Capping electrical wires is the safe, code-approved way of dealing with terminated electrical cables.
Read on to learn how to cap off electrical wires.
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Before You Begin
Shut off the powerto the electrical circuit.
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At the electrical box,using a voltage tester, test all wiringyou will be working on.
Touch the tester probe to all wires and all parts of each wire within the box.
The tester should indicate no voltage.
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For added safety, run a strip of electrical tape across each circuit breaker switch involved with this project.
The tape is a signal that prevents anyone, even you, from accidentally flipping on the circuit breaker.
Install an Electrical Box
Install an electrical box near the terminated electrical cable.
Rip back and remove the outer sheathing.
Strip the plastic coating off the ends of the wires.
Inside Electric Service PanelGetty / Fuse
double-check that you have about 1/2-inch of clean, straight wire at the end.
Turn the wire nut clockwise.
Use the appropriate size of wire nut for the wire.
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Wire nuts that are too big will not sufficiently grip the wire and will fall off.
Add Electrical Tape to Individual Wires
Tape each wire nut onto its respective wire with electrical tape.
The tape is used only to secure the wire nuts.
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It is not used for insulating bare wire ends.
Label and Tuck Wires Away
Label the wires before pushing the wires back into the box.
Check to see to it that your assembly has not come apart before proceeding to the next step.
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Any exposed copper wire may cause an electrical short or fire.
Some blank wall plates can be painted over.
If the terminated wires comprise an entire circuit alone, there is no need to turn on the circuit.
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It can be a safer solution, too, because fewer live wires reside in the wall.
Only use electrical tape on exposed wires if the wires have a very low voltage.
This should only be used as a short term fix.
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A wire nut is the best alternative to electrical tape when capping exposed wires.
You should never touch as a live wire with a screwdriver as it could cause a short circuit.
National Fire Protection Association.
