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…

Careful Repairs to Get The Lights Working
Background: Rhonda, a Homeowner from Inlet Beach, FL
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.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs 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.

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