What to do with Unused Electrical Circuit Wiring

How do I disconnect the electrical wires and leave them in the panel for future use? Disconnecting Unused Electrical Wires, How to Keep Spare Electrical Wiring Safe for Future Use.

Safe Keeping for Unused Electrical Wires
Electrical Question: How do I disconnect the electrical wires and leave them in the panel for future use?

• I installed a gas furnace and want to use the old furnace circuit.
• How do I correctly disconnect the electrical wire to the furnace to leave it in the panel for future use?

This home electrical question came from: Corine, a Homeowner from Auburn, Washington.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electric wiring question Corine.

Disconnecting Unused Electrical Wires

Application: Disconnecting Electrical Circuit Wiring.
Skill Level: Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools for Rough-In Wiring, Electric Drill and Auger Bits and Extension Cord.
Estimated Time: Depends on the extent of the project, the type of construction and available access to the project area.
Precaution: The existing furnace circuit should be identified and turned OFF and Tagged.
Notice: Installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

How to Keep Electrical Wiring Safe for Future Use

The process of disconnecting and safe keeping of unused electrical wires to be available for future use.

• Identify the old furnace circuit at the electrical panel.
• Turn the circuit breaker into the OFF position.
• At the old furnace location, the circuit wiring should be completely disconnected and removed from the old furnace.
• Install the circuit cable into a junction box where each insulated wire is capped off using wire nuts or insulated wire connectors, then place a blank cover over the junction box.
• A surface mounted junction box is typically installed for this procedure when the box is sized appropriately for the size of the circuit wires.
• The exact type of junction box will depend on the location and available access to the circuit cable.
• The junction box should have a clamp or fastener for the cable, and the cable should be secured using a cable strap or staple where the cable is exposed before entering the junction box.
• The circuit breaker should now be relabeled as the old furnace circuit and that it is unused or spare.

IMPORTANT:
Electrical panels have exposed wiring and components that are energized with electricity. It is not recommended that homeowners perform work in electrical panels but rather contact a qualified electrician who has experience working in home electrical panels.

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The following may also be helpful for you:

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

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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