[Question] Aerial Cable

[JackC]

I need to connect two buildings (approximately 500mm apart) with a 2.5mm Surfix cable. The cable will be suspended approximately 3.5 meters above the ground. To ensure the safety and integrity of the cable, I am considering placing it within a 20mm PVC conduit, which will be supported with a suitable structure.

Will it be sufficient?

Any insights or recommendations will be appreciated.

[Derlyn]

I need to connect two buildings (approximately 500mm apart) with a 2.5mm Surfix cable. The cable will be suspended approximately 3.5 meters above the ground. To ensure the safety and integrity of the cable, I am considering placing it within a 20mm PVC conduit, which will be supported with a suitable structure.

Will it be sufficient?

Any insights or recommendations will be appreciated.

SANS 10142 doesn't say much about aerial conductors other than

6.3.4.1
An aerial conductor shall be of a) hard-drawn copper, b) stranded aluminium, or c) composite construction, such as steel-cored aluminium.

6.3.4.2
A surge arrester shall be installed at each end of each aerial conductor circuit in an installation.

The arrangement, support and where required, insulation of an aerial conductor shall comply with the relevant statutory requirements.

I assume that what is meant by statutory requirements is local by laws, so it would depend on your locality and the laws of the area.
I'll stick my neck out and suggest that what you are planning to do is acceptable as long as the route does not cross any roads.

[AndyD]

I would check the cable manufacturers instructions regarding surfix as an aerial installation. I'd suggest rather use steel conduit, not PVC for overhead or even unistrut with a lid if it's only half a meter between buildings, PVC conduit will sag over time and not look great a year from now. Personally I'd probably go with 2.5x3 SWA cable with unistrut to bridge the gap, the price difference would be negligable and it would be easier installation.

[Derlyn]

Sorry. I read it as 500 metres, hence my comment about crossing roads.