Agree.
On sites where the cable has to go over tarmac to reach the EHU stanchion (eg Ullapool), you should be able to borrow a strip of tough rubber specifically shaped to cover & protect the cable.
It's not good practice, it's mechanically stressing the cable in a number of ways never intended in design/normal use, and best avoided. If cables are to knowingly be run over by vehicles, it's normal practice to run them through a protective conduit (as mentioned by Fiona) which takes the load and any damage, thereby protecting the cable itself. It's not a practice likely tolerated in an industrial situation subject to Health and Safety scrutiny!
On soft grass it's a minimal risk and will in all likelihood never cause damage, BUT, life always has a 'but', it only takes a stone in the grass or a road chipping in a tyre tread to cause a nick in the sheath, or even deeper into the insulation, or a high pressure crush point that CAN do hidden damage (short circuits through damaged insulation, reduction in conductor size due to strand breakage leading to overheating on high load etc.)!
With quality cables costing £40 or more to replace, don't think I'd be happy to find mine damaged and no way to put the blame on your neighbour with absolute certainty of getting them to pay for it! If regularly run over, it should be fairly meticulously inspected for damage on a regular basis.
Overall, really best not to allow it to be run over.
that rubber sheathing stuff can be bought at Screwfix (i think thats where ive seen it) just get a coupe or three metres of it , saves any confrontation or damage.
i'll check tomorrow how much it is
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Topic: Electric cables
via mobile 13/4/2025 at 5:24am
