"Shaffer" wrote in
:

Thanks guys.

He was using a nail gun. The moulding was top of wall against the
ceiling. 1920's house. No dry wall in rest of house, so I doubt any
in kitchen. This was relayed to me by wifey. I was at work.
What's wiring doing up there anyways?



"Red Green" wrote in message
...
"Shaffer" wrote in
:

Had a guy come in to help put up wood moulding in the kitchen. Must
have hit a wire becaue it blew a breaker.
He pulled the nail out (small nail) and hammered it in elsewhere.
Flipped the breaker back on. Said don't worry about it.

Now I lie awake at night fearing its a fire hazard.

Is it?




My first thought is why did he hit it with a small nail? When you say
small you mean short? Finish nails from a nail gun are small as in
narrow but can be 2.5" long.

In theory, wires should be running through the middle of studs 1.75"
back. That + 1/2" drywall is 2.25. Then add in molding thickness.

Wiring that is run too close to edge of stud should have a metal
plate. But that does nothing if the wiring is close to the inside of
the drywall between the studs.

Where did it happen? In the field of a wall, top near ceiling, near
floor?




I'm not familiar with 1920's houses but witing will typically run
through the attic or between 1st & 2nd floors, go through the top plate
of the wall and down the stud to the device.



http://media.photobucket.com/image/h...C04050.jpg?o=7

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/imagessubs...8218fc40ab.jpg

http://www.etchweb.net/home/images/house-wiring.jpg