drywall work and wiring question

[Kapn]

So, I'm cutting out a broken chunk of drywall in my bathroom, using a utility knife and suddenly the droplight in the outlet cuts off. Turns out I nicked the wiring and threw the gfci outlet. The insulation is cut cleanly. I can reset the outlet and it works fine. Do I need to tape the wire up? Or do I have to do more than that? I don't have but about 4 inches of access unless I tear out more drywall and the line runs up to the 2nd floor. Any advice would be appreciated, I want to sleep at night and not worry about smelling smoke!

 

[Gooch]

while taping it would probably never cause a problem, don't do it.


best option would be to replace the line, if thats not possible, since you have the wall open, you could 'add' an outlet at that location.

 

[jbs]

I think Tyco makes a splice for nm cable that is allowed in inaccessible locations by some codes (for 12 and 14 gauge). Have to check you local codes, but that could be an option.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0035L12KS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.ampnetconnect.com/product_groups.asp?grp_id=2307&path=0,2299

 

[6768rogues]

It appears that the GFCI did its intended job. Maybe it saved your life. Fix the wire properly without tape and sleep well.

 

[mrb]

I think Tyco makes a splice for nm cable that is allowed in inaccessible locations by some codes (for 12 and 14 gauge). Have to check you local codes, but that could be an option.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0035L12KS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.ampnetconnect.com/product_groups.asp?grp_id=2307&path=0,2299

those are only for RVs and Mobile homes. You cannot use them in a regular building.

 

[jbs]

those are only for RVs and Mobile homes. You cannot use them in a regular building.

I didn't mean to mislead; I really don't know. The consensus on Electrician Talk and Mike Holt seems to be to not use them (with most saying they don't meet code, but some arguing they do). The instructions mention the code sections they comply with. Among the sections dealing with mobile homes (550 or so I think), they mention 334-40(B):

334.40(B) Devices of Insulating Material.
Switch, outlet, and tap devices of insulating material shall be permitted to be used without boxes in exposed cable wiring and for rewiring in existing buildings where the cable is concealed and fished. Openings in such devices shall form a close fit around the outer covering of the cable, and the device shall fully enclose the part of the cable from which any part of the covering has been removed. Where connections to conductors are by binding-screw terminals, there shall be available as many terminals as conductors​

Maybe that is a mis-application, but I did see some references to it by those arguing that they were allowed for remodels. That's what I was basing my recommendation on to check them out with the AHJ. I'm not an electrician, nor do I play one on TV.

Edit: Meant to include a sample link representative of the debate (controversy?) surrounding these: http://forums.mikeholt.com/archive/index.php/t-92003.html

 

[mrb]

not much to debate. I guess you can use them according to 334, but you still cant bury it behind drywall

 

[VHF]

Is there an approved repair for the OP's situation? As long as the conductor is not damaged, is there a proper way to repair using electrical tape and/or liquid electrical tape?

 

[ishiboo]

not much to debate. I guess you can use them according to 334, but you still cant bury it behind drywall

You certainly can. And they are not designed for RVs nor mobile homes, though they may appear there. (I would assume that RVs use stranded wire for AC, like boats/trucks.) They are designed for pre-fab and modular homes, where the walls can be pre-wired and snapped together on site.

While they may lead to abuse (though better than people abusing wire nuts), inaccessible splices IMO are another tool to make repairs/extensions where rewiring would not be practical or economical.

 

[ishiboo]

So, I'm cutting out a broken chunk of drywall in my bathroom, using a utility knife and suddenly the droplight in the outlet cuts off. Turns out I nicked the wiring and threw the gfci outlet. The insulation is cut cleanly. I can reset the outlet and it works fine. Do I need to tape the wire up? Or do I have to do more than that? I don't have but about 4 inches of access unless I tear out more drywall and the line runs up to the 2nd floor. Any advice would be appreciated, I want to sleep at night and not worry about smelling smoke!

Better question is why is there NM resting against drywall? It sounds like that circuit should be properly secured/routed.

 

[mrb]

You certainly can. And they are not designed for RVs nor mobile homes, though they may appear there. (I would assume that RVs use stranded wire for AC, like boats/trucks.) They are designed for pre-fab and modular homes, where the walls can be pre-wired and snapped together on site.

While they may lead to abuse (though better than people abusing wire nuts), inaccessible splices IMO are another tool to make repairs/extensions where rewiring would not be practical or economical.

correct, i misspoke with regard to RV. should have said mobile homes (not camper but the ones that come in 2 halves and get screwed together on site) and modular buildings.

i dont have nec infront of me but i thought all splices and taps have to be accessible. 334 covers devices not in a box (enclosed switches and receptacles. sillite is one such device, not familiar with the others), but doesnt say you can use one of these tyco things to bury a splice in a wall.