How to Repair Damaged Electrical Wires
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What is the best way to repair damaged electrical wires? Methods for Repairing Damaged Electrical Wires. |
Repair Electrical Wiring
Electrical Question: What is the best way to repair damaged electrical wires?
- I just wired my outbuilding sub panel and the electrical circuits.
- The dry wall installers chewed up the wires in a few boxes with their router when doing the cut-outs which I take to be a pretty common mistake.
- I’m curious to know what the electrical code allows in this situation.
- There are some wires that are just nicked in the sheathing, some that are nicked into the copper wire, and one that’s cut nearly in half.
- For the metal nicked or cut wires I assume I have to cut and splice them with a wire nut, but in a couple cases the cut wire will be pretty short certainly not the 3″-past-the-face-of-the-box or whatever NEC requires.
- Since this is new construction, will I need to cut into the wall for those bad cases or can I get away with some other remedy? For the sheathing-only cases, can I wrap with vinyl tape and call it good? I used all metal boxes with cable clamps, so I can’t pull any more slack into the box.
Additional Comments: Thanks!
Background: Casey, a Handyman from Bellingham, Washington.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Casey.
Methods for Repairing Damaged Electrical Wires
Application: Repairing Electrical Wiring.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. This electrical project is best performed by a Licensed Electrician or Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience and ability to work with tools and access to the wiring.
Precaution: Identify the circuit, turn it OFF and then Tag it with a Note before performing any wiring.
Notice: Installing or repairing electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and inspected.
Special Materials: Install a properly sized wire connectors, anti-corrosion ointment, electrical tape, junction box and blank cover.
Repair Damaged Electrical Wires
Example of Repairing Wire Damage:
- Wires Damaged During Construction
- I been through this situation several times where electrical wires get damaged during the installation of dry wall.
- Unfortunately, this can occur when drywall installers use a router which can cut into the electrical wires and cause damage.
- Basic Repairs with Electrical Tape
- Use electrical tape to cover up the nicks made to the wire insulation.
- Inline Splice Repair for Wires that are Cut Short
- Inline barrel crimp type splice connectors work well where the wires may be cut short.
- Use a wide crimping tool which will provide a good crimp of the spliced wire.
- Materials and Labor for Repairs
- Consider keeping track of your repair time and back charge the drywall contractor who damaged the wire, or just deduct it from their final draw.
More about Splicing Electrical Wiring
Electrical Code Articles for Home Wiring
Electrical Code Directory covering the methods and installation of electrical boxes and electrical wiring.
Electrical Junction Box Splice
Electrical junction box splices can be made safely when you understand the method. This example will show you how its done step by step and shows how to make a junction box splice and the related electrical codes.
For more information about Home Wiring
Home Wiring
Home Wiring
Basic Home Wiring Diagrams with Pictures.
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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.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis 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 TesterThis 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 CutterMy 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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I have a halogen lamp that I have rarely used. I found it was not working so took it to a Hardware store to get the right halogen light bulb thinking it had ‘burned out’ The store clerk noticed that the electrical cord had a melted spot and figured that the wiring was probably damaged. How do I connect the wires after cutting them? I could splice then like twisting them together in a straight line (probably not secure enough if accidentally pulled or I could make loop them together by bending each wire backwards (onto itself), hooking them together, then twisting each wire around itself, then taping wire with electrical tape. There is a 3rd way using electrical connectors which I do not have and cannot buy at this present time. I’m very tempted to do the hooking type, but I’m not sure if doing so will cause overheating of each wire or cause more resistance in each wire. Please help me to figure this out. Thanks in advance for your consideration of this request. I await your answer. Thanks again.
Hi Kyna,
The concern that I would have is why there was a melted area of the electrical cord. This may be an indication that the cord is actually not the right size for this light fixture, which could lead me to think that the light fixture may not be safe. As for repairing a cord for a light fixture, I would only reccomend replacing the whole cord with a new one because all electrical splices must be enclosed inside a protective enclosure. Consider taking the light fixture to a light fixture repair shop and have their technician evaluate the situation with special attention to the melted cord. The light socket should be examined to make sure the correct size lamp has been used as well.
I hope this helps you.
Be Safe,
Dave