Concerned about curtain pole location.

[connormcleod]

Hi. Recently moved into a new flat and I have this large window, around 7x7ft. Limited space to put curtains. I am planning to install a curtain pole from the places marked red. I have ordered a wall scanner, but no matter what It says I am still going to want to ask you guys if this is a no-no place to drill.
There are no plugs or light switches on the entire side that this window is located. It is a first floor on a block of flats, built around 2010. UK.
If the scanner says it's clear, is it likely going to be ok to drill?

(I'm happy for the curtains to be inset from the window because I intend to put two large plants in the alcove, so I can close the curtains in the evening but then not have to worry about opening them in the morning before I go to work - to ensure my plants get daylight.)

Thanks for your help.

 

[Murdoch]

At that width, doesn’t it have a central fixing?

 

[ProDave]

If there are no switches or sockets directly below it then it should be a safe zone and and no cables there.

 

[Geoff1946]

Your possible difficulty there is drilling what could be a very hard concrete lintel, so be prepared.

If I'm in doubt about a drilling location I start very gently, first probing the plaster with a small screwdriver. If it finds plastic there is time to stop before damage occurs. Once masonry can be felt it's time to get the hammer drill out.

 

[binky]

Scanners are rather hit and miss, but if there's no other electrical stuff in that wall, you have little to worry about.

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

Technically your red dots are within areas that are defined as "Safe Zones" for installing electrical cables..

BUT... logically I cannot perceive any situation where it would be easier to run a cable horizontally accross the top of your bay window!!

If I were a betting man I would happily put my £50 on you being good to go with drilling your curtain fixings!

But it would still be best to try first poking and taping with a bradawl where your fixing screws need to go....
Then once you are through the plaster and reached brick you will be good to drill to your hearts content!!

As has been said... scanners are as much use as tossing a coin!!

 

[connormcleod]

Thanks for your info everyone. This is my first time doing any significant DIY so I learned about the electrical zones today, and that's part of the reason why I wanted to check with you. Because where I would be drilling is within 15cm of the ceiling. It'll also actually be the first time even operating a power drill. I think i got the right one? It's a black and decker hammer drill that says it's good for masonry. Where I'll be drilling sounds very very solid, if you know what I mean, when I knock on it. Like an exterior wall. I don't know if that's good or bad. I think I will take your suggestions and just go slowly, drill a little way then poke around with a screwdriver and see if I touch anything plastic. I assume electrical wires are encased in hard plastic shell, right?