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Plastic Conduit and Cable Fixings in Escape Routes

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Services such as electrical cabling and plastic conduit are commonly installed within escape routes, particularly in corridors, stairwells, and common areas. While these installations are generally low risk under normal conditions, their method of fixing can influence performance during a fire.

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Why fixings matter

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Plastic conduit, trunking, and cable insulation can soften or fail at relatively low temperatures. If these services are secured using non-fire-resistant fixings (for example, plastic clips or ties), there is a risk that they may detach early in a fire. This can result in cables or conduit collapsing into the escape route.

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Although this is unlikely to be the primary cause of injury, such a collapse may:

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• Create minor obstructions to the means of escape

• Increase trip hazards in reduced visibility

• Hinder evacuation, particularly for vulnerable occupants or in smoke conditions

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What good practice looks like

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Current guidance expects services within protected escape routes to be:

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• Adequately supported along their length

• Secured using metal or fire-resistant fixings where required

• Maintained in good condition, free from damage or excessive sagging

• Properly sealed where they pass through fire-resistant walls or ceilings

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What to do​

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Where minor damage to plastic conduit or concerns over fixings are identified, these should be addressed by the responsible person and subject remidial work. All remedial work should be conducted by a competent person. ​

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