surface-mount meter box - metal duct for hockey stick

somebodude · 01-07-2023 1:19pm #1

Fitting a surface meter box onto old existing wall; an ESB guy repairing a fault mentioned that a metal duct is expected to protect the 50mm red plastic 'hockey-stick' conduit between the ground and the box.

Thing is, it looks like I'll have to order from a specialist steel supplier, there's almost nothing available off-the-shelf that's wide enough (50mm internal) for the job.

It'll have to be aluminum or galvanised steel i suppose

Question, is, really, what have you done/seen in this context

kirk. · 01-07-2023 1:26pm

Haven't seen it on surface ducting but it's usual to protect cables where they leave the ground

Galvanized steel trunking might do it

somebodude · 01-07-2023 1:37pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120791514#Comment_120791514

yes I thought it would be easy to find, but any online shops/catalogs only have narrower sizes listed

smuggler.ie · 01-07-2023 1:52pm

You sure esb sayd that 50mm duct has to be protected, not the cable leaving 50mm red duct at the ground level?

kirk. · 01-07-2023 3:50pm

The duct between ground and box would be susceptible to damage alright

Don't know what their code is on this

kirk. · 01-07-2023 3:56pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120791542#Comment_120791542

Wholesalers have it up to probably 150*150

The Continental Op · 01-07-2023 3:57pm

Could it be you run the 50mm ducting up to the box then put a metal guard over the ducting?

somebodude · 03-07-2023 10:44am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120792081#Comment_120792081

I found this, which suits my needs as far as I can tell -

"75x75mm Galv Trunking 3MTR Length" - Code: TRG33 - €48.71 incl VAT

https://www.wesco.ie/products/p-trg33.html?filter_set[]=96,719,723

somebodude · 03-07-2023 10:46am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120791595#Comment_120791595

should have asked more questions and taken notes but I thought he meant the pastic red hockey-stick to be protected from light mechanical damage, ground to meter-box

kirk. · 03-07-2023 10:51am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120798699#Comment_120798699

That's where the duct is vulnerable from the ground up ,not overhead or underground

RECs and ESBN protect cables here

Haven't heard of additional protection of surface hockey sticks but could well be , they wouldn't be the greatest on their own

The Continental Op · 03-07-2023 10:59am

Assume you have seen this doc https://www.esbnetworks.ie/docs/default-source/publications/summary-of-standard-specification-for-esb-networks-mvlv-ducting.pdf?sfvrsn=f24df635_25 but no mention of protection.

Another Doc here thats worth reading https://www.esbnetworks.ie/docs/default-source/publications/your-meter-cabinet.pdf says if no cavity hockey stick must be embedded in wall.

Edit> One thought from the second doc it says

. ESBN will provide black UV light resistant ducting from below the finished ground level to the top of the service pole.

If thats good enough for them then why isn't it OK for you to do the same?

kirk. · 03-07-2023 1:15pm

I never thought they were a great job myself anyhow the surface hockey stick ,needed a capping or trunking I reckon

Aren't they a more rigid plastic than the red duct more susceptible to breakage ?

That could all be BS too

somebodude · 03-07-2023 4:15pm

If thats good enough for them then why isn't it OK for you to do the same?

I suppose I could just shlather it in cement

The Continental Op · 03-07-2023 4:34pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120800337#Comment_120800337

I think you need to get on to them and ask again to be 100% sure. I've found them very helpful but then next door neighbours are good friends with the local foreman so contact is a little easier.

smuggler.ie · 03-07-2023 7:01pm

I get that, cable need to be protected if on surface and red 50mm plastic is not sufficient(as mentioned, usually goes in the cavity), just have not seen red 50 exposed to be up to the box. I have feed to workshop - at ground level (even below) cable from plastic is feed to a steel scaffold pipe. I believe there are metal "hokeys" for this case installation that might be approved...

Ak84 · 06-07-2023 1:57pm

Red pipe cannot be exposed to sunlight. Breaks down.

Black pvc pipe should leave red underground pipe below ground and enter. Through large cable gland.

1 1/2 inch waste pipe is what I have used.

The Esb Sent out a new publication about this not too long ago, as different regions used to specify different methods.

Now I screw a 2 by 2 steel trunking to wall and galvoband the black pipe to it. Keeps it out the right distance from back of cabinet

Ak84 · 06-07-2023 2:26pm

Screenshot_20230706_152310_com.google.android.apps.docs.jpg

National-Code-of-Practice76cf7c6b-4890-4c39-87fc-a2d6692ef2d3 (1).pdf

All info in the above

surface-mount meter box - metal duct for hockey stick

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