Putting up a shelf should be one of those straightforward DIY jobs. Measure it, get it level, drill a couple of holes and you’re done.
Unfortunately, this customer got a little more than they bargained for! While installing shelves, they drilled directly through an electrical cable concealed within the wall above a switch.
The good news is that it was repairable, and L J Mullan Electrical was able to attend, make the damaged wiring safe and carry out a suitable electrical repair.
Why You Should Avoid Drilling Directly Above a Switch or Socket
Electrical cables concealed within walls are often routed within prescribed safe zones. One of these zones extends vertically above and below electrical accessories such as switches and socket outlets.
This means that if you see a light switch or socket on a wall, there is a good chance electrical cables could be running directly above or below it.
Before drilling into a wall, always consider what might be concealed behind the surface. This is particularly important when putting up:
- Shelves and brackets
- TVs and wall mounts
- Pictures and mirrors
- Kitchen cupboards
- Curtain poles and blinds
Of course, mistakes happen. This customer certainly won’t be the first person to drill through a cable, and they won’t be the last!
If you suspect you’ve hit an electrical cable, stop drilling and don’t continue using the affected circuit until it has been assessed by a qualified electrician.
Repairing the Damaged Electrical Cable
Once we gained access to the damaged wiring, we could see exactly where the drill had caught the cable.
Rather than simply covering the damage and hoping for the best, the damaged section needed to be properly repaired and the connections safely enclosed.
We made the electrical connections safe and installed them within a suitable maintenance-free junction box. The junction box was positioned deeper within the wall so that the area can subsequently be made good and redecorated, leaving a neat finish once everything is complete.
This is particularly important with concealed electrical connections. Once the wall has been repaired, the connections will no longer be readily accessible, so the method used needs to be appropriate for the location and installation.
Small Electrical Jobs in Banbury & Brackley
Jobs like this are exactly why we continue to offer small electrical jobs in Banbury, Brackley and the surrounding villages.
As a small, family-run electrical business, we understand how frustrating it can be when something unexpectedly goes wrong in your home. A damaged cable might be a relatively small electrical repair, but to the homeowner who suddenly has a circuit they can’t safely use, it’s a pretty important job!
At L J Mullan Electrical, we always try our best to get to customers as quickly as possible when they need us.
You don’t need to be planning a full rewire or consumer unit replacement to call an electrician. We are equally happy helping with those smaller electrical jobs that keep your home working safely.
Typical work we can help with includes additional sockets, damaged cables, faulty lights and switches, extractor fans, replacement light fittings, outside lighting, electrical fault finding, EICRs and general domestic electrical repairs.
Looking for a Local Electrician in Banbury?
Being a local electrical contractor means we regularly work throughout Banbury and the surrounding Oxfordshire villages, helping homeowners with everything from minor electrical repairs to larger electrical installations.
If you’ve searched for an electrician in Banbury, Banbury electrician, or someone who carries out small electrical jobs in Banbury, L J Mullan Electrical is happy to help.
We pride ourselves on providing a personal service and treating smaller jobs with the same care as larger projects.
Electrician in Brackley for Small Electrical Jobs
We’re also ideally located for customers looking for an electrician in Brackley.
Brackley is close to our base, and we regularly cover the town and surrounding areas. Whether you’ve accidentally drilled through a cable, have a socket that has stopped working or simply want another light or socket installed, you’re welcome to get in touch.
We know that finding an electrician willing to undertake smaller domestic jobs isn’t always easy, which is one of the reasons we continue to make them an important part of our business.
Drilled Through a Cable? Don’t Panic
If your latest DIY project has resulted in a bang, a tripped circuit breaker or a suspiciously well-placed drill hole directly above a socket or switch, don’t be embarrassed — it happens!
The important thing is to stop using the affected circuit and have the damage properly inspected and repaired.
If you’re looking for a reliable electrician in Banbury or Brackley, or need help with small electrical jobs and electrical repairs, get in touch with L J Mullan Electrical.
From accidental DIY damage and electrical fault finding to additional sockets, lighting and EICRs, we’re a small, family-run local electrical business that’s always happy to help.
L J Mullan Electrical – your local electrician for Banbury, Brackley and the surrounding areas.
