The electric cage

[bernardgreen]

This is interesting, the dangers of electricity in one's home, or a lesson in safe zones

 

[Taylortwocities]

Those registered NICEIC electricians, got X-Ray eyes then, have they?

 

[securespark]

It's part of the DI's course!

 

[Risteard]

This is interesting, the dangers of electricity in one's home, or a lesson in safe zones

Here's a better version:

 

[EFLImpudence]

I think we should call them danger zones - everywhere else is safe to do whatever you want.

 

[eveares]

everywhere else is safe to do whatever you want

Really? Even when some DIY'er has run cables outside the safe zones such as diagonally or in zig-zag fashion.

 

[JohnD]

As long as you have those special self-illuminating cables that glow through walls, it should be easy.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Really? Even when some DIY'er has run cables outside the safe zones such as diagonally or in zig-zag fashion.

Oh alright -

so the present safe zones are where you should not drill as there may be the danger of a buried cable
therefore, you should only drill outside the safe zones as that is where it is safe to drill
unless some DIY'er may have run a cable outside the safe zones causing those areas also to be dangerous.
Perhaps they should allow diagonal between two accessories (on same wall) then it would be dangerous to drill there as it would also be a safe zone.

 

[John D v2.0]

As long as you have those special self-illuminating cables that glow through walls, it should be easy.

That gives me a great idea for cable detecting wall paper! Would be quite fun.
A bit better than the person on the building forum who could see the breeze blocks through the emulsion!

 

[JBR]

Perhaps a better idea would be to have metal conduits on the surface of walls, as in factories and other non-domestic properties. No problems, then, in knowing where the electrical cables are. Easier to re-wire too.

I was going to mention the same to my wife, but I've had second thoughts.

 

[bernardgreen]

as in factories and other non-domestic properties

and historic cottages where channelling walls is not an option.

 

[SimonH2]

Even when some DIY'er has run cables outside the safe zones ...

Or some so called professional has run cables outside the safe zones

 

[eveares]

Or some so called professional has run cables outside the safe zones

Makes me think, 50mm is not really deep enough for protection against nails and screws without earthed mechanical protection. Should be 100mm IMO.

 

[Echo the husky]

Don't make the regs even harder to comply with!!

 

[EFLImpudence]

50mm is not really deep enough for protection against nails and screws without earthed mechanical protection.

You don't have to earth mechanical protection.

Should be 100mm IMO.

Not allowed in the cavity any more, either.