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Electrical Wire and Cable


Nicked Electrical Outlet Wiring and Greasy Stuff

While replacing sheet-rock in my kitchen I notice the wire coming from an outlet had blackish brown sorta greasy stuff running down the wire. How to Repair Nicked Electrical Wire and Cables.


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Causes of Greasy Stuff and Repairing Nicked Cables
[ad#block]Electrical Question: While replacing sheet-rock in my kitchen I notice the wire coming from an outlet had blackish brown sorta greasy stuff running down the wire.

It has gotten on the insulation in the wall where the wire touches the paper. I does not appear to be burned or heated in any way. It runs as far down the wire as i can see. There seems to be a very small nick in the wire where it seems to start. Nothing else looks wrong. Can I splice the wire where the nick is to the plug and will it be safe or will I have to replace the entire wire. What could possibly cause the black oily, greasy stuff to be on the wire?

This electrical wiring question came from: Lisa, a Homeowner from Abilene, Texas.
Additional Comments: Thanks It has answered several questions for me.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical repair question Lisa.

How to Repair Nicked Electrical Wire and Cables

More about Home Electrical Wiring and Repairs

Electrical outlet wiring
outlet-wiring

Splicing wires
electrical-splice-box

Electrical Wire
electrical-wire

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, 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.


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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.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This 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 Tester
This 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 Cutter
My 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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