In article , Bill
Pritchard writes
We moved to this house last spring and have finally turned our attention to the
garden. Whilst clearing weeds and debris I came across two electric cables near
to the fence. When I asked my neighbour about them he said that they were the
power supply to his two sheds. I suggested he put them his side of the fence
but he replied that surely it wouldn't matter to me if he left them where they
were. I've now asked him several times but he just shrugs his shoulders.
Unfortunately, there's not enough slack to just throw them over. My question
(finally) is, could I cut through one of the cables (accidently of course) with
a wooden shafted spade without electrocuting myself.

Yes, but don't put your foot on the spade!

But do you ever get power cuts? That would be the time to rush out and
do it in greater safety!

Alternatively, see what happens if you merely pull with all your weight
on one of them. It might detach itself from the house or the shed.

I'm trying to envisage the cables. Are they lying on the ground close to
the fence or supported in any way? And what is the reason why your
neighbour put them that side of the fence when connecting the supply to
his two sheds, or was the fence built subsequently?

Finally, I suppose one has to ask why it matters to you if they stay
where they are?

--
Malcolm Ogilvie