Replacing socket back box

[mache]

Hi all

Thanks for all the replies. I have not played around with it as yet, if it is live would I be able to find this out with one of those mains tester screwdrivers and if that is negative would I be OK in thinking that I could cut this then.

Or would it still be wise to start removing the plasterboard to see where it goes, ideally I would like to avoid this if possible but if none of the above are an option then I'll bite the bullet and get in a professional.

Thanks again.

No a tester screwdriver is not going to help you here, and regardless are not a safe method of proving safe. I wouldn't bother ripping out extra plasterboard as that will just cost you extra in the long run which you might as well put towards having someone come and do the complete job for you.

 

[telectrix]

OP, if you post a more detailed location, one of us may be close and able to pop round and check it for you.

 

[richy3333]

Well if you don't know what a love conductor is, you haven't lived lol

Or loved

 

[Adam W]

I reckon it's been used as an improvised mechanical fixing, which should be evident from the way things move when you wiggle them around, however one thing I've learned over the years is 'never assume'.

 

[sparky1508]

You could check it with a voltage pen but those things are not 100% reliable.

Sent from my SM-G361F using Tapatalk

 

[7029 dave]

It could be a live conductor, get it proved dead first before anything.

 

[sparky1508]

It could be a live conductor, get it proved dead first before anything.

That's what I mean with the voltage pen but you only have to tap those things and they light up. Maybe lift a few boards above to see if any single reds are floating around.

Sent from my SM-G361F using Tapatalk

 

[Gettingthere]

Someone has suggested it could be the earth for the metal box but this to me seems unlikely as it is insulated or am I wrong and this could in fact be an earth?

 

[spary]

No

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

 

[davesparks]

Someone has suggested it could be the earth for the metal box but this to me seems unlikely as it is insulated or am I wrong and this could in fact be an earth?

Is it connected to the earth terminal of the box? That would be a dead giveaway on that question!
It looks like it goes through the two knockouts in the picture so I'd say it probably isn't that!

If had to guess then I'd guess at it being a sheathed single being used as a s/l for something which just passes through the box as it was the easiest route for them


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Adam W]

It should become clear what it's for when you take the backbox out. If you can't get the backbox out because this bit of wire is in the way I'd just turn the main switch off and cut it.