FAQ = Wires, can they go under floor covering ?

Can wires go under floor coverings?

Well the simple answer is NO without some sort of effect to either safety or your floor covering. Some low voltage cable can be placed under floor coverings but your floor coverings performance and wear will be effected. We advice to never install any cables under floor coverings.

The rule for high voltage cables is a very strict NO unless the regs below are followed -




Flex is the only cable to have a fixed current rating as it should always be in free air. (the most common cable we are asked to put under carpets. Its a very strict NO even if it was protected in someway )

Twin and earth cable etc (including phone lines, speaker cable)

522.6.4 A wiring system buried in a floor shall be sufficiently protected to prevent damage caused by the intended use of the floor.

522.6.5 A cable installed under a floor or above a ceiling shall be run in such a position that it is not liable to be damaged by contact with the floor or the ceiling or their fixings. A cable passing through a joist within a floor or ceiling construction or through a ceiling support (e.g. under floorboards), shall:

(i) be at least 50 mm measured vertically from the top, or bottom as appropriate, of the joist or batten (under the subfloor)

ii) incorporate an earthed metallic covering which complies with the requirements of these Regulations for a protective conductor of the circuit concerned. the cable complying with BS 5467, BS 6346. BS 6724, BS 7846, BS EN 60702-1 or BS 8436, or

(iii) be enclosed in earthed conduit complying with BS EN 61386 and satisfying the requirements of these Regulations for a protective conductor, or

(iv) be enclosed in earthed trunking or ducting complying with BS EN 50085 and satisfying the requirements of these Regulations for a protective conductor, or

(v) be mechanically protected against damage sufficient to prevent penetration of the cable by nails, screws and the like.




Disclaimer - All information stated above is for guidance only. Manufactures instructions / British Standards should be followed at all times.