Posted by
I try to highlight the most dangerous situation that we see every week. This is a great example of a simple screw up by whoever fit the kitchen we were working in. The earth cable must have been in the way so instead of temporarily disconnecting and re-connecting it was simply cut and left disconnected.
If a mains potential wire touches the case, a large current will flow to the earth and either blow a fuse or trip a circuit breaker. Also if you were to drill through or cut a live cable, it is likely your metal blade or bit will bridge the live and earth wires and the current run to earth rather than through you.
If your kitchen fitter, builder, plumber or local DIY guy touches any electrical wiring in your property make sure that they are accredited with some body such as NIC EIC, NAPIT or ELECSA. If they cannot prove it with an ID that can be verified then send them packing. The rules have changed and anyone who would cut an earth cable and leave it that way should not be working in your house.
Can’t find a qualified electrician? Call NIC EIC on 01582 539000 or click this link to their website to find someone local who is qualified.