Drilling a screw through a wall which is near a light switch?

Question

Hello, I need some help. I need to drill two hols to put up a shelf. The place where I need to drill the holes are about 4 inches above the light switch and about 1 inch to the right. Is it safe for me to drill a hole into the wall and be 100 sure I would not hit any electric wires ? How do I find out where the electric wires are in connection with the light switch.

Thanks

Answer 1

sounds like your going to put wall mollys[plastic anchors] in
to screw the screws into,
most switches and out lets are attached to a wallstud,
to be safe , use a t hin bladed phillips screw driver and twist it back and forth [like a drill] just till it goes thru the drywall,
or better yet turn the power off to that area,

Answer 2

In general the wiring goes from the switch up into the attic. This is not always the case however; so it is possible the wiring goes from the switch in another direction. To safely find the wires you should use a power finding meter. This will tell you where the wires are behind the wall.

Answer 3

Most wires lay/run parallel to the light fixtures or plugs, not cross ways. Then you could open the switch cover and look to see which way the wires run.

Answer 4

Hi, you can get a thingy that detects electic cables. Cheap enough and you wont electrocute yourself

Have fun

Answer 5

don't take the chance. there is a gizmo that detects wires...get one of those first!

Answer 6

They probably...PROBABLY...come up into the box...you should be ok...Do you HAVE to put it there??? If you are really worried...shut off the power while screwing...then turn it back on when done.

Answer 7

be care . you can tell this to Electricitan