Regulations for buried cable in the UK

Question

I'm running a cable from my house to a site in my back garden where I am building a shed. The length of the cable run is about 7-8 metres. I have steel armoured cable which is OK for direct burial.

Is there any regulation for the UK about what depth the cable needs to be buried to? I've started digging a 'slot' but it is really hard going due to the number of stones under the turf.

This is the cable I am using:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07B7DJZL8

Peter Green · Accepted Answer

as I understand it BS7671 requires that the cable is buried deep enough to prevent the cable being disturbed by any reasonably foreseeable disturbance of the land but does not specify a particular depth. There should also be a warning tape burried above the cable.

Normally though the recommendation for a domestic garden is around half a meter. That is enough to give it some margin beyond the depth of a typical spade.

If you will be be getting an electrican to connect up and certify this I would strongly advise talking to them first before you buy and install the cable.

JohnM · Answer

You probably need to show the electrician the cable in the trench with the warning strip above it before you backfill it so he can satisfy himself about the depth. Without seeing it he may not be willing to sign the installation off and give you a certificate.

Answered by JohnM on May 10, 2021

user130478 · Answer

Regulations for GB is that buried armoured cable is at a depth of at least 18".
If its not armoured,it could be pyrotenex cable or in suitable conduit.

Regulations for buried cable in the UK

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