Oops indeed Rich, it's the only thing you can guarantee on any project, that somebody will dig up at least one live service!
One of the biggest laughs we had was a contractor working in his own compound, digging up his own live cable supplying the office.
The cable came up from a duct, through the floor of the office to a master distribution box situated right behind the receptionist.
There was a sudden and almighty flash/bang and the receptionist legged it all the way down the corridor screaming!
He'd pulled the cable (without breaking it) so that the break was directly at the terminals in the distribution box. We all wandered into her office to see what had happened and there was still smoke whisping from the box.
Of course it was instantaneous, the master fuse (no trips in those days) blew, but it was a good laugh at the poor girl's expense, bless her.
I've got dozens of similar stories.... but sadly I'm no Fred Dibnah....
One of the biggest laughs we had was a contractor working in his own compound, digging up his own live cable supplying the office.
The cable came up from a duct, through the floor of the office to a master distribution box situated right behind the receptionist.
There was a sudden and almighty flash/bang and the receptionist legged it all the way down the corridor screaming!
He'd pulled the cable (without breaking it) so that the break was directly at the terminals in the distribution box. We all wandered into her office to see what had happened and there was still smoke whisping from the box.
Of course it was instantaneous, the master fuse (no trips in those days) blew, but it was a good laugh at the poor girl's expense, bless her.
I've got dozens of similar stories.... but sadly I'm no Fred Dibnah....