Published: 24 September 2014
Category: Q&A
Micky asks this question, which concerns whether it is possible to run SY cable within brickwork mortar to hide it from view. It has been answered by the NICEIC (Theme – Cables, Wiring and Wiring Accessories):
This Q & A is one of thousands posted in our Technical Expertise area, and answered on a daily basis by our Voltimum Experts.
Question: Is it possible to run SY cable within the brick mortar, so that the cables are hidden and not on show?
This arrangement would be for outside lights, which are to be mounted on the back of the house.
The installation comprises four lights in total, each rated at 70W. The cable being used is SY type, of three-core, 1.5mm2. The circuit protection device is a 6A RCBO.
Answer: This is not a usually expected arrangement - however the current BS 7671 does not preclude it.
There must be consideration to the issue of cable buried under the mortar of the brickwork.
The cable would be RCD protected and the voltage rating of the SY would be adequate for the circuit.
However, we would advise this is not normally expected and, therefore, every consideration must be met to comply fully with the requirements of the current BS 7671 for its compliance.
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