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.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

Lighting For The Home
Lighting Electrical Codes

Light Switch Wiring
Wiring Diagrams

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handywomen, 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.

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

« Electric Outlet Ground Testing

Smoke Alarms and Smoke Detector Wiring »

COMMENTS and QUICK QUESTIONS:

If you are asking a Quick Question please make sure it is about This TOPIC:
“How To Repair Fixture Wiring”

Comments Posted here are Open for Quality Discussion and Participation.
PLEASE NOTE: WE DO NOT PUBLISH 3RD PARTY SPAM COMMENTS, TRACK-BACKS OR LINKS.

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.