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Electrical Question from Mehmet about Electrical Safety

While trying to hang a picture on the wall, thanks to the malfunctioning cable finder, the nail went through a power cable. After a cracking sound the breaker tripped. Removed the nail and than the board. There is a blackened hole on the live side of the cable but the wire inside is intact.


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Electrical Question About Electrical Safety

Received from Mehmet a Handyman in Holmdel, NJ

[ad#block]Question: While trying to hang a picture on the wall, thanks to the malfunctioning cable finder, the nail went through a power cable. After a cracking sound the breaker tripped. Removed the nail and than the board. There is a blackened hole on the live side of the cable but the wire inside is intact. Reset the breaker and the power to the outlet was restored. Added small load to the socket for some time while monitoring the cable and there was no heat at the point where the nail had struck. Since I cannot trace the cable and it is passing through a very narrow opening it will be very difficult to replace, if it’s not a must. Is there a way to patch the cable at that point, say like installing a junction box at the spot, or do I have to replace the whole cable?
Thanks in advance..

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

For more information about Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety

This link is helpful as a Handyman
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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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