Ensure Cables Use Conduits in Walls
Ensures cables in walls are protected by running through flexible or plastic conduits.
Plain language
This control is about making sure cables that run through your walls are protected by being inside a flexible or plastic tube called a conduit. This matters because if the cables are not protected, they can be easily damaged by things like moisture or pests, leading to breakdowns in your internet or phone systems, which can disrupt your business operations.
Framework
ASD Information Security Manual (ISM)
Control effect
Preventative
Classifications
NC, OS, P, S, TS
ISM last updated
Nov 2019
Control Stack last updated
19 Mar 2026
E8 maturity levels
N/A
Section
Cabling infrastructureTopic
Cables in WallsOfficial control statement
Cables from cable trays to wall outlet boxes are run in flexible or plastic conduit.
Why it matters
Unprotected cables risk damage from pests or moisture, causing intermittent connectivity, hardware failures and service disruptions impacting business continuity.
Operational notes
Regularly inspect wall conduits and tray-to-outlet runs for cracks, gaps and wear, and promptly replace damaged flexible/plastic conduit to prevent cable exposure.
Implementation tips
- Building managers should arrange for all in-wall cables to be rerouted through conduits. Contact a professional electrician or cabling specialist to inspect your current setup and install conduits if they are missing.
- IT managers should review plans for any new building works that involve wiring. Work with contractors to specify that cables must be run through flexible or plastic conduits according to the building codes and safety standards.
- Facility maintenance staff should regularly check that conduits are intact and secure. Schedule periodic inspections to look for broken or cracked conduits, and organise repairs immediately if any are found.
- Office managers should ensure cables are labelled and documented. Create a simple map of where major cables are routed in the walls and ensure they follow conduit paths, which helps in quickly identifying and fixing issues.
- Procurement should source electrical services that guarantee conduit installation. When hiring electricians or IT infrastructure services, clearly specify in contracts that all in-wall cabling must be enclosed in conduits.
Audit / evidence tips
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Aska floor plan with conduit specifications. Ensure it lists all wall-cabling areas and specifies conduit use
Goodis a plan showing all relevant electrical paths protected by conduits
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Goodshows a regular inspection schedule and resolved issues on time
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Askcontracts with IT or electrical service providers. Ensure they include clauses specifying conduit installation and maintenance
Goodhas explicit terms about conduit use as part of the service agreement
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Goodresult is a work order that shows installation specifics and follow-up after audit findings
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Asktraining records for maintenance staff on identifying conduit issues
Goodis detailed records showing ongoing staff training
Cross-framework mappings
How ISM-1115 relates to controls across ISO/IEC 27001, Essential Eight, and ASD ISM.
ISO 27001
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
| layers Partially meets (1) expand_less | ||
| Annex A 7.12 | Annex A 7.12 requires organisations to protect power and data cabling from interception, interference, and damage across their environments | |
These mappings show relationships between controls across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.