unprotected external cable

[martysparky]

Called at a house today and noticed the outside light had Grey T&E clipped direct across the external wall.

I asked the home owner who installed the light.

Turned out it was arranged by Careline and a NICEIC guy upgraded the CCU (that seemed fine) and installed rear and front outside lights.

Could you share your thoughts on this please guys.

THANKS...

 

[eskimo39]

Shouldn't be a problem. See this quite often.

PVC/PVC can be installed outdoors with little problems caused by rain/sun.

Is it on RCD?

 

[martysparky]

Yes its on RCD, but I thought the correct cable was the black type as it weathers better and is designed for that 'intended use'.

 

[sparks1234]

If you look at the guide it does show t e as used for external works, not that I agree though

 

[ezzzekiel]

fine, within reason, simple runs out of direct sunlight, not likely to suffer mechanical damage (although i would personally never do it)

 

[cside]

if i seen some T&E clipped to a wall for an outside light im sure id be able to sleep at night

 

[Guest123]

I'm with the lads on this you can do it, but I personally wouldn't.

 

[andekoch]

What do you guys use for external lights? I have been using hituf but it is very expensive and quite inflexible. SWA is cheaper and just as hard to work with but the added complication of earthing the armour.
Just seen some 'flextuff' (at least I think that is what it was. Same as hituff but more flexible and a little cheaper. Am thinkin of trying it next.

 

[lloyd1980]

its fine to clip pvc t and e on outside
I always try and come rear entry into my o/s fittings but a short distance is ok, I would shy away from long runs tho, it looks a sight!!!

 

[pennywise]

Flex tuf is just the same as Hi Tuf it's the stuff TLC is knocking out cheaper, because Hi tuf is a registered trade mark from DRAKA

 

[martysparky]

I'm with you lloyd on that it does look a sight!! Does not look professional either! Rather DIY in my opinion.
But I guess if thats what the customer wants it seems to be fine, However, if you did that in a Part P exam I'm sure you'd get the question wrong...

Thanks for all guys much appreciated.

 

[eskimo39]

I always try to take my feed directly into the back of the fitting. If this is not possible I would rather use conduit than clipping T&E.

 

[billy110]

When I'm testing if the T and E is showing signs of deterioration/perforation I give it a Code 1. If it is ok but is reasonably long run exposed to direct sunlight I give it a 2. I wouldn't personally install this way. I know this is a contencious issue in Sparky World, but that is my view! You pay cheap, you get cheap.

 

[pevvers]

I agree that it looks cheap, and is probably not the best way to do it, but there's been some twin and earth clipped to my Dads fence for the last 30 odd years at knee level, feeding the shed (I know) and it still tests perfectly and is showing no sign of deterioration at all, even though it's been creosoted many times over.... I think it's more hard wearing than most people would believe.

 

[Jason Smith]

Have a look at SY, its cheaper than hi tuf and loads more flexible, it has a plastic overcoat and then steel braid around the outside of the pvc outer core, The steel braid must be earthed but its easy to strip back and do. It satisfies protection against mechanical damage and sunlight.

 

[martysparky]

I agree that it looks cheap, and is probably not the best way to do it, but there's been some twin and earth clipped to my Dads fence for the last 30 odd years at knee level, feeding the shed (I know) and it still tests perfectly and is showing no sign of deterioration at all, even though it's been creosoted many times over.... I think it's more hard wearing than most people would believe.

Nice point, but I wonder if the T and E manufactured these days is as durable as when that was made?
They don't make things like they used to. It seems everything we can buy these days is designed to break after a given time so it has to be bought again. Just a thought.

 

[pevvers]

Nice point, but I wonder if the T and E manufactured these days is as durable as when that was made?
They don't make things like they used to. It seems everything we can buy these days is designed to break after a given time so it has to be bought again. Just a thought.

That is a very point well made too, not something that would have crossed my mind... Although I have done quite a few periodics that have T+E externally, and have never found a problem as of yet. Although the piece feeding a shed using a hosepipe for mechanical protection as it was run across the ground had to be noted down as a code 2. But at least they thought about it!!

 

[flukey]

i must be missin something here since whens it been a no no installing t/e externally

as long as theres no sign of deterioration i wouldnt give it a second glance let alone code it

 

[martysparky]

That is a very point well made too, not something that would have crossed my mind... Although I have done quite a few periodics that have T+E externally, and have never found a problem as of yet. Although the piece feeding a shed using a hosepipe for mechanical protection as it was run across the ground had to be noted down as a code 2. But at least they thought about it!!

I'm wondering if this goes hand in hand with Part P.

i must be missin something here since whens it been a no no installing t/e externally

as long as theres no sign of deterioration i wouldnt give it a second glance let alone code it

Does it state somewhere in the regs that everything must be for intended use....I question if T&E intended use is for external. I'm pretty positive by its appearance alone the answer to that is evident.

But thats just my opinion.

 

[Des 56]

There is better looking cable for external use than flat twin + e agreed

When there is no apparent deterioration of the insulation and where its not likely to get damaged,I wouldn't bother remarking on it or coding it in any way

The QE 2 was build as a tourist cruise ship but it performed well as a war vessel remember
Twin/e for internal installation can usually handle what the outside world throws at it as well

 

[Davey101]

There is better looking cable for external use than flat twin + e agreed

When there is no apparent deterioration of the insulation and where its not likely to get damaged,I wouldn't bother remarking on it or coding it in any way

The QE 2 was build as a tourist cruise ship but it performed well as a war vessel remember
Twin/e for internal installation can usually handle what the outside world throws at it as well

Bloody hell Des, exactly how old are you?

Whats everyones opinion about flex being used for oustside lights?

 

[Jason Smith]

well, IMHO, doing it doesnt feel good does it ? T&e under floor boards is good we all agree on that, but the gut feeling is that there should be more to the cable if installed outside, Te is protected from the enviroment when installed in ahouse, but its not when its installed outside, but whose to say the PVC outer is not enough protection for the conductors when installed outside anyway. My opinion.

 

[flukey]

t/e has been used externally for years. yes there are better cables on the market but in reply to op i wouldnt be bothered in the slightest by it