Where would electrical be in single brick wall?

We’ve recently moved into a 1960s property with brick walls. I am wanting to install some curtains above this window but have no clue where the wiring might be. There is a single outlet for the whole room underneath the window. Ideally, I would mount the curtain brackets on either side of the window frame just above the wall vent (pic above of where I would ideally drill).

Thanks in advance for your patience and assistance!

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Comments

MitchellMc

Hi @3mmy,

In a 1960s single-brick home, wiring was often run under the floor if on stumps or chased into the wall and plastered over. If you can get under the house there, check to see if the cable runs along the bearers and straight into the outlet.

With your only outlet located under the window, it’s unlikely the cabling runs vertically above it to where you’re planning to drill, as most wiring in that era stayed low on the wall. If the outlet wiring comes up from the floor, the area above the window is probably clear, though rewiring over the years could mean cables run from the ceiling down. To be safe, use an AC detector to check first, and start with a shallow pilot hole. Bear in mind that an AC detector will likely not pick up live cables unless they are very close to the surface.

Avoid drilling directly in line with outlets or switches unless you’re certain of the wiring path.

If in doubt, it could be best to reach out to a handyperson for assistance.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/55826#Comment_55826

Good Morning @3mmy

@MitchellMc has it right. Especially with that point so close to the floor, its unlikely the cable will route through the wall. And as he said you can purchase an AC detector to help with concerns.

Dave

AlanM52

Hi @3mmy,

Without asking for more info about the house construction most likely all the GPO wiring is at floor level and you are good to go ahead.

Even is there was wiring from above it would be centered in studs and noggins with enough space between that and plasterboard for wall fastenings.

Having said that in your case as @MitchellMc suggested get the AC Detector.

Cheers

R4addZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/55832#Comment_55832

Hi @3mmy

You say it's a single brick wall but with a window in it, it is more likeley to be an external wall and be a double brick cavity wall. If this is the case then even if it is fed from above, the probability is that it drops down the cavity rather than anyone going to the trouble of chasing it in. It also means that if you are drilling for the curtain rail, you will not be drilling through to the cavity so no issue. That said, it is always best to be safe and use a detector if you don't know for sure.

@AlanM52 No studs or noggins in a brick wall 🙂

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