Insulation in kitchen?

blackstar

Hello all

We are getting the kitchen ceiling plastered and have taken down the false ceiling. 

We were wondering if we should insulate the kitchen ceiling before putting up a new plastered ceiling?

We don't need to and worry about our newly installed electric cabled trapped in insulation as probably 50% of the kitchen ceiling has electric cables running though it? And it's not advisable to have eletrical cables running through insulation or in tight spaces with insulation which undoubtedly would ve the case.

Any advice appreciated 

Please see photoceiling?

ButterCheese

I don't know about the regs regarding electrical cable and wiring.  All I can say is, the more insulation the better.  We've just had our conservatory roof done and they ran the cables through, then installed the hard foam insulation boards.  I don't see how this could affect the wiring as they were pro electricians and pro roofers so would have done it to spec.  What I mean is, if it's a fire risk you are worried about then the hard foam board with foil covering is probably fire resistant so I would use that instead of the soft cotton wool type.

As you have the celing off anyway, it would be a great opportunity to add insulation

blackstar

Thanks.

Just that I read

"Running cables through insulation can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards, so it's crucial to follow specific guidelines. Preferably, cables should be routed above insulation, and if that's not possible, use conduit and ensure proper derating for current carrying capacity. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Why Avoid Cables Under Insulation?

• Overheating:

  Insulation traps heat, which can cause cables to overheat, potentially leading to damage, fire, and reduced cable lifespan. "

ButterCheese

it looks like your cabling is going through the joists?  And the transformers for the lights or whatever they are, are tucked up above anyway?  Where it says "it is crucual to follow the guidelines" - it would be interesting to see what those guidelines are I guess, and follow them.  It might be that more work is needed to re-route the wiring in which case you might want to re-consider.

FreeBear

If you use fibreglass or mineral wool insulation, both are non-combustible. This will improve the fire resistance of the ceiling and give you a little more time to get out should the unthinkable happen.

Keep_pedalling

Is there another room above the kitchen?

sheenas

The first thing to address is the safety issues with the wiring. From what I can see all the connectors with the exception of the pendant light are not correctly done (inline with the regulations) and in one case there is a high risk of electrical shock. Hard to be sure but the pendant light earthing is missing or incorrectly done. While the light does not need specifically earthing, it should be done correctly. In terms of the insulation it can be installed between the false ceiling and the original ceil. It would be a good idea to make sure the cables are supported/clipped while you have the chance.

Bigphil1474

Is it a bungalow? Otherwise, I'm not sure why you'd want to insulate between floors? We did put some insulation under our kitchen floor in the old house as we had a cellar (to keep the cold out) but to be honest, we were never worried about the heat from the kitchen escaping upstairs.

FreeBear

Bigphil1474 said: Is it a bungalow? Otherwise, I'm not sure why you'd want to insulate between floors?

I've done it here to reduce noise transmission (complete failure), and to improve fire resistance - No desire to find out if the latter is effective.

sheenas

While insulation can help with noise reduction a double layer of plaster board would be more effective

DRP

If there’s a room above then I wouldn’t bother insulating.