Wire nick

J

Jimmy7

Senior Member
Location
Boston, MA
Occupation
Electrician
I found a nicked #14 neutral wire in a ceiling box, and it’s too close to where it enters the box to cut and splice. Other than replacing the cable ( It’s a non-accessible ceiling, I would have to punch holes) is there anything else I can do to cover the nick? Could I just tape it since it’s in a box?
 
Jimmy7 said:
Since it’s the neutral, can I use white tape? I wasn’t sure if marking tape carry the same ratings
Click to expand...
Yes colored electrcial tape is listed the same as black electrcial tape. I've heard many times my career that they're not the same which is incorrect.
 
If the conductor itself is nicked, you are pretty much out of luck. Though the limit of 'too close to cut and splice' depends heavily on the wire connector you use; a 'wago lever connector' needs much less free wire than a wire-nut. 'Set screw wire nuts' need little space and give you a splice that is very tight and verifiable, thought they are pricy and a pain to obtain.

I very much like insulated fiberglass sleeve for this sort of insulation repair. It is really hard to wrap tape around something at the back of a box near the cable clamp, but you can just slide the sleeve on to cover nicked insulation. See for example: https://www.mcmaster.com/2573K42

The stuff comes in various sizes and in black or white. Make sure you get the 'expandable' kind, and get the correct diameter for your wire.

McMaster is probably the most expensive place to get it, but they have it in stock and will get it to you quickly.

-Jonathan
 
Another vote for heat-shrink here, especially if you can get a color that matches the existing insulation. I'll also often use small rings on my modbus and bacnet/mstp lines to help keep track of what goes where. Both smaller and a LOT cleaner than tape, and won't fall off like the numbered strips from Ideal.
 
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