A simple way to not damage the wires when drilling a wall

When drilling walls, there is a high probability of damage to the hidden wiring located in it. This can lead not only to the need to replace a damaged wire, but also to electric shock.

Why you should check for wiring even when drilling away from electrical appliances

Despite the fact that electrical outlets and electrical appliances are located, in your opinion, far enough from the intended drilling location, the wiring in the wall may be non-standard. Modern wizard-masters, saving time and money, often lay wires not at a traditional right angle, but obliquely or randomly. In addition, in panel houses, wiring is often laid in cavities, which, due to the design features of the plate, can be located diagonally.

In what cases will the method help

Special detectors or indicators for detecting hidden wiring are on sale today. It is also possible to find it with an indicator screwdriver, by touch or visually. You can also determine the location of wires under a layer of plaster using well-known folk methods: using a radio, cassette player, hearing aid, sensitive microphone, metal detector, thermal imager, modern smartphone or multimeter. The disadvantages of these methods include the error in determining the location of conductors.

Check with a screwdriver

The easiest and most inexpensive way to check the safety of the future drilling site for the absence of hidden wiring is to screw the wallpaper and a layer of plaster a few millimeters with a screwdriver. To prevent electric shock, use only screwdrivers with an insulated handle. This method will also help determine the direction of the wires laid in the wall and facilitate subsequent repairs.

If a wire is found at the site of the intended drilling, plaster damaged in this way can be easily repaired. Use a screwdriver to act carefully so as not to damage the insulation of the wires and not cause a short circuit.

Such a simple method of finding wires under a layer of plaster or putty will help if you do not have any devices for finding hidden wires, and you need to find it right now. In any cases, before drilling, it is advisable to turn off the lighting control in the switchboard.