What to do with Unused Old Electrical Wiring
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I removed a square metal electrical box that had three old two wire armored cables running through it, Now what should I do? © By: Dave Rongey |
Old Electrical Wiring
Electrical Project: Would it be safe to push the wires into the pipes and fill them with expanding insulating foam?
Steven’s Home Wiring Project:
- I have a 1950s home and I removed a square metal electrical box that had three old two wire armored cables running through it.
- Some of the wires went through old tubular conduits into the crawl space (inaccessible) as seen in the included image.
- None of the wires have voltage readings either to each other or to ground.
If I hold my voltmeter up to the tubes and press the Non Contact Voltage detector to it the lights light and buzzer buzzes. - If I touch a lead to either metal tube and the other lead to any metal object (including a distant armored cable OR the metal gas line) I receive 12 VAC.
- Question is: As seen in the image would it be safe to push the wires into the pipes and fill them with expanding insulating foam?I would then place a small box over them to cover them.
Thank you.
This request came from Steven in Columbus, Ohio.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your sharing your electrical wiring project Steven.
Old Electrical Wiring that is Unused
- Application: Power Condition a Light.
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
- Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
- Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
- Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Light, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
- Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Light should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
- Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in your specific area of Ohio. A permit and inspections may also be required.
Unused Electrical Wiring in a Basement
This electrical wiring project is about Unused Electrical Wiring in a Basement of an Old Home.
Steven, from the information you have provided:
- Please note that the electrical code states the following:
300.16(A), old wiring, knob & tube, Splices with knob and tube wiring and other wiring methods must be contained in an approved junction box. - Note: Pushing the wires into the pipes and filling with insulating foam would not be an approved method.
- And Steven – Let me know how your project turns out, I really appreciate your feedback.
Here are Your Resources:
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.
Below are some Specific Resources that may Help You with Your Project:
More about Old Electrical Wiring
Electrical Code for Conduit Fill
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