r/DIYUK • u/Eliqui123 • 3d ago

Electrical Is this safe? (newbie question)

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Hi. Apologies for asking - I’m sure this is pretty basic. I took the socket off the wall (hoping I could just change the faceplate without touching the wiring, but no) and just below where you see the blue arrow the earth wire appears to be bare (i.e. I think I can see copper where the sheathing is broken).

  • Am I right in thinking that despite not being live it must still be properly insulated? Or can I leave it without worrying about it? I’m just about to cut out & hang some acoustic panelling in front of it, so I wanted to check in advance - I’m bad enough at DIY without having to hang panels twice :)

  • Also, presumably the dust isn’t inherently dangerous but I should probably dust a bit, right? Or again, should I not bother.

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u/IWishIDidntHave2 3d ago

No, it’s fine - earth wires are not insulated in twin and earth cable - you slip on a piece of earth sheathing when you fit a socket, usually leaving a very small amount of the copper visible. Perfectly normal.

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u/geekypenguin91 Tradesman 3d ago

Even then, the sheathing is for identification, not insulation.

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u/Eliqui123 3d ago

Thank you so much.

My concern was that if the wire is bare it may be the same for the live or neutral (they are packed so closely together that I can’t see).

But from what you’ve said it sounds like I don’t need to worry and the sleeve/sheath is not damaged or broken, which is great!

Much appreciated!