How deep are electric cables

[SparrowHawk99]

I'm having to dig a small area to fit a new shallow internal inspection chamber, thing is the concrete floor has the incoming mains in there somewhere.

I'm using a CAT but I'm finding it difficult as readings are so erratic. I wanted to know typically how deep would the incoming mains be for a very old terraced property? I may have to break out with flat head and avoid any sort of cutting but still need to grind out a shallow area to fit the recessed manhole

 

[OwainDIYer]

There is no 'typical'

You must get the DNO out to locate and mark the location of their cable (which will usually be free but may take several weeks).

If you damage the cable not only might you kill yourself but you'll get the bill for repair.

If the cable is not locatable under the concrete then the DNO will dig up the cable in the street and isolate it.

 

[SparrowHawk99]

Weeks I don't have, but I do have a plan drawing I somehow got hold of but cable does not coincide with the readings

If they are cheap I may employ their services if all fails. Thanks

 

[mattylad]

Thats a question like asking how long is a piece of string.

AFAIK You can only tell by digging for it, even the DNO will not be able to tell with 100% accuracy.