Test if there are eletricity cables in wall

ems2

we are planning on putting up some shelves and towel hangers etc in the bathroom, but how do I find out if there are wires behind where we are drillling. I know stupid question...

Thanks,
x

Becles

You can buy a battery operated sensor that beeps if there are wires or pipes behind the wall. Try B&Q etc., as they sell them.

ems2

Do you know what they are called? I am having a look on B&Q and cant find one?

Becles

B&Q website is rubbish. I can never find anything on there either!

Here's a Challenge one for £9.99 in Argos:
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/7017223.htm

Or a Black and Decker one for £19.99
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/7018617.htm

Lil_Dee_2

If you've got a WH Smith nearby check them out, as they were selling them off at £4.99 in my local one at the weekend.

I wouldn't be without our stud detector. They're great for the most part. Unless like us you have plastic water pipes running up your walls (don't ask !!) which of course, they don't pick up :rolleyes:

Lord_Gardener

We found this good -

http://www.jmldirect.com/product.php?cid=4&pid=175&source=affwin

BarmyBubba

Be careful. As an electrician in my experience these detectors dont necessarily indicate if there are cables hidden.

Check both sides of the wall to make sure there is no light switch/socket outlet/thermostat etc located near where you are drilling and you should be OK. Although that is going by the current regulations. If the wiring is old there could be cables anyway (and they wont necessarily be live all the time).

Either get a professional in, or just be extremely careful.