Small first fix required (just a few sockets on a radial circuit) - good practice is to run vertically to socket 1 then back up and then across the safe zone at the ceiling and then across and down to socket 2. BUT, that will use an awful lot more cable - how are horizontal runs (socket to socket) viewed these days?
Radial circuit wiring
- Thread starter ivandrago
- Start date
Hozontally between accessories is still a sfae zone, and to be honest, I'd prefer that to using the safe zone at the top of the wall (Yes, go up if you can get into the loft/floor below), but I see no reason to go up chase horixonally and back down again when you can just go hoizontally lower down. Be careful on depth on horizontal chases, dont take too much out the wall, think you are allowed 1/6 of the wall (as oppsoed to 1/3 vertically)
The problem with the safe zones at the top and sides of the wall, are that not many people know of their existance. Most reasonably competant DIYers, if there is a socket in link either horozontally or vertially with where they want to fix, will open it up and see which way the cable runs, but they wont think about it being at the top of the wall, and there is no easy way to check if there is anything there or not. It is in my view, a safe zone of last resort, yes you can use it, but try not to unless there is no other way
It is expected to find a cable horizontally or vertically from any outlet, so I see no need to chase up across and down. Just dont go at diagonals. Many houses have them running down and then along the floor behind skirting boards which always seemed like a bad idea to me but is very common.