Want to put up shelf but worried about cables !

[MoonMan2]

I need to put up a shelf but realise that electrical cables are a concern. There are loads of these ac detector things but they have mixed reviews. Can anyone recommned a decent ac detector that is easy to use?

 

[flameport]

No, they are all useless.

Cables should be installed in specific places
http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:installation_techniques:walls
so unless there is a socket, switch or other item vertically or horizontally in line with your shelf, there shouldn't be any cables in the wall.

If there is a socket or switch apparently in line with a shelf fixing, then you could switch off the power, remove the socket from the wall and look behind to see which direction the cables go.

 

[robbo1970]

if stud wall also check the other side for possible cable runs.

 

[Stoday]

The only safe way is to switch everything off and drill using a battery powered drill.

 

[bernardgreen]

The only safe way is to switch everything off and drill using a battery powered drill.

And then to be 99% safe when the shelf is up and the power back on check that none of the screws are live.

One of my neighbours had a picture hook connected via its nail to the live in the 2/029 cable laided diagonally across the wall. Only found when the room was replastered

 

[stillp]

No, they are all useless.

Cables should be installed in specific places
http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:installation_techniques:walls
so unless there is a socket, switch or other item vertically or horizontally in line with your shelf, there shouldn't be any cables in the wall.

If there is a socket or switch apparently in line with a shelf fixing, then you could switch off the power, remove the socket from the wall and look behind to see which direction the cables go.

I've used one - a cheapo one at that - with some success for several years. They can't be 100% relied on though.
The problem with looking behind a switch or socket is that the cable might start vertical but then go horizontal or even diagonally, depending on the whim of whoever originally installed it. The detectors are best used to follow a known cable from a switch or socket.
Watch out for water and central heating pipes too!