Drilled into mains cable

[dummer]

We have just bought a buy to let house which obviously needs some work doing on it. One of the problems to be solved is that in the kitchen, someone has accidentally drilled into the mains cable buried in the wall, coming down from the first floor. This cable supplies a three pin socket on the wall.
They have then ‘hacked out’ the wall and cut out the plastic conduit protector and inserted crimps to reconnect the wires that they had severed. The crimps look those you might use when installing a radio in your car!! The socket was supplying a washing machine, and the wires have all gone black (nearly burned through I think).
Can anyone please suggest an acceptable way of repairing the problem. I would like to avoid having to lift chipboard flooring in the room above as it is the bathroom, and the toilet and basin would both need to come out to do that.
All suggestions would be very welcome! Thanks.

 

[oharaf]

You've really answered your own question, ideally replace the cable.

However if the cable was stripped back and properly crimp and heat shrunk this would also be fine.

 

[bernardgreen]

Put an switched FCU just below the ceiling and run new cable from there to the socket. If the tenant asks about it say it is a safety switch so the machine cannot be turned on by children playing with the controls. " sensible thoughtful landlord "

 

[aptsys]

The charring probably occurred when the cable was drilled through rather than as a result of the crimps. Crimps are allowed by the way, but shouldn't have been buried directly in the plaster.

 

[dummer]

Many thanks for your quick replies.
I rather like the sound of the FCU. It would certainly save ripping the floor above out!

 

[ban-all-sheds]

You are going to need to get a PIR done anyway, so let the guy who does that look at the repair. Maybe it can be re-done, or tidied up, or he could implement Bernard's idea.

Crimping can be an OK method for repairing damage like that but it should be done with the right tool. The crimps themselves may be the same as you use in a car, but the proper tool is definitely not the squeeze'n'hope type they sell in Halfords.

 

[dummer]

Thanks 'ban-all-sheds'. How can you tell that we are new to this buy to let stuff. And to show our ignorance, what is a PIR please??

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Periodic Inspection Report.

It is not specific to rented properties, but in that environment it is often referred to as a Landlords Electrical Safety Certificate (presumably to match the name of the gas one which you are required to have by law).

There's no legal requirement for a PIR, but it is a BGI, and the recommendation is that it's done every 5 years (I think) and at every change of tenancy.

It may be a requirement of your liability insurance.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Lots of info for you here: http://www.esc.org.uk/business-and-community/guidance-for/landlords.html