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Drilling electrical wires away

Posted by Graeme Smith, on
We've had rewiring done, but the electrician did not drill the wires away into the wall, they have covered them an left them outside of the wall. Who should I be getting in to drill the wires away in it the wall?
Matthew Colak

Matthew Colak

Hi Graeme, I concur with Michael the electrician should of offered you one of two solutions to your wiring, which would have been either chasing or conduit, the fact that he hasn't and obviously left wiring exposed brings into question his professionalism. The only possible time this might be different is when the wiring is to be behind cupboards such as a kitchen, which has yet to be fitted. Either way you should either contact the Electrician and clarify the final product and if it is the case the Electrician believes he has completed the work as agreed either contact his Competent Person Scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT or ECA. There is no point going to building control as they will cite it is your responsibility to ensure that the work is carried out by a competent person. Kind regards, Matt
MIKE GLEESON

MIKE GLEESON

By "drilling into the wall" I am assuming you mean channelling (proper term "chasing") into the plasterwork/brickwork and then plastering over to leave the cable hidden and the wall surface flush again. The electrician should have asked you when quoting for the job (or you should have told him) whether the cables need chasing in or not - if it wasnt specified then the electrician was remiss in not bringing this point up. If you asked him to do it and it hasnt been done, then complain and get him back to finish the job off. Have the cables just been left bare, or are they in some sort of trunking? An electrician should never leave bare cable really, this is unprofessional. Another question that isnt clear - is the work inside or outside. If outside, cables should always be covered by some means to avoid being pierced or snagged and pulled off the wall. However, if it wasnt specified and you want the cables chasing in, i would suggest you get another electrician or plasterer to do it. Cheers, Mike

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