There is no sure way to find out whether the wire is live unless you chop into it.
So if its in the way, why don't you just axe(with wooden handle) through the cable. Chuck a bucket of water on it, making sure you don't get yourself wet in the process. The cable will then short out and blow the fuse its connected to.
Two jobs in one, first you find out whether its live or not. Second if it is live, you've just turned it off. Its a hill billy style to do it but it works.
So if its in the way, why don't you just axe(with wooden handle) through the cable. Chuck a bucket of water on it, making sure you don't get yourself wet in the process. The cable will then short out and blow the fuse its connected to.
Two jobs in one, first you find out whether its live or not. Second if it is live, you've just turned it off. Its a hill billy style to do it but it works.