Cable Clips for Cables – Necessary?

paperclap

Hi all,

Last year, we had a number of sockets and downlights added. Rightly or wrongly, the electrician has not used cable clips to attach the cables to the joists.

Should I bother trying to organise the cables? Is it worth the time and hassle?

If I do, I don’t want to notch any joists just to run cable level to the top of the joist. So I’d need to be mindful about where any future boards would go down (for storage of bits and bobs).

Thanks!

grumbler

paperclap said:

Last year, we had a number of sockets and downlights added. Rightly or wrongly, the electrician has not used cable clips to attach the cables to the joists.

Hardly a surprise. It's typical for tradespeople to do the bare minimum if not less. The best practice is to use clips.

Should I bother trying to organise the cables? Is it worth the time and hassle?

Up to you.

If I do, I don’t want to notch any joists just to run cable level to the top of the joist. So I’d need to be mindful about where any future boards would go down (for storage of bits and bobs).

I don't understand. There have to be holes or notches in the joists. Why make new ones and why at the top where wires are more exposed to accidental damage? And generally, IMO, it's bad practice to make notches for wires. Much better is to drill holes in the middle of joists and noggins.

ETA: I see. I missed the last part "any future boards ... (for storage of bits and bobs)". Personally, I'd board as big area as possible.

Eldi_Dos

If at anytime in the future you want to put boards in, just put some battens on top of joists either side of cables to allow boards clearance. Mark top of boards where cable runs are as a reminder.

fenwick458

if this is in a loft with insulation, it's hardly surprising they aren't clipped.
cable clips are necessary to support the cable, if it's laid ontop of a plasterboard ceiling I wouldn't worry about it

dil1976

grumbler said:

Hardly a surprise. It's typical for tradespeople to do the bare minimum if not less. 

Thats not true at all, or do you judge eveyone by the standards you set?

Risteard

They should be clipped. If it's in a roof space then they shouldn't be drilled or notched.

GDB2222

Are these just lighting cables? 

grumbler

dil1976 said:

grumbler said:

Hardly a surprise. It's typical for tradespeople to do the bare minimum if not less. 

Thats not true at all, or do you judge eveyone by the standards you set?

Yes, my standards are high. What's not true? The bare minimum? I stick to my guns on this.