Electricians need help quick

[CPA]

I was drilling a hole through a stud to drop an electrical line to an outlet in order to install an additional outlet. When I bored through the hole, I hit the line (breaker is off) that currently is connected to the outlet which I planned on piggy backing off of. There are two main lines running to the current outlet, one for the top socket, one for the bottom. I mangled the insulation around the positive wire (white) for about an inch and grazed the negative wire (black). Both wires look intact.

Does this create a potential hazard, or will I be safe in allowing this line (top socket) to be used. If I disconnect the wires from the socket, what is the best way to cap the lines off? Is is possible to wrap the lines with electrical tape and problem solved?

Please help, I want to flip the breaker back on but am worried my house will go up in a blaze.

 

[MrBond]

AS long as the wire itself isn't damaged (the copper), you should be fine just wrapping them in electrical tape.

If the wire is damaged, it will need to be repaired. I'm not sure how to suggest you do that, but remember, you may need to follow building code when fixing it.

 

[Colt45]

with AC there is no +/-. White is neutral, black is hot (live).

tape it up or something, you dont want them to short.

 

[Evadman]

#1. Black is hot, white is neutral.

If the wire itself is nicked the wire should be replaced. a new wire should be run. Electrical tape patches to not hold forever. If you want to "cap" (as you call it) the wire, the best way is to find the last point that wire comes from and remove the entire wire.

 

[CPA]

Originally posted by: Colt45
with AC there is no +/-. White is neutral, black is hot (live).

tape it up or something, you dont want them to short.

Doh, now I even fell more like a newb.

I will attempt to tape it. hopefully I can reach down there.

 

[CPA]

Originally posted by: Evadman
#1. Black is hot, white is neutral.

If the wire itself is nicked the wire should be replaced. a new wire should be run. Electrical tape patches to not hold forever. If you want to "cap" (as you call it) the wire, the best way is to find the last point that wire comes from and remove the entire wire.

So just remove it from the source, so to speak?

 

[brxndxn]

you could always just shut off the incoming power to your house, open up your fuse box, and unhook the wire..

 

[Evadman]

Originally posted by: CPA

Originally posted by: Evadman
#1. Black is hot, white is neutral.

If the wire itself is nicked the wire should be replaced. a new wire should be run. Electrical tape patches to not hold forever. If you want to "cap" (as you call it) the wire, the best way is to find the last point that wire comes from and remove the entire wire.

So just remove it from the source, so to speak?

Exactly. No reason to have a dangly wire conneted to nothing for no reason, taped up or no. it is an accident waiting to happen.

 

[CPA]

Originally posted by: Evadman

Originally posted by: CPA

Originally posted by: Evadman
#1. Black is hot, white is neutral.

If the wire itself is nicked the wire should be replaced. a new wire should be run. Electrical tape patches to not hold forever. If you want to "cap" (as you call it) the wire, the best way is to find the last point that wire comes from and remove the entire wire.

So just remove it from the source, so to speak?

Exactly. No reason to have a dangly wire conneted to nothing for no reason, taped up or no. it is an accident waiting to happen.

Found the other end. Luckily it connects to a GFI outlet pretty close to the outlet that I was initially looking at and both sides drop down into an A/C duct shaft and the line is easily accessible in the attic. I have disconnected both ends and will replace the line, as well as add the new outlet this weekend. Thanks for the help.

 

[SherEPunjab]

whatever you do, just don't call ARS.

Fvcking ripoff bastards.

 

[amdskip]

Hey, did you ever figure out your home network?

 

[Bleep]

Simple fix
Just drill a little bigger hole so you can reach in with a screwdriver and make sure the wires are seperated.
Get some good bathtub silicone and stick the nozzle in the hole and try and surround the damaged area with the goop and let it cure , about a day or so. This will insulate the wires from each other and stabalize the damaged insulation.

Bleep