How should double insulated meter tails be installed

[TonyWH]

Hi
This is my first time on anything like this but I really need some advice.
I recently moved into a new build property. I decided to put a new cupboard in my utility room. It was under the consumer unit. I asked for clarification from the site agent as to wether I would be safe to do this. He informed me that I would be fine as any wires running below the unit would be central to it, so me drilling at the outer edge would be fine.

I drilled, straight into the live double insulated tail, blowing the 100 Amp fuse. I obviously got an electrician in, he told me he thought the installation was sub standard, as to his knowledge the double insulated tails should have been surface mounted or run up through the cavity. Mine were behind plasterboard and also covered in plasterboard adhesive (commonly known as a dab).

Does this installation sound correct or should I be contacting the installer to have the installation changed.

Thanks for any comments

 

[aptsys]

Unlucky. You couldn't have aimed better if you tried


The cables should at least be protected if not run in the cavity or surface mounted. They should also be running vertically or horizontally, so if you were drilling well outside a vertical column the width of the consumer unit then something might be amiss.

Those metal/stud/cable detectors are always a good idea when drilling somewhere you suspect there could be cables.

 

[TonyWH]

Thanks for your reply. I agree my aim was perfect.
Yes I have already bought a detector. Talk about closing the stable door once the horse has bolted.

 

[GaryMo]

A safe zone (drill free) would be the width of the consumer unit vertically up and down.
You shouldn't have drilled within this 'safe zone'.