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wiring home generator and transfer switch wiring a 220 volt range cord outlet Wiring for GFCI Outlets Wiring Outlets and a Switched Outlet Wiring and Installing Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls wire dimmer switch wiring diagrams for switches wiring a dryer cord and 220 outlet circuit breaker panel
Electrical Wire and Cable


What To Do With An Extra Hot Wire or Cable

Safe Keeping for Spare Electrical Wires and Cables: Spare electrical wiring must be dealt with properly to avoid danger.


Electrical Video #1

Generator Automatic Transfer Switch
and Electric Circuit Sub Panel

Check out my YouTube Channel and Subscribe to my Videos
» AskTheElectrician «

NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos
Will Display at the End of This Video
So Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!

Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Safe Practices for Spare Electrical Wires and Cables
[ad#block]Electrical Question: The previous owner in my home finished the basement and added a large closet.

Thanks Josh

This electrical wiring question came from: Josh, a Homeowner from Ft. Collins, Colorado.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Josh.

Safe Keeping for Spare Electrical Wires and Cables

Spare electrical wiring must be dealt with properly to avoid danger.

The live wire may have been installed for a future closet light.Safe Keeping for Spare Electrical Wires and Cables You may also reroute the wire into another electrical box and just cap off the wires. The other alternative is to trace the wire back to its origin and totally remove it.

The Following will assist you with Electrical Wires and Cables
Electrical Junction Box Splice
Emergency Electrical Splices
Wiring Electrical Codes

splicing wires
electrical-splice-box
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.

House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers

Electrical Wire for the Home

electrical wire
electrical-wire
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

junction boxes
electrical-wiring
Electrical Junction Boxes for Home Wiring
Understanding electrical junction boxes and what they are used for. Home electrical wiring is the process of installing electrical wire to a location that will serve electrical devices or an appliance. One very important component is the box where the wire will be installed. The type and size of the home wiring electrical boxes will depend upon the circuit size, application and its location.

How to Install Basement Electrical Wiring
basement-wiring
Basement Electrical Wiring
Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Basement Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Electrical Video #2

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet

without a Ground Wire

Check out my YouTube Channel and Subscribe to my Videos
» AskTheElectrician «

NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos
Will Display at the End of This Video
Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!

Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» 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.
  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.



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.


More articles about Home Electrical Wiring and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous Next »
Altering Generator Transfer Switch Connections Rated Capacity of Electrical Wire


FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “What To Do With An Extra Hot Wire or Cable”
  1. Robert Wilson says:

    I am installing a ceiling fan. There are 4 sets of wires coming into the electrical box mounted in the ceiling. I only need the one for the wall switch. How do I safely deal with the other wires? Do I connect all the same color wires or do I connect the positive, negative and ground wires together that are coming from the same lines?

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Identifying Junction Box Wires
    Hi Robert,
    There are several variations and methods of electrical wiring. The wires you have described are important and have a purpose that can only be identified by using a voltage tester and some circuit logic as it pertains to your home. Typically when there are several wires in a junction box such as this it may be discovered that some of the wires are for the incoming circuit power, outgoing circuit power, and wiring for the wall switch.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave