What's the proper way to cap the end of a run of K&T?

[bjp_ne_elec]

Seem to be running in to a rash of homes with K&T. Got a call, and the customer is looking to address some things that the insurance inspector wrote up. Get in to the basement and wonder why the insurance company would even insure the house with K&T, as I'm hearing most won't when a new owner takes over.

Well, he sighted in multiple spots where someone (not sure an EC would do this, unless he's a real hack) just cut the wire just beyond the ceramic insulators - obviously abandoning what was ever down line. The issue is that the copper is exposed where wire was cut - no tape, no wirenut, nadah.

What is the proper way to terminate this situation? Wire nut, rubber tape with Scotch 33+ over it, or heat shrink. Or does it have to terminate in a box? I've never used a wirenut that wasn't in a box, but is it legal to put a wirenut on the end of a K&B? If it was, I wouldn't be totally comfortabel unless I reinforced it with Scotch 33+ - as I'd be concerned that on an individaul wire - it could be knocked off.

Or (if it's long enough) can it be folded over and then wrapped with a sufficient amount of Scotch 33+.

Thanks

 

[Dennis Alwon]

What is the proper way to terminate this situation? Wire nut, rubber tape with Scotch 33+ over it, or heat shrink. Or does it have to terminate in a box?

Thanks

I am not sure the code addresses this however, since the splices are taped at the insulators that is what I do. I cut the wire close to an insulator and tape the ends. Now splices are another story.:grin:

 

[bjp_ne_elec]

Dennis - that's what I'm struggling with - nothing really addresses it in the code, and that's why I would agree with you. If you adequately tape it, it shouldn't be a problem. I bounced it off a few counter guys, just to see if they ever remember an electrician discussing this - maybe thinking they picked up some heat shrink of something - but none of them ever recalled a related discussion about K&T. Not saying what they said would be taken as gospel, but sometimes it's good to hear how others might handle it.

If you match the insulation value with tape, then you should be good - I just don't like the fact that something is hanging out beyond the ceramic insulator. Although - hey - so is the rest of the run.

Thanks

 

[ItsHot]

33+

33+

My guess also was 33+!!:grin:

 

[electricmanscott]

Cut it, tape it, forget about it.

 

[LarryFine]

I would trust the wirenut over the tape for staying on. I'd strip about 1/4" of insulation so the spring hits the wire.

 

[jaylectricity]

Just tape it up. Even a dead end piece of NM can be taped. Usually we'll strip enough of the outer sheathing to sufficiently separate the conductors and tape them individually. Then we'll lose them in the wall.

Splices are a completely different story though.

 

[LarryFine]

Even a dead end piece of NM can be taped. Usually we'll strip enough of the outer sheathing to sufficiently separate the conductors and tape them individually. Then we'll lose them in the wall.

Oh, really?

 

[mdshunk]

Oh, really?

There is a requirement that splices and such be in a junction box, but no requirement that a dead end be in a box that I can see. Just cap it off and stuff it back in the wall is all I ever do.

 

[peter d]

Just cap it off and stuff it back in the wall is all I ever do.

Same here...I was told that was "not allowed" but never given any substantiation. I still do it that way.

 

[SEO]

Cut it close to the insulator and cap with wirenut or tape. Just do it in a workmanlike manner.

 

[electricmanscott]

Same here...I was told that was "not allowed" but never given any substantiation. I still do it that way.

Me too. We are bad a** :roll:

 

[electricalperson]

i usually just cut the end close to a knob and wrap with tape and never think about it again