What is this?
Exposed wires are any electrical cables where the insulation has been damaged, removed, or has degraded, leaving the live metal conductors visible or accessible. This can occur from old age, rodent damage, DIY accidents, or deteriorated insulation. Exposed live wires can cause fatal electric shock on contact and are a major fire risk.
Common causes
- Old cloth or rubber insulation has deteriorated and fallen away
- Rodent damage — mice and rats chew through cable insulation
- Botched DIY work leaving cables unfinished or poorly terminated
- Cables damaged during building work or drilling into walls
- Light fittings or switches removed without properly terminating the wires
Is it dangerous?
Extremely dangerous. Exposed live wires can cause fatal electric shock if touched, and they can arc against nearby surfaces causing a fire. If you find exposed wires, do not touch them. Turn off the circuit at the consumer unit if you can safely identify which MCB controls it. If you are unsure, turn off the main switch. This is a genuine emergency that needs immediate professional attention.
Can I fix it myself?
No. Do not attempt to repair, insulate, or cover exposed wires yourself. Do not wrap them in electrical tape as a permanent fix — this is not safe and does not meet regulations. The only safe action is to isolate the circuit at the consumer unit and call an electrician. Keep children and pets away from the area.
When to call an electrician
Call an electrician immediately. Exposed wires are an emergency, especially if they are in an accessible location. If you cannot safely isolate the circuit, or if the exposed wires are near water, call an emergency electrician right away.
What will an electrician do?
Make the area safe by isolating the affected circuit
Assess the extent of the exposure and underlying cause
Replace the damaged section of cable or the entire cable run
Properly terminate any loose wires in appropriate enclosures
Test the circuit for insulation integrity after the repair
Recommend further investigation if the cause is rodent damage or systemic insulation failure
Typical cost
£80 – £300
Simple termination and repair at the lower end. If cables need replacing behind walls, costs increase. Emergency callout rates may apply outside business hours.
