ᐅ Electrical cable "torn apart" – what should I do?

Hello,

the drain and water connection have finally been installed in our kitchen. During the floor penetration, an existing electrical cable was accidentally punctured. The sheath and insulation are damaged.

Unfortunately, the floor structure is already finished, and all tiles are laid except for the open spot for the drain.

The electrician tested the cable and said it is still functioning. However, he would recommend replacing it anyway. Repairing or using a junction box is not an option due to limited space.

The plumber said he would cover the costs.

The problem is that we would then need to have the tiler come back, who currently has no availability, and we are under time pressure.

At the moment, it is only wrapped with insulating tape.

I have not yet asked the electrician if there is a plan B. This cable powers a triple outlet in the kitchen worktop area.

Is there any way to repair it, or how would you proceed?

Best regards, Jan

We had a similar issue in our older building, but no one expected there to be a cable (in the floor). The cable was tested the same way as in your case; fortunately, only the insulation was damaged. It was re-insulated, a new cable was laid next to it, screed was poured over it – done. It has been working fine for 5 years without any problems.

You should have an electrician repair it; there is definitely more space there than in my case, so it should be manageable. The installer should cover the cost for the damage and time involved.

Best regards,
Dirk Grafe

In the picture, it already looks like there is space for a small junction box or at least terminals.

The problem is that the wastewater pipe still needs to go through there. That will also take up some space. But I will mention it to the electrician again. Maybe he has another idea.

Dirk Grafe schrieb:
We had something similar in our older building, but nobody expected a cable (in the floor) to be there. The cable was tested just like you did, fortunately, only the insulation was damaged. It was reinsulated, a new cable was laid next to it, screed was applied on top – done. It has been working for 5 years without any problems.

Have the electrician repair it, there is clearly more space than what I had to work with, so it should be doable. The installer should cover the cost and time involved.

Best regards,
Dirk Grafe

What do you mean by the new cable? Are you still using the damaged one and only patched it with insulating tape?

If only the outer sheath is damaged, you could probably wrap a piece of sheath from a slightly thicker cable around it and then cover it again with good quality tape. This is where it becomes apparent that not installing cables in conduit can be disadvantageous. Of course, it costs more money. However, replacing the cable now wouldn’t be a major task.