Using a Non-Contact Voltage Tester If you suspect that there are live electrical wires hidden behind the walls, a non-contact
There are two kinds of stud finders that can help you find wires in a wall – magnetic and electric.  A magnetic stud finder is used to detect metal nails in wall studs. Electronic stud finders produce a tiny electrical field that changes when the finder reaches a denser region in a wall.
Investing in professional equipment, such as a cable avoidance tool, is the safest option to avoid wires. However, if you don't have access to this, most wiring runs horizontally 6 inches or 12 inches above the receptacle, so avoid these areas. If it is possible, only drill shallow holes.
A current carrying wire concealed in a wall can be located by using a magnetic compass. If the compass is moved on the wall, its needle will show deflection at the place where the current-carrying wire is concealed.
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Damage to electrical wiring from drilling into walls is a surprisingly frequent phenomenon – especially when buildings are being renovated. Not only do the lights go out, but you usually blow a fuse as well. With a bit of luck, you might only have to repair the cable sheath.
Per the 2018 International Residential Code, electrical wires should be set back no less than 1-1/4 inches from the edge of the framing lumber. Limiting drilling depth to less than 1-1/4 inches is a good start to reducing the risk of damaging wiring behind the drywall.
“One common rule is to avoid drilling around light switches and sockets, as the electrical wires can go horizontally and vertically around these fixtures,” Williams explains. “You can also get an idea of where wires and pipes run by looking in the attic and basement to see where they go up or down through framing.”
Some stud finders feature other helpful tools like deep scanning and AC wire detection. These prevent you from hitting a pipe or wire when hanging something up—expensive mistakes when you make them.
Electricians use a wire tracer to locate wires and identify circuits and breakers without having to put unnecessary holes in walls or waste time guessing to find the correct wire in a bundle or run. A wire tracer has two parts: a transmitter, which generates a signal and sends it along the wire.
Get a Stud Finder or Voltage Detector.
To avoid aimlessly feeling around the wall all day, start somewhere nearby where you know there is electrical wiring—such as near an outlet—and trace the wiring back. If you're lucky, it will be on the same circuit as the wire you drilled through.
The first step in finding a short circuit is to look for physical signs. This may include visible burns or melted metal on wires, burning smells, or flickering lights. Once you've identified a potential short, use your multimeter to confirm the voltage by placing it on its resistance or continuity setting.
To check for electrical wires before drilling, use a stud finder with wire-detection capabilities or an electronic wire detector to scan the area. These tools will alert you to any live wires within the wall. Avoid drilling directly above or below outlets and switches as wiring usually runs in these areas.
The short answer is yes, but with significant precautions. Drilling into a stud that has an outlet on it can be safe if you take the necessary steps to avoid damaging electrical wires and maintain the structural integrity of the wall.
Using a Stud Finder
The stud finder will indicate the presence of wiring by detecting changes in density. When the stud finder detects a possible wire, mark the location on the wall and move the tool horizontally and vertically to trace the wire's path.
Things You Should Know
Nail a sturdy masonry nail into concrete by repeatedly hitting it with a mash hammer—strike carefully and directly to avoid bending the nail. For safety, wear a face mask and safety glasses and gently fasten masonry nails into the wall before you begin hammering with full force.
Pipe finders are designed to identify where electrical cables or gas and water pipes are located inside a wall. This is especially helpful if piping isn't visible or when doing building work on a property you're unfamiliar with.
Once you think you're on point, one last way to confirm that you're into a stud is to predrill a hole through the drywall with a narrow drill bit (think: 1/16-inch sized bit). You'll be able to feel resistance if the bit hits a stud once it passes through the drywall.
Depending on the type of socket being used, the wiring can either be fed from up or down. Generally, it is best practice to run the wires from top to bottom when installing any kind of outlet.
Hiding cables under wall panels is an excellent solution that provides aesthetics and functionality. Wall panels allow you to mask cables without having to forge walls, eliminating the mess and the need for later repairs.
Method 1: Find A Broken Wire with a Voltage Tester
There's this type of non-contact voltage tester, AKA NCV. We don't need to touch it to the live circuit, wire, or other electrical components. Just hover it over the object. And we can tell by the beeps or lights on it to see if the object is electrical.
If a powerline falls on your home, the safest option is to remain inside until you can contact your electric company. The electric company will cut the power to your home or street so you can safely exit your home without fear of electrocution. While in your home, don't run any water and avoid touching anything metal.