On 2006-12-29 14:24:07 +0000, Scott said:

Hi

Anyone know where I can get hollow skirting boards. I need to run some
cable and seemed a good idea if I can put it in a some hollow skirting
boards. So far, none of the diy sheds websites say they do such a thing

Thanks

Scott

If you were thinking of using this to run mains power cables, it would
be as well to think again because this would be in contravention to the
Wiring Regulations (BS7671), and in many cases, by implication the
Building Regulations.

While I'm by no means a fan of regulation and bureaucracy, and in
practice there would be little chance of being found out, there are
potential problems if you sell the house (an electrical inspection
would flag it immediately) and there is a safety issue.

In respect of cables hidden from view (e.g. buried in plaster), the
Wiring Regulations provide three different approaches:

- Cable to be 50mm below the surface

- Cable protected with sturdy earthed metal cover

- Cable run in a space up to 150mm from the corner of a room or the top
of a wall, or cable run vertically or horizontally from a wiring
accessory (e.g. switch or socket).

Note that the third approach excludes the equivalent 150mm space next
to a floor, which is what you are considering. The reason for it is
that skirting boards are traditionally nailed to blocks in the wall or
an equivalent and cables are not expected to be there.

On the other hand, if you are running very low voltage cables or signal
cables (e.g. TV or hifi etc.) or if you want to ignore the wiring
regulations, then a way to obtain slotted skirting would be to buy
standard stuff and then use a
router to cut a slot in the back.