Before I electrocute myself can someone tell me...

[FelicityParpworth]

If I'm putting up a shelf over a plug socket can I safely drill 15cm either side of the plug socket (but 30cm above). The plug point is in the wall of an extension that is 1yr old - so in line with current regs. Am I right in thinking electrics run directly up or down from power points these days? Thanks.

they should always run in straight lines, vertically or horizontally

so if i have made sense of your instructions you should be fine.

hi - cable SHOULD run directly up from socket but cannot be guaranteed - some people dont follow regs - safest to check with one of thos cable finder gadgets first before drilling

They should do, yes. If I were you I would wear rubber shoes and stand on a rubber mat just in case though....

Although, 15cm to the side isn't too large a margin for error, so I would try and give it a bit more distance if possible. Could you move the brackets a bit more to the side of the plug?

Thanks! It was done by certified elecs and inspected so I'm sure it will be done in line with regs. Brackets are fixed so I can't move them. I'll just find my wellies...

If in doubt turn the power socket off first and drill very slowly keeping an eye open for a white electrical conduit, also make sure your drill is off the double insulated type. As already stated the conduit should run vertical or horizontal (safe zone)if wired to 17th edition IEE requlations.

If it's a power socket, the cable should run down.

Permitted cable cable routes are directly up and down and horizonally to the left and the right of the fitting. If it's not in a permitted cable route it should be buried at least 50mm in the wall...or protected by a metal conduit.
Have you done it yet? Are you still there?

Bzzzzzz I'm still bzzzzz here bzzzzzz

All fine, shelf up and looking rather fine if I do say so myself

Thanks for all the expert advice.