metal studs in partition walls?

[AA]

I was tring to hang a mirror in my bathroom but my detector revealed metal running vertically. Tried a different wall - same story. Tried putting up some shelving and a pattern began to emerge - I think the partition walls have metal "studs" or framework. Looking under the shower tray I can see the metal coming down at the base of the plaster board at intervals.

I was surprised - is this common in dometic buildings? (this is a brand new house by a relatively good quality builder). My main question is whether it is safe to drill into these for support when fixinng mirrors, shelves etc or is there a danger that they are also conduits for pipes and or cables. I'm not sure if I would trust the voltage setting on my detector to find wires behind metal.

Thanks, AA

[meow2222]

Some screws dont need a predrilled hole for this, just screw striaght in.

NT

[Lobster]

Reasonably so I think, although I've never come across it or used it personally. (this is a brand

Difficult one: they *should* be just metal studs, and there *shouldn't* be any cables in there buried in there unmarked, outwith the specified permitted zones. But I certainly wouldn't feel comfortable drilling into them blindly.

I'm not sure if I would trust the voltage

No, neither would I!

Can you attach your mirror to the wall using plasterboard fixings (if it's not massively heavy) or mirror adhesive? Sounds a lot less iffy to me.

David

[calums]

It is increasingy common as a quick way of creating internal partitions, never used it myself, but has a good reputation. Self tapping screws will go in with no pre drilling required, or used plasterboard screws. Since its a new build all electrics should run vertically to all sockets and switches, but check the room on the other side of the wall too!!! Calum Sabey (NewArk Traditional Kitchens 01556 690544)