Drilled through a cable - add me to the list!

[stevenaive]

Bang, switch tripped at consumer unit and have not turned it back on. The adjacent water heater switch is still working.

Chipped away to reveal plastic conduit.

Time to call an electrician? I’m ok with wago boxes and have a cable tester but that’s about my limit.

 

[ericmark]

I would look at what can cover the problem, and if the cable will come out? Be it a wall light, or a clock, it will need either a length of cable renewing or two joints, so the question is the best way to hide the repair.

 

[Murdochcat]

whats above and below where you drilled the hole? Photo of whole wall please

 

[stevenaive]

I had to crop the photo because it was too large for the forum.
The grey wood to the side is architrave for a doorway. The ceiling above should be below the landing just atop some stairs.
Below is some wall tiles and the kitchen floor, laminate over floorboards.
Not sure what more the wall could tell you? Let me know!

 

[Murdochcat]

There should be a light switch, light, socket in line with that cable.

 

[EFLImpudence]

There should be a light switch, light, socket in line with that cable.

There is:

 

[EFLImpudence]

You will need to expose more of the cable so the damaged can be seen.

Can you solder?

 

[Murdochcat]

OP - cables "should" always run vertically or horizontally from accessories - please bear this in mind when you next drill a hole.

 

[stevenaive]

OP - cables "should" always run vertically or horizontally from accessories - please bear this in mind when you next drill a hole.

That’s the thing. I already know that. I’m an idiot!

Yes, EFLImpudence I can solder.

 

[Murdochcat]

That’s the thing. I already know that. I’m an idiot!

Yes, EFLImpudence I can solder.

10 out of 10 for honesty.

Where does the cable go "next" and why were you drilling the hole?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Yes, EFLImpudence I can solder.

Then expose the damage and see what needs doing.

If one or more wires is broken then you should be able to replace the bit of cable that goes to the switch and solder a new bit to the upper part or maybe only the insulation is damaged .

Solder is considered one of the jointing methods suitable for burying in masonry.
Remember joints should be mechanically and electrically sound before soldering.

 

[EFLImpudence]

...

 

[stevenaive]

Then expose the damage and see what needs doing.

If one or more wires is broken then you should be able to replace the bit of cable that goes to the switch and solder a new bit to the upper part or maybe only the insulation is damaged .

Solder is considered one of the jointing methods suitable for burying in masonry.
Remember joints should be mechanically and electrically sound before soldering.

Now that I look at it, it doesn't seem like I've broke the cable, just tore through the insulation, is it possible that I've merely tripped the switch because the drill head touched the exposed wire?

I suppose I could somehow remove the plastic trunking by exposing the plaster all the way down to the light switch, then unhook the cable at the switch, slip over a few lengths of heatshrink and recover the wire? That's all assuming the wire itself isn't hanging on for grim death.

Edit: just turned trip switch back on and the lights are working, so....

 

[EFLImpudence]

Now that I look at it, it doesn't seem like I've broke the cable, just tore through the insulation, is it possible that I've merely tripped the switch because the drill head touched the exposed wire?

Yes.

I suppose I could somehow remove the plastic trunking by exposing the plaster all the way down to the light switch, then unhook the cable at the switch, slip over a few lengths of heatshrink and recover the wire? That's all assuming the wire itself isn't hanging on for grim death.

You might be able to just disconnect the wire from the switch and pull the cable up to the hole.

Just break off some of the conduit (or is it capping?) and have a look first.

 

[stevenaive]

10 out of 10 for honesty.

Where does the cable go "next" and why were you drilling the hole?

I was trying to mount a holy water holder. God sending me a message??

Not sure where cable goes next.