My place is a 1960s-70s build, I'm repainting and while I was scraping back sections of flaking skim coat I uncovered what looks like an electrical wire contained in the plaster, it's a full brick building.
I was a bit worried I might have knicked it, especially around the crack where it was obscured by debris while I was working on cleaning it out in preparation to fill but I can't see any physical damage. The plaster over the wire itself looks slightly darker but I was expecting that given the plaster is thinner there. Other than that it looks like it's in fair condition without signs of being brittle or damaged and nothing was tripped, my electrical inspection is up to date.
I'm going to see if I can get a hold of my electrician today. What I'm worried about though is what does this mean for the rest of the work I'm doing on the property if I have more of this elsewhere? I wanted to install an extra cabinet in the kitchen, hang some curtains and put up a mirror, not sure about that now. I'm not sure I trust a stud finder, or at the very least my ability to use one properly. What are my options?
Also what should I be using to patch those areas of skim coat that have come away? It looks like it's been patched before and I'd like to avoid having to do it again. I have a tub of agnews water putty multipurpose filler I've been using as filler, I'm not reskimming the whole wall just a few patches, would that do the job or do I need to get a particular product?
