wire insulation damage

[mrjigger]

While stripping the outer jacket off of 14/2 wire, I accidentally nicked the insulation off the black wire. Can I just put electrical tape around the damage or do I pull the whole wire out and start over? Does code state you can repair wire with electrical tape. I was also thinking of using the shrink tubes. Thanks

[JuiceBox]

Using a shrink tube is a much better fix than electrical tape, it will hold up better over time. But I'm not sure it would pass code. Is it in an area that would be hard to replace? If it is going to be inside the wall, then I would replace it. If it's in a junction box it might be ok.

[sparcebag]

Juice dont know if your in the trade but there are electricans on this site who may answer your Q Jigger,Tough question? just a nick,I'd like to know a answer also.

[mrjigger]

yes, just a nick. I wrapped it up with 4 or 5 layers of electrical tape. I am leaning on just calling it good with the electrical tape. Plus it is located inside the receptacle box.

I would like to hear what an electrician thinks as well. Thanks.

[JohnMickish]

If it's inside a box I wouldn't lose any sleep over it, depending on the size and fill of the box. I'd just put a wrap or two of 3M 33+ (not some cheap Chinese junk) and call it good.

[Bass_Bully]

That kind of nick happens more often then one would think. As long as you caught it and taped it your fine.

[PerchPounder]

If its in the box a couple wraps of good tape and it should be ok.

[Roofer]

This gives a good lesson to everyone. I was taught from the very beginning to strip wires on the "white" side.

I agree with using the tape. I'm sure it is done quite often. Nobody makes enough on a house to be pulling wires all back out for a nick.

[JohnMickish]

Your better off stripping romex down the middle, on the bare conductor and then peeling it back and cutting the sheath (it's not insulation) with either a knife or a side cutter. It dosen't give as neat a look but whos going to see it and a house has never burned down from excess sheathing in a box.

[sparkyaber]

 Originally Posted By: mnfishinguy

Your better off stripping romex down the middle, on the bare conductor and then peeling it back and cutting the sheath (it's not insulation) with either a knife or a side cutter. It dosen't give as neat a look but whos going to see it and a house has never burned down from excess sheathing in a box.

I used to strip wire this way. Slam the cable (jacket and all) in the box, and then strip the cable down the middle with a utility knife. Pretty darn fast. Then came the new jacket striper for 12/2 and 14/2. Wow! I have wired a ton of apartment buildings with these, and would be lost without them. I still do it the old way with 3 wire cable though.

[Surface Tension]

I do it just like sparkybear.

GB Electrical CR-100 Romex Wire Stripper, best $2 tool I own.

[sparkyaber]

 Originally Posted By: Surface Tension

I do it just like sparkybear.

GB Electrical CR-100 Romex Wire Stripper, best $2 tool I own.

Surface, is that the little metal thingy with the blade in the middle, and you pull it to score the jacket?

If that is the case, that is not what I am talking about. The dealy that I am refering to is basically the same shape as a pair of strippers, just only stippers for #12, and #14 solid wire, as well as two cutters one for 12/2 and one for 14/2. you just crimp it onto the sheath, and it cuts only the sheath, doesn't touch the insulation, even cuts the paper.

klein part # 1412

[Surface Tension]

sparkyaber, yes I'm talking the one with the center notch.

Are you able to remove the sheath while in the box?

[sparkyaber]

Yes, so when you have a 3 or 4 gang with 6 or 7 cables going into it, you can keep them identified. The jacket pulls right off. very fast.