I came across an installation yesterday where a two way switch was in place using earth wire as switch live (3 core cable). It had no sleeve on it. Apparently the guy moved in to the house 17 years ago and had it not been for a cracked switch plate caused by accident he would not have known (has had no problems). I was helping replace a cracked switch and spotted it.

Is there a red sleeve that can be purchased or a sleeve with a label?

under NO circumstances must you re-energise that cable. you must disconnect it instantly. if anything happens to him after you turn it back on you are liable.

the core is not the correct size for a live wire and has no sheathing to protect it. the cable must be replaced.

Thanks for your quick reply. Can you provide any further info on why it needs to be disconnected as oppose to a safer solution found?

As Rich has said if you sleeve it and someone puts a drill through it and gets electrocuted you will have made yourself liable as the last person to touch it.

The wire isn't connected to earth, if it's triple as you describe it's not adequately insulated and that core will be undersized to carry the load which means risk of fire!

We can only advise you to go with the regs here.

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as above, there is no safer solution. replacing the cable is the only way to do it. the fact it has been like it for 17 years is totally immaterial. last to see it is responsible. to turn the power back on puts you in a whole world of possible trouble.

Thanks guys