Is this going to kill me?

WabbitPoo · 2 Jul 2019

I need to paint a chimney stack Attached to it is the supply to the house, 3 wires on a bracket coming from the pole on the road.

Are those cables likely to be bare copper and hence a shock hazard or am I safe to get up there and paint?

Sorry the image is a bit dark.

pete50 · 2 Jul 2019

Those round things are insulators. By inference then the insulators are insulating bare wire from the edge of the chimney etc. I wouldn't get too close to them to be honest. Like it or not 240 volts AC can kill.

Jackrae · 2 Jul 2019

The shock might not kill you but the fall that ensues most probably will

JohnD · 2 Jul 2019

IME electricity companies dislike the added workload of form-filling and attending inquests after a fatal accident, and are very willing to make the cables safe before building work starts.

This often is done by adding insulating plastic covers over the wires and terminals.

I don't think they charge.

Your DNO would be responsible. If you look at the bottom of your electricity bill it will say who, and their contact details.

It need not be the company that sends the bill.

Map of DNOs on here
https://www.ovoenergy.com/guides/energy-guides/dno.html
but they are sometimes out of date. look at your latest bill.

jelliottelectrical · 2 Jul 2019

Generally the service drops on open wire systems (as in your pic) are insulated but it’s more to prevent accidental contact from tree branches, etc and isn’t regarded in the same way as the insulation on say meter tails. Have you got a better pic of the cable coming down the wall? Cant tell from your pic but doesn’t look to be the best

As above though, your DNO will shroud all of that temporarily and it’s usually free.

WabbitPoo · 3 Jul 2019

Thanks guys....I told the customer I wasn't going to get too close to it, and would come back if they get the DNO to cover it. I did the other 3 sides. They were OK with it.

Thanks for the help.

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Is this going to kill me?

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