How do you test a uk 3 core wire to see if it's live
- Thread starter bosco72
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Because you don't know where it originates, and if you don't know that you don't know what else might make it live.
Consider a few possible scenarios where the cable appears dead, but until you have found the other end you didn't know it is connected to the hallway light, so it suddenly becomes live when you switch that light on....
Or maybe t'other end is connected to the kitchen light, or the lounge, or anywhere else that suited whoever installed it....
......Or maybe a daylight sensor or a PIR, so it's only becomes live when it's dark, and / or somebody walks up to the front door....
Then you may start to wonder why you can smell something burning, but only if you open the door at night....
Or maybe t'other end is connected to the kitchen light, or the lounge, or anywhere else that suited whoever installed it....
......Or maybe a daylight sensor or a PIR, so it's only becomes live when it's dark, and / or somebody walks up to the front door....
Then you may start to wonder why you can smell something burning, but only if you open the door at night....
There could be switches, fused connection, isolators etc in the property that are connected across it, these may be in constant use or may be not. It could be quite possible that at the time you test the cable ends that the function that operates this cable is open and no power is running through it.
You then make the wrong assumption that this cable is dead, the possible closing of the circuit and with the cable hidden and no way of knowing a live cable is in the wall, this then could lead to a dangerous situation.
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I know this reply has been a while coming, but I managed to trace the other end of the wire, it took some floorboard pulling and dirty hands, but for some reason was not connected to anything. Thanks for the sound advice, as it makes perfect sense to be sure and safe.
Give yourself a pat on the back, not only for doing the right thing, but also for telling us!
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That took a while to do! 
2.5 yrs?!
2.5 yrs?! 
That took a while to do!
You've gotta plan, you know - can't just go rushing in to these things
If you can't find the other end to disconnect it then earth it.
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