"TheScullster" wrote in message
...
Hi all

Not quite DIY, but I tend to get roped into this stuff one way or another.

Is it within regs/accepted practice/advisable to have mains sockets above
the suspended ceiling?

We are about to have video conferencing equipment installed.
The company involved say that it is common practice to have all the
cabling
going up a common trunk into the false ceiling space and that sockets are
regularly fitted up there for plugging in their gizzmos.

This does not look good practice!
If you need to turn the power off, you need a pair of ladders and
knowledge
of the socket whereabouts.

Phil


Un-switched sockets controlled remotely from below are perfectly acceptable.
The same sort of thing as having a socket behind your washing machine and
controlling it with a Double Pole switch from above the worktop.

Hi all

Not quite DIY, but I tend to get roped into this stuff one way or another.

Is it within regs/accepted practice/advisable to have mains sockets above
the suspended ceiling?

We are about to have video conferencing equipment installed.
The company involved say that it is common practice to have all the cabling
going up a common trunk into the false ceiling space and that sockets are
regularly fitted up there for plugging in their gizzmos.

This does not look good practice!
If you need to turn the power off, you need a pair of ladders and knowledge
of the socket whereabouts.

Phil

Un-switched sockets controlled remotely from below are perfectly
acceptable.
The same sort of thing as having a socket behind your washing machine and
controlling it with a Double Pole switch from above the worktop.


Yes BigWallop

That was my reaction, but not what was proposed.
The installer claimed that it was common practice to have switched sockets
in the false ceiling space, not necessarily separately switched from an
accessible point!

Phil

"TheScullster" wrote in message
...
Un-switched sockets controlled remotely from below are perfectly
acceptable.
The same sort of thing as having a socket behind your washing machine
and
controlling it with a Double Pole switch from above the worktop.


Yes BigWallop

That was my reaction, but not what was proposed.
The installer claimed that it was common practice to have switched sockets
in the false ceiling space, not necessarily separately switched from an
accessible point!

Phil

Then tell them they can't on health and safety grounds, and they need to
install some sort of full isolation gear at an accessible position. They
are correct though, and the system they have proposed is perfectly safe and
normal, but if you feel that the set up isn't to your taste, then get them
to change it. There is nothing wrong with having socket in the ceiling
voids if they are installed to the proper regulations for that area, but it
is safer to have easily accessible points of full isolation in case of
problems.

"TheScullster" wrote:

That was my reaction, but not what was proposed.
The installer claimed that it was common practice to have switched sockets
in the false ceiling space, not necessarily separately switched from an
accessible point!

He's right, it is. I'm not commenting on the safety aspect but
I've seen switched sockets above suspended ceiling many times
before. They are used to disguise a great many electrical
horrors. Perhaps technically the ceiling is considered a
decorative feature.

Incidently take a look at the stage/dance floor lighting gantry
next time you are in Spearmint Rhino (or similar establishments).
You'll see switched sockets 20ft off the ground in a public room
so they must be within the regs.

riccip

Thanks Fellas

I am amazed that something which appears to the layman as obviously unsafe
(from an operational point of view) is still within regs!

Phil

"TheScullster" wrote in message
...
Thanks Fellas

I am amazed that something which appears to the layman as obviously unsafe
(from an operational point of view) is still within regs!

Phil


As long as the design for loading, cable management and safety isolation
devices (MCB etc.) are all within the requirements, then it's safe. Where
the sockets are doesn't really matter after that. You can install a socket
in your bath if you do it with all the proper designs in its use and safety.
So I've heard anyway. :-) LOL