DIY Builds
DIY Builds
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A minimum installation depth of 450mm underground is typically recommended for best practice. This increases to 600mm in locations where there is a higher possibility for potential disturbance.
To combat this, you need to make sure your shed is raised off the ground. People often use an impermeable material such as concrete, as it makes a...
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A year ago, the rising price of lumber drove the price of construction — especially house construction — way up. The increased prices and supply...
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Discover the answers to all your armoured cable and SWA cable FAQs in this handy guide. What is SWA Cable? Steel wire armoured (SWA) cable is a type of hard-wearing, reinforced power and auxiliary control cable. These cables are often found in electrical installations in harsh environments, serving as final and distribution circuits. SWA cables provide a continuous flow of current. This is because they contain galvanised steel which overlaps the central cable. Each cable consists of multiple copper cores - the exact number varies between cables - surrounded by XLPE insulation. A layer of PVC bedding secured by steel wire is then put in place to protect the outer insulation and core cable. The cable is completed with a durable PVC coating that covers the entirety of the cable and forms the outer layer. Browse All Armoured Cable When to Use Armoured Cable? Due to their durability, armoured power cables are ideal for use in harsh and potentially hazardous environments. They are designed to supply an uninterrupted electrical connection, offering increased protection, and therefore decreasing the risk of power loss. As a result, these cables are best suited to applications where there is high traffic, risk of interference from debris, or rough surfaces and install locations. So, what is armoured cable used for? Steel wire armoured cable uses and applications include: Underground cabling systems
Bubble wrap is one of the most effective forms of protective packaging – not just because it is fun to pop, but because it offers an unprecedented...
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A gravel base can be constructed for a shed and will use wooden beams around the edges to keep the gravel firmly in position. A vapour barrier will...
Read More »Find out more in our comprehensive cable glands guide, covering everything you need to know to select the best gland for the task at hand. Learn More How to Lay Armoured Cable Correctly? When laying armoured cable underground, the cable must be laid at a sufficient depth to avoid the potential for damage or disturbance. If this is not possible, consider increasing the depth of direct burial underground, or providing additional protection for improved security. Although BS7671 standards do not state a single minimum depth, it's important to ensure that electrical cable will not be disturbed by typical activity. A minimum installation depth of 450mm underground is typically recommended for best practice. This increases to 600mm in locations where there is a higher possibility for potential disturbance. If installed directly into the ground, the cable should be surrounded by sharp sand to protect against damage to the sheath or insulation. Electrical warning tape should also be in place above the sand to indicate that the cable is present below. On the flip side, if the cable is being installed within a pipe, you must ensure it is watertight to prevent ingress. It is also important to note that SWA must always be earthed, regardless of whether the armouring is being used as a protective conductor or not. This ensures that automation disconnection of supply (ADS) requirements are fulfilled. The importance of this should not be overlooked, as the development of a fault on a cable that is not effectively earthed could potentially pose a dangerous risk to individuals. Full, rigorous testing should always be completed post-installation by a qualified electrician. This will ensure that it is both safe and compliant. How to Cut Armoured Cable? There are several different tools you can use to cut armoured cable. The best option is to use dedicated cable cutters which are designed with this task in mind. Side cutters or a hacksaw can also be used as alternatives, but cable cutters are recommended where possible. Follow these steps to use cable cutters safely and efficiently: Accurately measure the cable length required and mark the outer sheath at the cutting point Adjust the cutters' blade depth to ensure the correct depth for cutting through the armour Position the cable in the cutters' wire guide, align with the marked cutting point and secure it in place Carefully make the cut Remove the newly cut cable from the cutters Shop Cable Cutters What Size Armoured Cable Do I Need? Armoured cable is available in a wide range of sizes for different applications. The size cable you need will depend on various factors, including: Install environment
How to Anchor a Shed into Gravel Step 1: Dig the Hole for the Foundation. ... Step 2: Add to the Perimeter of the Frame. ... Step 3: Anchor the...
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Made from either steel or galvanized aluminum, metal outdoor sheds provide durability at a very cost-effective price; although, metal is...
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These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.
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These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.
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For decks and porches, you can use decorative lattice with some wire mesh behind it. Just be sure to bury the bottom of the barrier so animals are...
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