In article , The Medway
Handyman wrote:
Hi

I have to repair a lighting cable that someone has drilled through.
It's to the two way switch in the hall and the 4 core cable that has
been damaged. The damage is about 6" from the ceiling.

The cable is covered by white PVC channel.

I can see three options here;

1] Take up floorboard above & use junction box, replace entire cable.
This is the most difficult option because the bedroom above will have
to be all but emptied, a section of chipboard cut out & replaced.

2] Cut out small damaged section of cable, use cable crimps to re join,
bury in new plaster. There is enough slack to do this. Simplest
option, cheapest for customer.

As well as crimping you need to use heatshrink to restore the second
insulation layer of TW&E.

3] Chase out & expose entire cable, remove cable between damage &
switch. Crimp new piece of cable to existing, push crimped section into
ceiling void, make good. Sort of mid way choice for customer.

Option 1 seems the best to me but it's going to create major disruption.
Option 2 is easier, but is it safe & legal?

What's the point in PVC channel anyway? It offers little protection.
Is it just to make thing easier for the plasterers?

Indeed. Never use the stuff.

--
*People want trepanners like they want a hole in the head*

Dave Plowman London SW
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