How to Repair an Electric Wire Pierced by a Screw
Remodeling sometimes involves working with fasteners and tools near electrical lines. Occasionally even the most seasoned professional will damage an electrical line. Piercing or cutting a wire poses a serious fire and electrocution hazard and must be dealt with appropriately and immediately. The key to electrical repairs is safety. Always disconnect power to the damaged line immediately after it is pierced to protect your home. Keeping some simple, relatively inexpensive materials on hand in case of emergency can mean the difference between having power or spending the night in the dark.
-
Locate the breaker box and find the appropriate breaker. Be sure that the breaker is off and there is no power going to the damaged wire.
-
Cut the damaged wire 3 inches in both directions from the penetration of the screw. Discard the damaged piece of wire.
-
Slide the freshly cut ends of wire into the junction box. Slip one wire through each end so that they meet in the middle of the box.
-
Cut away the rubber sheath to expose 3 inches of the smaller wires inside of both large pieces of wiring. Strip each of the smaller wires with your stripping tool to expose 1/2 inch of each wire.
-
Connect the wires with wire nuts. Connect black to black, red to red and white to white. Loosen the ground screw and twist both bare ground wires onto the screw and tighten it to hold them into place. Wrap each wire nut and the wires it holds with electrical tape to secure the wire nuts.
-
Slide the cover onto the junction box. Tighten the retaining screws on the outside of the box with your screwdriver. Tighten the clamp screws on either side of the junction box to hold the wires in place. Restore the power to the wire by activating the breaker.
Warnings
- Always be sure that the power is off at the breaker box before attempting any type of electrical repair in your home. If you are unsure of the specific breaker to disconnect to perform your repair then flip the main breaker to the house to the off position.
Writer Bio
After learning electronics in the U.S. Navy in the 1980s, Danny Donahue spent a lifetime in the construction industry. He has worked with some of the finest construction talent in the Southeastern United States. Donahue has been a freelance writer since 2008, focusing his efforts on his beloved construction projects.
Photo Credits
- wire nut image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com
More Articles
