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Where is it Safe to drill into my Ceiling?

Where is it safe to drill in a ceiling?

As electricians we follow a simple rule that we run the cables through the joists, as close to the centre of the joist as possible, at a depth of at least 50mm from the top and bottom of the joist. i.e 50mm from the ceiling/floor.  This hopefully stops any nails or screws hitting the cable.

Diagram from Voltimum.co.uk

For the serious DIYer, a “stud / cable finder” can be purchased from any DIY store to detect power cables – dead or live, which indicate should there be cables hidden above the surface of a ceiling.

If this is not always possible to follow this rule, then there are often existing holes and notches in a joist. It is extremely likely that in times past, cables have been run all over the place.  Cables should not be run the same hole as pipe work, and if new holes are needed to feed the cables through, then they should be at least 30mm away to the side.

At times it is possible that cables can be lying on top of plasterboard ceilings.

Because it is not always possible to run the cables any other way, the current electrical regulations allow cables to be run outside the zones, provided they are protected by an RCD.

If the wiring in your house is old and you have a Consumer Unit which does not have an RCD, then you should be even more cautious.

If your current consumer unit does not have a functioning, healthy RCD, then advance with precaution, or ask us for a quotation, for a replacement RCD or new consumer unit.

In fact, if you have any doubts at all, then give us a call, and send us some photographs.

To book a very helpful & knowledgeable Bright Spark Electrician to carry out a Survey, and provide a Free of Charge Quotation, fill out our simple form to visit your home. click [Click this Link]

For further Information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Telephone: 01892 531728

Email: karen@brightsparkelectrician.co.uk