First fix electrical Carpentry tips

Getting the carpentry work for the first fix electrical install on a building project is time consuming and there is loads of hidden work that you have to complete, here I show you some examples of how I do my carpentry work to assist the electrician
Here is an example of the cable mounts, (I am paid a small commission from Amazon if you buy)
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[@chrisbabbitt4202]

Being able to work with someone you enjoy working with for 30 years is a true blessing. The project is coming along nicely.

[@vroom1013]

Love it when different trades take the time and effort to help each other out, rather than doing a half-arsed job and saying, ‘Oh, the next guy can sort that out’. Makes the job run so much smoother. Well done to you and Colin! Keep it up and thanks for another great video 👍

[@yourecard]

I'm a software developer that loves a bit of DIY. Seeing the result of Robin's work (and luckily it is all filmed) I must say I admire the professionalism, the eye for details and showing us how it should be done. I'm learning a lot, thank you!

[@dougieranger]

DYI? Sounds like Yoda’s home improvements.

[@robertbeal]

I'm exactly the same. There's a lot of "craft" culture in software so I tend to try and apply similar elsewhere hence ending up on such KZbin channels. Seeing it in tangible sense through carpentry and general building work does feel like _proper_ craft though 😊

[@j444nsy4]

Great work as always Robin. I have a laser which has a plumb bob dot. So I mark exactly where the Down light is then mark the point in the floor. Plasterers can completely plaster and you can cut out the holes after with mm accuracy.

[@davecowan860]

Cracking thought gone into the job Robin, must be a pleasure to work along side you! Very rare to find a chippy willing to go to the lengths you are for the electrician etc, but when you’re overseeing the whole job as you are that’s how it should be 👍🏼

[@stephendixon8575]

Crikey Robin, I absolutely LOVE watching these videos with all those little nuggets of information on how to plan ahead and save time and materials. However I also find it heartbreaking, having just spent my life savings on a major build, as it also highlights the lack of thought and care that went into some aspects of our project that would have saved us so many unnecessary headaches or left me with things that will niggle me. Sadly due to ill health I’m not able to be as hands-on or involved as I used to (though still have to battle with myself to accept that!) and I won’t be doing anything like that project again in my lifetime. Unfortunately the boom in work following Covid lead to that much demand there were not enough people with your skill and experience to go around (and too many bullshitters and chancers doing jobs they weren’t really up to), so watching you work it really makes me appreciate what quality and old school pride in your trade and end product really looks like. Could have done with a Robin Clevett on our project 👍

[@1_MartinFlanagan]

It's always a pleasure to watch a pro work. Your forward thinking and attention to detail is impressive.

[@ukconstruction]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ronaldomac4918]

If Carlsberg did first fix carpentry......!!! You are a master sir, another fine video of how to do it proper....!

[@mc1703]

Great video robin. Doing the basics right with care and attention.

[@MexLuthor1970]

Always been impressed by your skills Robin, but as an electrician I am hoping your cables are going to end up in prescribed zones.

[@martinw245]

I noticed that too. Didn't look like they were in zones. And not 2 inch deep.

[@dougieranger]

It’s progressing nicely Robin.

[@martinodriscoll5158]

Learnt from this. Thanks Robin

[@conorlavery4762]

Another masterclass in perfection...... an absolute please to watch as always...... thank Robin

[@ukconstruction]

Wow, thank you!

[@joekool5005]

Beautiful! This is why I don't use trades on my renos. You end up with a dog's breakfast. My last reno was executed much like this, planned to perfection and everything in the right place. I did the lot.Yes it was time consuming but....boom! Everything just came together at the end. Sadly, your quality of work is virtually non existent today. It's left to old guys like me who won't tolerate garbage and dodgy work.

[@jlmfoy365]

Always good to work with people you know and trust. Excellent video Robin. Thank you. Regards Jim.

[@ukconstruction]

You bet

[@eddjordan2399]

i like to use rockwool for the stud now just feels like its less likely to burn down allso it deadens the sound a bit more. nice vapor control dude you have taught me allot.

[@Jodyphotograph]

The level of forward planning is incredible. Your head must be full Robin! Incredible work

[@ukconstruction]

Its a partnership between my client, Colin and I, we collaborate in real time and all make suggestions and find the best solutions

[@cliveramsbotty6077]

blimey mate you know how to keep your sparks happy.

[@ukconstruction]

Well its a team effort!!

[@howardcollins6748]

I've been watching you since the start as I was in building for 50 year's I think you are incredible regards Howard from Cyprus

[@ukconstruction]

Bless you Howard, thank you for your message! enjoy Cyprus!

[@MK-yo4jn]

OMG skills. Your attention to detail is 🤯

[@ukconstruction]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@chrisgardner2597]

More Colin on future vids! Great vibes - super tips here 🙌🏻

[@ukconstruction]

You got it!

[@Nisar1193]

Your knowledge and electrical work seems better then most sparks nowadays. Would love to see the second fix on this project.

[@martinw245]

Except that the cables didn't appear to be in the correct zones

[@philipwilliams8114]

Ace. Even the mog tower is on a grand scale 🐾

[@gmurdock]

The quality of your work is inspirational. All tradesmen should aspire to this level of quality. The country would be better for it. When you finally hang up your hammer you should become a teacher.

[@markdyballuk]

great work as ever Robin and handy as i'm planning on building a adding some insulation internally on an outside wall and adding a few sockets, 30 years with Colin and still smiling fabulous and thanks again

[@ukconstruction]

Good luck with the work, I am so lucky to have mates like Colin who I have been working with for so long, He is like me in his approach to work so we collaborate seamlessly!!

[@markdyballuk]

@@ukconstruction Thanks so much Robin, you can sense the respect you have for each other and it's wonderful to see. 👍

[@garyhollywell2112]

Great Vlog again Robin do you have a link for the metal cable protectors for use on timber studs please?

[@FiscalWoofer]

Super video Robin! Just made one of those 1g and 2g jigs, saves hours, although to be fair I hold the vac in one hand and router in other! I hate excess dust on site!

[@ukconstruction]

Yep that was dusty, my dust extract was full!! waiting for replacement bags!!

[@HW55]

Came to mention cable zones, but it looks like many others have already mentioned it. Many of those cable runs don’t look to be in zones. I’m sure Robin has it covered, but any DIYers watching need to understand.

[@martinw245]

I came for the same reason. First thing I noticed was not in the proper zones.

[@Chris_Badger]

Amazing carpentry skills as per usual. Would be vigilant about keeping your electrical cables in zone.

[@tlangdon12]

The commercially available nail plates aren't thick enough to stop a nail and they stop the plasterboard from sitting on the battens properly, so it would be better to either omit them (which mets the electrical reg if you have a 30mA RCD/RCBO protecting the circuit) or fit a custom 3mm steel plate over the wires, route the batten to a depth of 4mm to accept it and fix it with a dab on glue on each batten. Even a Paslode Gas Nailgun would struggle to push a nail through 3mm of steel!

[@cj-rb8fz]

Those plates on the clip look really thin , you can get a thicker more substantial one with 4 spikes on the back, then would stop a screw or nail as we tried them , the only thing that was wrong with them was the spikes didn’t grip vey well so we used to put a plaster board nail top and bottom

[@cj-rb8fz]

A lot of those cables aren’t in the prescribed zones and aren’t supported , just hanging down the drops , The cables that are going to go through the floor in insulation have they been calculated for running through conduit and insulation are they look like regular 2.5mm , so may need to be derated to a 25a breaker ?

[@stevoc9930]

What's the thinking behind bringing the cables down vertically past the socket boxes and in the bottom vs just going in the top? Doing it that way it looks like a few of the cables have strayed outside of safe zones. Other than that very nice work. Nice idea with the sticky tabs for the downlights.

[@gabionwall4601]

This method prevents moisture from running down the cable and directly into the accessory box.

[@stevoc9930]

@gabionwall4601 I'd be more worried about damage to the cables from screws or nails with them not being within safe zones than moisture. And if you've enough moisture behind the wall that it can build up enough to run down into sockets I'd say that's a poorly designed build.

[@davidpestell1981]

Hi Robin, great videos. When plaster-boarding the wall that a kitchen will be fitted to would you always batten rather than dot and dab the plasterboards in place?

[@benchippy8039]

A sparky I work with uses 7x1 noggins he fixes flush with studs then cuts out boxes with a multi tool. Probably overkill but it supports the plasterboard all round the cut out and is especially nice when we have a bank of sockets

[@ukconstruction]

Nice solution!!

[@benchippy8039]

@@ukconstruction he’s expensive but faultless work

[@loadbear]

Great video, the Milwaukee cable stapler is a godsend for work like this. The insulated staples aren't free but you can get the first fix on a timber frame build done in a morning.

[@ukconstruction]

need to check that out!!

[@ryiman6079]

Some of the zones are a little tasty right

[@gctelectrical5555]

Bit late to the party here but did the cables end up in the prescribed zones, noticed few that were out.....

[@tjaubrey]

Bit of an amateur question robin but would you mind telling me the best way to go about fixing 18mm ply grounds in 25mm batten like you have above? The most secure way for heavy fixings. Really enjoy and appreciate the videos. Many thanks in advance!

[@benjaminfisher5809]

It's nice to be nice.

[@sundayfooty]

When fixing the 18mm osb/mdf for the wall units/TV - why u use counter batten and how is it fixed?

[@cannontrodder]

So those 'grounds' are a bit of 18mm mdf which is about, what 30mm short of the gap in batten? Did you screw/glue some strips of wood to the edge to make that H shape and then screw the exposed bit of the wood strips to the battens? Is this also the sort of thing you'd do between studwork if you wanted to hang a radiator or other heavy item?

[@chasbunn4407]

Hi Robin, love the thinking ahead 1st fix definitely makes it easier down the line. What's the thinking of the vapour barrier over the kingspan? I thought the foil layer combined with foil tape acted as a vapour barrier?

[@ukconstruction]

Hi Mate, I like to have a continuous vapour control layer, indeed PIR that is foil covered will act as a VCL but when it is fitted between timbers there are so many air gaps even in well fitted panels that it is not effective as a dedicated VCL

[@tedcopple101]

A spark that seems like a decent bloke, protect him at all costs!!

[@davecowan860]

A chippy/fellow trade that’s actually helpful/thinks about the sparky…..even rarer! It’s a shame more trades don’t work as a team as Robin does, jobs would run much more smoothly.

[@surreycountyfiddle]

I said to my sparky shall I go to the chippy for the first fix? He says yes mate I'd love some cod'n'chips!

[@mathiasjacobsen3355]

Uk electric seems very different compared to other countries like Denmark, Sweden, Germany etc. We use round patress boxes in stud wall. for sockets, switches. Run the wires first Attach plasterboard. Drill a round hole for patress box. Fish wires through hole. After painting wall, install patress box and install/attach socket/switch to patress box. Easier to use a hole saw to cut a round hole for round patress boxes, than to cut a square hole.

[@ukconstruction]

I like that system, I have seen it done in Norway, we are in need of a simplified set up!!

[@tlangdon12]

European countries also make more use of flexible conduit. With a relatively thin vapour barrier on the walls, I would have been tempted to specify rigid conduit for the cables in the wall as it would be all too easy for a cable that was being added or removed to snag on the vapour barrier and tear it.

[@tlangdon12]

@@ukconstruction I think we need electircal installation practices that are better for future changes. Installing conduit, neutrals to switches, and using systems like the Levello one for ceiling fittings would all help. I would also like to see a bus system that can be installed around the walls at picture rail height, and that can be fitted with plasterboard, and painted or wall-papered over to match the rest of the wall. This potentially allows sockets to be added at any point in the room just by dropping wires down behind the plasterboard. I wish Quickwire would get on and add a 32A version of their junction box product as this would be ideal to tap off the bus if the 'bus' was just a regular radial or ring final circuit.

[@ronniewilson6597]

Imagine ordering a kitchen and Robin knocks at your door to start to fit it, you know its going to be done well. I’d start going to church because there must be a god. 😀👍🏻

[@RichieRich845]

👍

[@FiscalWoofer]

Such an easy job for electrician working to those exact locations! Save hours. Do you work directly with the client to map all locations or do you get architect to feed you it? Either way, I’m guessing you have ALL dims on CAD? I’ve taken to mapping it on CAD myself now as I know for example how I want to read the dims as loads of increasing values from one wall or fixed location.

[@ukconstruction]

We do a simple walk through with the client when we have the framing done and make all the decisions at that point, rarely to we have any CAD details on these small jobs, if a client does present a drawing inevitably they change something or add something so to avoid additional work or changes we would still go through it all on site and have the client agree to everything first!

[@Paul_Holmes]

Robin, aren't the ceiling wires supposed to be secured with fireproof fixing to prevent premature cable collapse?

[@_Steven_S]

If the ceiling is to be left as-is, they should be. If there's going to be a suitable fire resistant ceiling installed then the cable systems are now within the fabric of the building which will provide protection from premature collapse.

[@Paul_Holmes]

@@_Steven_S Thanks Steve, that makes sense.

[@cm0916]

I work with joiners that have a meltdown if I fit a metal back box and they have to cut plasterboard out for it , they only want cables clipped into situ, pull them through and fit fast fix boxes 👎🏻Your spark must love 2nd fixing your jobs ! The forward planning and attention to detail is so spot on you’ve just got to applaud it 👏. Great to see trades helping other trades , all makes for a better job.

[@tomsmith9048]

Why don't you cut your own plaster board 🙄

[@robinwright8922]

Anything wrong with fast fit boxes? I used them throughout on my own timber frame. Fast and no problems

[@cm0916]

@@robinwright8922nothing wrong with them just personal preference of fitting metal back boxes on a first fix so doesn’t feel like your still first fixing on a 2nd fix cutting in a load of fast fix boxes.

[@davidtwist3659]

What was that that flew behind your head @0.54 ? Need your hard hat.

[@ukconstruction]

Blimey David!! I have watched it back and I have no idea!! I am going to take a look at the footage frame by frame on my computer and see what it is!!! well spotted mate

[@ricos1497]

If you pan the camera round, you'll notice a grassy knoll at the other end of the garden...

[@normanboyes4983]

Looks like a flash reflection.

[@GlennBroadway]

Please don’t mount the TV at standing height!

[@tlangdon12]

It's the client's choice.

[@Brian77766]

What gets me is that there doesn’t seem to be anywhere left on the wood to mount the tv bracket now that the electrical socket holes have been cut out.

[@llamedosr7843]

I saw a out of square noggin. Disgraceful

[@ukconstruction]

We are only human!!