Cut into live mains cable with metal stanley knife..

[User1234567890]

Pulled out the cable, it was only about 40cm, so pretty easy to replace. The bit that got me is the one with the scraper, just a tiny nick, and I found another a few CM away and the live was exposed. Needs a rewire.

 

[Ollyfp]

But for the grace of God...
So many stories of close shaves!
I have an angle on this: Every 'little' accident or a close call serves as a visceral reminder to take more care in future; not only for the person involved, but for everyone they tell about it.
This thread has evolved in a good way. Thanks for sharing, and be careful!

 

[justigator]

DNO changed the service head, at their request, in my old house. Live, of course (no way to isolate without cutting power to the whole street). It was above head height. Mr DNO-man wore full overalls, full-face helmet, rubber boots, thick insulated gloves and stood on a wooden stepstool. I watched - from the opposite corner of the room. Not a job I would ever want to do.

 

[plugwash]

Live, of course (no way to isolate without cutting power to the whole street).

IIRC if the situation with the cutout is deemed unsuitable for live-working they will usually dig up the service cable and cut it to isolate the cutout.