Where are you getting your metal buckle clips

[tudore]

Doesn’t the 18th now insist on metal everywhere not just above doors and escape routes

I think it says it is appropriate to use metal clips anywhere, but only required for FP where the cable retains its integrity in a fire i.e. won't melt.

 

[sparksfly]

If cables boxed or hidden in under floor I'm laying cables on nails or screws in joist with the odd steel tie and sometimes simple banding. I bought some schneider T/E metal clips this week, look good (cheaper than SF from Rexel) but yet to use these on show with plastic clips.
Now back to buckle clips.. anyone got an update on prices?

 

[Blissof89]

There is no requirement for metal cable support under floors, above ceilings inside boxing etc.

The idea of the reg it to prevent cables collapsing prematurely in the event of a fire and hindering evacuation of the building or access for firefighters. Think of a stairwell with loads of SWA tied to tray with plastic ties.

 

[sparksfly]

Thank you Blissof89 for pointing this out....as usual I get confused with parts of BS7671 when it states on Page5 521.10.202 "...and applies throughout the installation, not just in escape routes as previously"
so much for buckle clips !

 

[Blissof89]

It's just a change in the scope of the regulation from escape routes to the full installation.

The key phrase is 'premature collapse' if the very fabric of the building is collapsing then there are bigger problems than a few cables dangling in the way. In general it is for surface mounted cabling.

Edit: A word

 

[SparkyChick]

It's not inconceivable that a plasterboard ceiling will collapse before the fabric of a building degrades to a point where the fire service won't consider entering the premises, particularly if they are inside fighting the fire with water.

If that happens, the cables you've decided aren't subject to premature collapse because they are supported by the plasterboard could come raining down presenting a risk to fire fighters trying to enter or leave.

A couple of quid, a few clips, lengths of all band or whatever seems a small price to pay for potentially making the installation safer for those who choose to put themselves in harms way so that those unlucky enough to be caught up in a fire have a chance of surviving the ordeal.

 

[Blissof89]

Plasterboard ceilings are part of the fabric of the building imo, if they are collapsing a lot of your light fixtures are going to be posing the same threat as cables would have. I wouldn't say the above scenario would be a case of premature collapse of the wiring system.

I'm not saying you should not be using fire rated cable support above these ceilings, just stating that it is not a requirement. Over engineering is rarely a bad thing, but there is a tendency in this trade for people to over engineer base on their own personal opinion and then bad mouth those that do not tow the line.

I remember the confusion over AMD 3 consumer units and the use of 'fire rated' cable glands for these enclosures, or filling half the enclosure with fire rated sealant , partly fuelled by manufactures and distributors to boost sales.

 

[sparksfly]

I agree with the above comments... I have been in a number of fire damaged properties over the years and have been amazed at the amount of fine burnt electrical wires looping down from the ceilings incl FP (plasterboard or false ceiling). Just trying to work around these after the fire was difficult enough. If we can spare a few minutes by securing cables out of the way and possibly help save lives then thats no bad thing. thwacking a number of nails in a joist is quicker than cable clips any day.