Brent Fletcher asks this question, which concerns a possible fire risk with a particular skirting board / socket outlet arrangement. It has been answered by NICEIC (Theme – Fire, Safety & Security):
Question: I've just carried out a condition report on an electrical installation having sockets mounted in skirting boards on metal back boxes. The skirtings are 12" deep and there is no issue of damage to cable flex because the skirtings are so deep, and because the sockets are mounted high. Is this acceptable?
Does this method constitute a fire risk, and is it worthy of an unsatisfactory observation code?
Wooden consumer units without barriers springs to mind!
Answer: If the enclosure of the wiring to the sockets includes the skirting board, then the regulations would identify this as a combustible material that could be an issue in the event of a fault spreading to fire. There are manufacturers of fire sleeves that can be installed to stop the spread of fire.
If this is recorded as a Code 3, then no formal action would take place and the risk would still exist. A Code 2 would identify the risk and, hopefully, the client will take that recommendation and remove the risk.
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