Conductor insulation damage

[jmellc]

Flat is more practical for us to run, twisted actually helps lessen possible RF interference or emissions though.

Then why was 2 wire cable always flat?

 

[LarryFine]

Flat is more practical for us to run, twisted actually helps lessen possible RF interference or emissions though.

Inconsequential between 60 Hz and most low-voltage signal types; audio being an exception.

 

[hbiss]

I wish they made the round cables with a rip cord.

-Hal

 

[jmellc]

I wish they made the round cables with a rip cord.

-Hal

That would be good, like some tray cable has. But it can cut your fingers too.

 

[Little Bill]

I think the term twisted for NM cable should be stacked, it's not necessarily twisted.

 

[kwired]

Inconsequential between 60 Hz and most low-voltage signal types; audio being an exception.

I can agree with that.

 

[kwired]

I think the term twisted for NM cable should be stacked, it's not necessarily twisted.

Old school three wire that was primarily round jacked seemed to be twisted. Some the more recent stuff that is not flat nor round looks like it might not necessarily be twisted though.

 

[timlahr]

I always strip with a knife, after the cable is in the box. It really isn't that hard to not damage the cable

And no doubt you have mastered that method and produce good results.

 

[timlahr]

me to. and often not until trim out

That's interesting ....so then the conductors are nice and clean...not slathered with dried drywall compound and pain!

 

[timlahr]

When I was still fairly new in this trade I didn't have too much trouble with stripping NM cable, then was a time we were running a lot of UF cable in ag buildings. I skinned a lot of conductors on those projects at that time. Over time I got better and now hardly ever skin conductors if stripping UF cable. And I don't seem to run into UF cable all that much lately but still haven't forgotten how to do it I guess.

I hate UF really a lot.

 

[jmellc]

I hate UF really a lot.

Some UF is worse than others.

Worst stuff I ever skinned was some type of data cable. I think it was 4 pairs, each shielded & foil wrapped, with a tough jacket, then a tough outer jacket. All the plastic, rubber & foil was sort of fused together. Hard enough to skin outer jacket, then repeat with each pair. Easily took an hour to skin 3 feet of cable.

 

[tthh]

Some UF is worse than others.

Worst stuff I ever skinned was some type of data cable. I think it was 4 pairs, each shielded & foil wrapped, with a tough jacket, then a tough outer jacket. All the plastic, rubber & foil was sort of fused together. Hard enough to skin outer jacket, then repeat with each pair. Easily took an hour to skin 3 feet of cable.

I've used some direct-bury RG-11 that was all fused together with adhesive. Really a pain in the butt.

 

[electrofelon]

I hate UF really a lot.

Its pretty easy to strip IMO, unless its real old. Just guide your knife along the EGC.

 

[SterTheDer]

Here is the knife I spoke of. One sheepsfoot blade & one with blunt tip to start at end & rip jacket into box. Worked very well with some cables.

Pocket Knife Sheepfoot/Slitting Blade - 1550-10 | Klein Tools

This lightweight pocket knife is handy across multiple applications. The inside wire curve of this knife helps skin away insulation. Strong, carbon steel retains its edge.

www.kleintools.com

Appears to be the Klein 1550-10 that is no longer in production.

Bugger to find online, only one site i've found seems to have it but for $35 (owch)
Might turn an old pocket knife into that cable splitter with a grinder, what's the worst that can happen? ;p

 

[jmellc]

Pocket Knife Sheepfoot/Slitting Blade - 1550-10 | Klein Tools

This lightweight pocket knife is handy across multiple applications. The inside wire curve of this knife helps skin away insulation. Strong, carbon steel retains its edge.

www.kleintools.com

Appears to be the Klein 1550-10 that is no longer in production.
View attachment 2564611
Bugger to find online, only one site i've found seems to have it but for $35 (owch)
Might turn an old pocket knife into that cable splitter with a grinder, what's the worst that can happen? ;p

I have seen a couple on E Bay for about $25 and seen a similar one with 3 blades. I may order one there, just to have it. Not doing much work with NM now but I like the knife.

 

[jerryalan]

I always strip with a knife, after the cable is in the box. It really isn't that hard to not damage the cable

that's the difference between a knife and a razor . . .

 

[electrofelon]

that's the difference between a knife and a razor . . .

What is a razor in this context?

 

[kwired]

that's the difference between a knife and a razor . . .

Experience in operating either is the real difference. I mostly used knife my whole career, still damaged plenty of conductors when I was pretty green compared to now. So called razor knife may be easier to damage conductors but until you have done this task enough to know how to hold the tool as well as the wire/cable and just acquire the feel of things you are likely damaging conductors with either tool from time to time.

 

[ptonsparky]

The Klein lineman's knife was my tool of choice back when I did homes.

 

[electrofelon]

I use a regular utility knife. Not sure if that is a razor or a knife.