Light steel framing

6.10.22Services

Services shall be adequately protected from damage.

Service mains and service outlets should be:

  • designed to ensure the fire resistance of walls and floors is not impaired
  • „designed to ensure that the required sound insulation of walls and floors is maintained
  • installed in accordance with the design
  • on the warm side of the insulation.

Light steel joists or studs should not be notched to accommodate services. Holing of structural light steel members should be carried out in accordance with this chapter and the manufacturer’s recommendations. On-site hole cutting should be avoided, as badly cut edges can have an adverse effect on the durability of the frame and may cause damage to pipes and cables.

Where on-site adaptation of the frame is unavoidable, it should be undertaken by the manufacturer, with prior notification to NHBC, and completed in line with the steel frame designer’s remedial details with all cut edges treated and badly cut edges avoided. Significant adaptations should be overseen by the design engineer.

Grommets should be used around the edge of service holes to protect electrical cables and reduce the risk of bimetallic corrosion between the LSF and copper pipes. Swaged holes for electric cables and plastic piping do not require grommets.

In Scotland, services are not permitted within:

  • framed separating walls
  • separating wall cavities.