Drilling into walls without hitting electrical cables

SAFETY WARNING: Hidden electrical and water pipes in walls can be life-threatening – never drill blindly! Before drilling, always run a detector (cable/pipe detector, available at DIY stores from around £20) over the intended drilling area. As a general rule: cables usually run vertically or horizontally from switches and sockets – avoid these zones. Limit drilling depth to a maximum of 4–5 cm, as cables are rarely found deeper. When in doubt, or in older buildings, consult a qualified electrician. When drilling into tiles, work slowly and without hammer mode to avoid cracking.