We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide
Broken Mains Cable
fugglestick
Posts: 63 Forumite
in Energy
Whilst repairing an outside old water pipe, I inadvertently went through the Boards mains supply into my house, despite keeping an eye out for services.
They were really quick getting out but the cable that ran down the middle of my driveway was only 200mm deep. It scare the hell out of us when we went through it, hell of a bang and we were not expecting it to be that shallow. There was no gravel/sand trench or and tape indication the cable was there.
Weston Power have said I was liable and they would be sending me an invoice for the work. Heaven knows how much that will be.
Surely they should but mains cables deeper than 200mm?. There could have been a significant risk to life.
Does anyone know if I am liable there?
Thanks
They were really quick getting out but the cable that ran down the middle of my driveway was only 200mm deep. It scare the hell out of us when we went through it, hell of a bang and we were not expecting it to be that shallow. There was no gravel/sand trench or and tape indication the cable was there.
Weston Power have said I was liable and they would be sending me an invoice for the work. Heaven knows how much that will be.
Surely they should but mains cables deeper than 200mm?. There could have been a significant risk to life.
Does anyone know if I am liable there?
Thanks
0
Comments
-
You could have a look on the <HSE website> for more info.
It seems likely that the onus is on you to take precautions since cable records (if you used them) are regarded only as a guide.
Edit
You might also find this <guide> from Western Power Distribution of some help.
Warning: In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
0 -
Looks like i might cop the lot as they say. I am still amazed there isnt a duty of care to mark cables or put them at a sensible depth. 200mm is nearly a childs digging play depth.....0
-
Just a thought - do you have buildings insurance?Warning: In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
0
-
Consumerist wrote: »Just a thought - do you have buildings insurance?
Maybe worth a try but no doubt they'll try to worm their way out of it unless you have extra cover for underground services.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 353.5K Banking & Borrowing
- 254.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 455K Spending & Discounts
- 246.6K Work, Benefits & Business
- 602.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 178.1K Life & Family
- 260.6K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards