Title says it all really!

Assume we have a stud wall with the ‘loft-roll’ type insulation packed in it without any gap, and need we more plug sockets.I’ve looked up online and found that insulation can “de-rate” a cable if it touches or covers it. So in an ideal world, would it just be best to remove the insulation from the wall where the cables and socket will be?

Seems the simplest method to me.

Also, do the cables have to be clipped to a stud or can they just be free-floating?

Cheers guys.

The cables need to be in contact with the inner wall surface if you are keeping the insulation. This applies for a 2.5mm 32A ring or a 2.5mm 20A radial - other circuits may not be suitable using this method.

Is that to ensure they are not fully encased in insulation?

I'm happy to just remove the insulation so it's not touching any of the cable if that's better?

Yes



Well the insulation must be there for a reason! It is your decision to remove the insulation

Cheers. We'll see. I would have just thought that a cable pushed onto the side of the plasterboard and covered in insulation on the other three sides might be bad for it. But it's only a short run (ie from the floor to a socket).

So, can the cable be free-floating if it's in the allowed routes, or does it have to be clipped or in conduit, etc? I've only ever put them in free-floating before, but always wondered.

Ta.

Anyone? please? I'll put a rude smile in to entice you:

Sorry, I have been working away at short notice mate

A 2.5mm T&E surrounded on 3 sides is derated to allow a maximum current of 21A. A 2.5mm T&E not touching insulation is rated at 27A. Putting the 2.5mm T&E in conduit against the plasterboard in a stud wall reduced the capacity down to 20A!

When I am first fixing in a stud wall with rockwool in it I use capping the wrong way around to keep the insulation from completely surrounding the cable.

For a stud wall with no insulaton it is usually acceptable to just let the cable "free float"

Cheers

That's grand, thanks very much for the help on this.