ᐅ Waterproof concrete + flush-mounted electrical boxes in the basement – how can this be addressed?
Created on: 13 Jun 2017 02:22
D
DReffects
Good evening,
We have commissioned a single-family house with a basement from a developer. Three of the four basement rooms will be used as living space or offices.
The basement exterior walls are made of 24cm (9.5 inches) thick waterproof concrete. From the beginning, it was clear to me that in a new build, electrical and network outlets should naturally be installed flush-mounted. Surface-mounted trunking is absolutely unacceptable to me, especially in living areas.
We have discussed this several times with the developer and were always told, “No problem, there have never been any issues with this.” Now, however, the electrician has raised concerns, and the developer is now siding with him.
So, my question to the community: What is the actual risk here? I thought that either the concrete is waterproof or it isn’t.
Are there any guidelines on how deep a flush-mounted box should be installed or other practical experience you can share?
Surface-mounted installation is, unfortunately, a huge no-go for me — which is exactly why we chose a new build, so that my office rooms don’t have to show something like that.
There are also decentralized ventilation units in the basement rooms that require electrical connections embedded in the concrete.
What options are available for this?
Thank you very much!
DR
We have commissioned a single-family house with a basement from a developer. Three of the four basement rooms will be used as living space or offices.
The basement exterior walls are made of 24cm (9.5 inches) thick waterproof concrete. From the beginning, it was clear to me that in a new build, electrical and network outlets should naturally be installed flush-mounted. Surface-mounted trunking is absolutely unacceptable to me, especially in living areas.
We have discussed this several times with the developer and were always told, “No problem, there have never been any issues with this.” Now, however, the electrician has raised concerns, and the developer is now siding with him.
So, my question to the community: What is the actual risk here? I thought that either the concrete is waterproof or it isn’t.
Are there any guidelines on how deep a flush-mounted box should be installed or other practical experience you can share?
Surface-mounted installation is, unfortunately, a huge no-go for me — which is exactly why we chose a new build, so that my office rooms don’t have to show something like that.
There are also decentralized ventilation units in the basement rooms that require electrical connections embedded in the concrete.
What options are available for this?
Thank you very much!
DR
I would like to start by thanking you for the "tip."
I just calculated it for my basement, and I lose 0.65 m² (7.0 sq ft) out of 27.4 m² (295 sq ft) with this measure. It will probably be worth it for me.
Bieber0815 schrieb:
How much living space, in percent, do you lose due to the 6cm (2.4 inches) external wall cladding?
I just calculated it for my basement, and I lose 0.65 m² (7.0 sq ft) out of 27.4 m² (295 sq ft) with this measure. It will probably be worth it for me.
My main issue is: they want to start *tomorrow*. The offer and information came today...
Basic questions are:
- Who pays for the outer wall facing? (I don’t really see myself responsible for that...)
- How much does this delay the construction progress?
The loss of floor space is acceptable, and a Ytong block also significantly improves the indoor climate since it doesn’t radiate cold.
Basic questions are:
- Who pays for the outer wall facing? (I don’t really see myself responsible for that...)
- How much does this delay the construction progress?
The loss of floor space is acceptable, and a Ytong block also significantly improves the indoor climate since it doesn’t radiate cold.
DReffects schrieb:
- If there is no standing, pressurized groundwater, professionally installing flush-mounted boxes is not a problem, as long as you’re not installing a whole series of boxes in one wall. Three per wall would be about the limit.
- In this case, 45mm (1.8 inches) deep boxes should be used.
tomtom79 schrieb:
Sorry, this expert is an idiot. A hole is a hole I have now received the same statement from three independent individuals, none of whom are involved in the construction:
If done professionally using a hole saw and at a depth of about 45mm (1.8 inches), water impermeability is guaranteed, provided that groundwater is not constantly pressing against it.
How do you arrive at your statement?
B
Bieber081522 Jun 2017 07:04DReffects schrieb:
My main problem is: they want to start *tomorrow*.Don’t let yourself get stressed! In a year, you won’t even remember exactly when your house was finished, but you will definitely know if it was built properly.