Running a lighting cable in ceiling plasterboard - wrong?

[luckyNot]

Hi,

I understand from the wiring regs that if I am to run a cable through a ceiling/floor joist I have to adhere to certain rules to keep it safe -50mm/armour etc.
I currently have a plasterboard ceiling with some holes in it. My plasterer will put another layer of plaster board over this when doing the ceiling.

Can I cut channels in the current plaster board to run my cables, thereby avoiding the joists?

The cables will be visible to the plaster who can then place new plasterboard over the current board and wires.

To me this is the same as wires above a false ceiling - having just had a professional wiring job done with false ceiling, I can see it is acceptable to lay wires on top of false ceiling, so am I ok?

My wiring runs will be cross joist so I really dont want to have to cut holes in my ceiling and drill my joists.

Any advice/guidance would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[telectrix]

done exactly that a few times (notched the joists) for downlights. it could be argued that in the ceiling is not a prescribed zone. to be certain, you could plate over the cables with 3mm steel. this would prevent anyone nailing into them, but the risk is minimal.

 

[luckyNot]

Thanks Telectrix!

 

[telectrix]

is the circuit RCD protected?

 

[luckyNot]

yes it is RCD protected

 

[telectrix]

see no problem. might notcomly to the letter of bullsh1t7671, but.......