armoured cable between the house and garage which spans less than 1 meter. The height of the cable is 2.3m and directly under this is the side gate to access the back of the property.

It's old wiring so will be replaced, but I've had conflicting quotes on the electricians approach as one stated no in regs at that height and so should be buried, another was going to put in some solid conduit in the same location for added protection.

I don't really want to have to Bury it as will mean digging up the path.

As its directly over the gate would it be acceptable to run it at a height of 2.3m or am I going to have to start digging?

Thanks

 

[James]

I can’t think of any reg that prohibits an overhead supply .
as long as it is insulated and suitable for the environment it is in then it would be fine with me.
just watch out for how it is supported as it shouldn’t collapse prematurely in the event of a fire. However, even that might not apply as it is not inside the dwelling.

 

[DPG]

I think the only minimum heights are for certain locations aren't they? (Vehicle access and agricultural maybe).

 

[burtwald]

Thank you both. I could only find that regs state must be minimum 3.5m if inaccessible to vehicular traffic but nothing specific about types of locations. It seemed excessive and not practical for a bungalow.

 

[littlespark]

If you’re rewiring it, be aware normal domestic flat twin and earth is unsuitable for external use.

Also use a catenary wire between buildings as support.


Unless you’re going through with upright ladders all the time, 2.3m is sufficient.