Drilled through cable in wall, can I fix? (Photo)

[Sam22]

Drilled through cable in kitchen wall, tripped the fuse box. Switched back on and everything works apart from the cooker hood.

I've called electrician and explained, given me a quote of £120 plus VAT. Is that reasonable?

Is this something I can fix? If so, how? I have basic electrical skills (i.e I can install a new light fitting, install a dimmer switch, change a plug, etc...!)

 

[DPG]

Sounds a bit expensive to me. Not a difficult fix, but need to use the right parts for the job and also test the work afterwards.

 

[Bobster]

Seems like a reasonable price dependent on how they plan to rectify the fault.

Just be aware, now that you have re energised the circuit, that bare copper you could see may well be 'live'. Also, if you've managed to cut through the earth, then there is also the possibility that the cooker hood is no longer earthed.

 

[Sam22]

Could I turn the power off, strip back the cable at the damaged point and a connector block to link the 2 damaged ends back together...?

 

[Midwest]

I'd pay the £120, and perhaps relocate the cables, for whatever is going through that hole.

 

[telectrix]

first, what is going to be fitted where you cut the hole? then, is the any slack on the cables?

 

[David M]

Could I turn the power off, strip back the cable at the damaged point and a connector block to link the 2 damaged ends back together...?

Have it repaired professionally. That method is not the way to do it properly and safely. Its not worth the agro, if you get it wrong then it could end up costing you more in the long run.

 

[DPG]

Could I turn the power off, strip back the cable at the damaged point and a connector block to link the 2 damaged ends back together...?

No, this would not meet the requirements of the electrical regs.

 

[telectrix]

£120 is a bit steep. i'd sort it for a lot less, and properly tested.

 

[davesparks]

Could I turn the power off, strip back the cable at the damaged point and a connector block to link the 2 damaged ends back together...?

No, that would be somewhat dangerous.
The joint needs to be made in a suitable enclosure or the sheath suitably reinstated. The joint must be made in such a way that it may be classed as maintainence free if it will be inaccessible in the future.
The circuit must be tested to ensure that it is safe to be re-energised.

You should switch the circuit off until it is repaired, the damaged cable presents a risk of fire and of a potentially fatal electric shock.

 

[davesparks]

£120 is a bit steep. i'd sort it for a lot less, and properly tested.

Depends whereabouts in the country he is, but id say it's a fair price to trace the cable route and replace the damaged cable.

 

[Midwest]

£120 is a bit steep. i'd sort it for a lot less, and properly tested.

Your the one that obviously undercut me on my last quote

 

[DPG]

Your the one that obviously undercut me on my last quote

You're.

Dazburnsout.

 

[telectrix]

Your the one that obviously undercut me on my last quote

yeah, but in oxfordshire you have lobster and wine. up here we survive on a wrights pie and a pint of ale.

 

[telectrix]

and there's no VAT on my price. the government don't work for me, so why should i pay their wages?

 

[Sam22]

Thanks for your replies. The large cut out of plasterboard is just what a did so I could see the damage, I'm only putting shelves up so the shelf brackets could easily go slightly to one side, just my luck I've gone directly where a cable is.... Should have known, there's a switch directly beneath.

 

[Sam22]

No, that would be somewhat dangerous.
The joint needs to be made in a suitable enclosure or the sheath suitably reinstated. The joint must be made in such a way that it may be classed as maintainence free if it will be inaccessible in the future.
The circuit must be tested to ensure that it is safe to be re-energised.

You should switch the circuit off until it is repaired, the damaged cable presents a risk of fire and of a potentially fatal electric shock.

Is there any other connection I could make that would be suitable? What about wago connectors? Or junction box in plastic casing?

 

[Midwest]

yeah, but in oxfordshire you have lobster and wine. up here we survive on a wrights pie and a pint of ale.

Because the pads down here are so expensive, we have to survive on dripping and dirty water. I draw a line at Paul Masson plonk though

 

[David M]

Is there any other connection I could make that would be suitable? What about wago connectors? Or junction box in plastic casing?

If you plan on leaving the joint easily accessible then its an option, assuming there's enough slack and can be terminated correctly. But If you intend to plaster back over the joint then no they would not.

 

[David M]

£120 is a bit steep. i'd sort it for a lot less, and properly tested.

Yep £120 is a days labour up our neck of the woods. I wouldn't mind a few of these jobs a day, I'd only have to work 3 days in stead of 7