Telephone Cable Repair Splice

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By Dave Rongey Summary: I have an underground phone line that was cut and repaired by the phone company. They put an epoxy filler on the splice but most of the epoxy came off.

How to Repair a Telephone Cable

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I have an underground phone line that was cut and repaired by the phone company. They put an epoxy filler on the splice but most of the epoxy came off.

Instead of making another service call, I was thinking of glueing it myself (I can do a better job).

Do you know where I can get the right epoxy for this?

Can I use marine epoxy?

Let me know.
Thanks Pat.

Hi Pat - Great Question,

• The system I use is found at the Splice Page link below. It is a kit that I purchase from my suppliers which is made by 3-M, includes a resin splice kit that encases the wires after the splice is made, comes in various sizes, not cheap but will never come apart when installed correctly.
• The point is to prevent moisture from entering the splice which will start corrosion. This system uses an epoxy resin mixture.
• The concern I would have about other epoxies is the heat and ability to form and of course it needs to be contained until the epoxy sets up. I do not know what the circumstances are that caused the original splice to fail, but if it was due to a poor splice to begin with or bad workmanship,
• I would surely call the phone company and expect them to do their job over again, without charge. I will let you be the judge of this.

The following link shows the 3-M splice being applied: Electrical Repair Splice

• There are other types of wiring splices available which these suppliers may recommend, however I have never had a failure when using a 3-M product.
• If the splices have been affected the I highly recommend the Scotch UY-CON (for 2 wires) or the UY-CON (for 3 wires).
• The wire gauge of your cable should be checked to make sure it matches these splice connectors.
• These connectors come with a corrosion inhibitor and they are a crimp type, not a twist on style.
• These connectors would still need to be covered and enclosed in an epoxy style splice as they are not made for direct burial.