How To Repair Fixture Wiring

I accidentally screwed a metal screw in to a fixture wire and the light stopped working. I back the screw out and put black tape on the wire where I damaged it, turned on, but it still will not turn on…

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Careful Repairs to Get The Lights Working
Background: Rhonda, a Homeowner from Inlet Beach, FL
[ad#block]Question: On a hanging light I accidentally screwed a metal screw in to a wire and the light stopped working. I back the screw out and put black tape on the wire where I damaged it and went to the breaker box to turn on, thought it had turn off a switch but it still will not turn on? HELP

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Rhonda.
Rhonda, sometimes when a wire shorts it can actually melt the wire apart so that the wire connection is lost. To fix this either the fixture wire needs to be replaced or the wire would need to be repaired using a wire splice connector.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

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Lighting Electrical Codes

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Wiring Diagrams

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The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester

This is a testing tool that 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 great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, 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

A wire stripping tool used 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.

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Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.