ᐅ Not all electrical cables were installed in conduit! What can be done?
Created on: 10 May 2020 18:53
F
Franky73
Hello everyone,
Our construction is actually progressing quite well. However, while reviewing the building specifications, I came across the point: "All cables will be installed concealed within conduit (except in the utility room, where they are surface-mounted)."
Since everything is monitored through the building supervisor, but I take daily photos, I just double-checked, and the pictures clearly show that conduits were only used on the floor.
The electrical, satellite, and network cables were all run inside the walls at a certain height and then covered with plaster.
Now the plaster and screed are already in place, and I’m wondering, will they have to break it all open again and redo the work? I really don’t want to have to break everything open just because of a cable fault later on!
What can or should I do now?
Best regards, Frank
Our construction is actually progressing quite well. However, while reviewing the building specifications, I came across the point: "All cables will be installed concealed within conduit (except in the utility room, where they are surface-mounted)."
Since everything is monitored through the building supervisor, but I take daily photos, I just double-checked, and the pictures clearly show that conduits were only used on the floor.
The electrical, satellite, and network cables were all run inside the walls at a certain height and then covered with plaster.
Now the plaster and screed are already in place, and I’m wondering, will they have to break it all open again and redo the work? I really don’t want to have to break everything open just because of a cable fault later on!
What can or should I do now?
Best regards, Frank
If installing a conduit is part of the contract, in my opinion, the conduit should be laid all the way to the junction box. Otherwise, the conduit is pointless because cables cannot be replaced later, which is the main purpose of a conduit. In the described case, it only protects the cable during installation in the screed...
Whether conduits are useful or not is a matter of personal preference, but if they are promised, they should be installed properly.
Best regards
Matze719
Whether conduits are useful or not is a matter of personal preference, but if they are promised, they should be installed properly.
Best regards
Matze719
Matze719 schrieb:
If the installation of a conduit is part of the contract, in my opinion, the conduit must be laid all the way into the junction box. Otherwise, the conduit is pointless because cables cannot be replaced later, which is the main purpose of a conduit. In the described case, it only protects the cable during installation in the screed...
Whether conduits are useful or not is a personal decision, but if they are guaranteed, they should be installed correctly.
Best regards
Matze That's true. However, due to the minor nature of this issue, I wouldn't confront the builder aggressively over it. Damaging the working relationship over something like this seems rather harsh, in my opinion.
K
knalltüte11 May 2020 12:54From practical experience: Personally, I am very reluctant to connect a CAT7 network cable without a protective conduit / duct inside the junction box. At least a small amount of extra space is needed, even just 1-2cm (1 inch) that the conduit provides in addition to the hopefully deep flush-mounted box.
For the electrician, it is no fun and, as already mentioned, neither compliant with standards nor requested.
For the electrician, it is no fun and, as already mentioned, neither compliant with standards nor requested.
K
knalltüte11 May 2020 13:46nordanney schrieb:
This is how it looks in 98% of all solid construction houses. Just plaster over it and that's that. Don’t worry about it.This reminds me of the saying: "We've always done it this way."
Does that make it better?
Vicky Pedia11 May 2020 14:22It is an indisputable fact that the installation was carried out differently from what was ordered. Therefore, the original poster (OP) is entitled to a refund for the saved piping. Additionally, they have a right to a reduction in value. In this regard, @Mycraft is completely correct; the installation was not completed according to DIN 18015. This standard indeed requires installation within an empty conduit. However, this is not primarily to protect the cable itself, as is often discussed here (damage to a cable embedded in plaster is unlikely even with very active children), but rather to allow the system to be expanded or modified if data technology evolves. Accordingly, it should be considered whether to have the installation corrected (which you are entitled to) or to accept compensation for the significant defect.
N
nordanney11 May 2020 15:25superzapp schrieb:
This saying comes to mind: "We've always done it this way."
Does that make it better?Regarding the service ordered? No. Regarding a functional electrical installation? Yes, it has always worked reliably. Problems usually only arise when the house requires a complete renovation anyway. The average homeowner will not experience this.
In terms of data cables? CAT7 supports at least 10 Gbit/s. Even here, security for the next 30 years is ensured. Not even CAT7 outlets are commonly installed yet.
That’s why I would be relaxed about the performance of the installation over my lifecycle. However, I do expect to receive what I order and pay for.
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