Even if he didn't want to go right back to a socket, he could still have cut the ring under the floorboards and used a proper junction box. "Choc-blocks" are handy to use
within suitable enclosures, but unfortunately I see them used like this in wall cavities and in floor/attic spaces all too frequently.
I was told that cables are supposed to be put in conduit in 3 x 2 studded walls but this might just be BS.
There's no specific requirement to use conduit. The rules state that the cable must have extra protection if it is less than 2 inches below the surface (well, 50mm actually, but that's close enough to 2" for us Imperial folk!
).
Conduit would be one way to provide protection, but steel plates are also acceptable and more common in domestic work:
[This message has been edited by pauluk (edited 12-01-2004).]