Nicked neutrals what to do

[machsnell]

I nicked both neutral wires and jackets in 2 lines cutting a hole for mini split lines.

It doesn't look like any strands were cut through upon initial inspection.


I will assume the safe answer is to remove wires and re wire or take to a jb somewhere in line.

How much current does the neutral ever carry?

If I can open up a little and more closely inspect. Is it remotely possible to tape neutral well and the tape cut jacketed area?

Or is this a disaster waiting to happen?

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[AntonLargiader]

The whole cable has been compromised; you should find a way to replace that section of Romex.

 

[Shiftless]

The whole cable has been compromised; you should find a way to replace that section of Romex.

Agreed.

BTW, the neutral carries exactly as much current as the hot.

 

[machsnell]

Got it. Thank you very much

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[wyliesdiesels]

Yeah that needs to be replaced

 

[nadogail]

Bite the bullet and change the cable.

 

[MrSurly]

It doesn't look like any strands were cut through upon initial inspection.

The most important indication is that you can't even SEE how much damage has occurred until you remove the cable....and if you remove it to inspect, clearly you are not going to perform any kind of "repair" and reinstall this so, yes, automatically this must be replaced.

 

[Showkey]

Depending on where they go and access.........replacing the wires could be a real adventure !

 

[Bert_]

That's a lot more than a nick...

 

[mike93lx]

That's a lot more than a nick...

Geez, no kidding. That cable is trashed.

 

[jeffmoss26]

yikes.

 

[walta]

An acceptable repair would be to cut out the damaged section of wire install 2 boxes with new cables between them.

Note the boxes cannot be buried in the wall so you must have 2 cover plates exposed on your walls surface.

Walta

 

[mike93lx]

An acceptable repair would be to cut out the damaged section of wire install 2 boxes with new cables between them.

Note the boxes cannot be buried in the wall so you must have 2 cover plates exposed on your walls surface.

Walta

NM splices are available that can be left inside the wall.

I would try to bypass or remove the bad section and replace or splice it somewhere better though

 

[Bigblockyeti]

You should be safe painting on several coats of liquid electrical tape, it really doesn't look too bad.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

You should be safe painting on several coats of liquid electrical tape, it really doesn't look too bad.

Ummm NO!

 

[walta]

You should be safe painting on several coats of liquid electrical tape, it really doesn't look too bad.

Could the damaged wires be taped up make it work, I am sure it could but I doubt that tape wrapping would qualify as a code approved repair. Years later someone would find the tape and ask what hack wired this place, I had better check every connection.

Walta

 

[walta]

NM splices are available that can be left inside the wall.

I would try to bypass or remove the bad section and replace or splice it somewhere better though

I personally am not 100% comfortable with buried connections code approved or not.

I do admit it look like a tempting option if it were my wall.


Walta

 

[Corndoggeh]

I wouldnt even question myself to replace or not. Bite the bullet and replace. Either using a junction box type repair where you cut out the damaged section or replace the full line. Then count your blessings the saw didnt cut into the hot.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I wouldnt even question myself to replace or not. Bite the bullet and replace. Either using a junction box type repair where you cut out the damaged section or replace the full line. Then count your blessings the saw didnt cut into the hot.

Makes no difference. The neutral can bite just as hard...

 

[sberry]

That will buff right out.

 

[theoldwizard1]

NM splices are available that can be left inside the wall.

I would try to bypass or remove the bad section and replace or splice it somewhere better though

In wall splice

 

[Lassen Forge]

Holy Moley... that's one heck of a "nick". Hate to tell you this but yeah, that's going to have to be pulled out and re-run with new - no way I'd trust that. Use the old wire to run a fish tape, then pull new romex behind it. And yeah, be glad you didn't hit BOTH the black and white at the same time.

 

[rharman]

Holy Moley... that's one heck of a "nick". Hate to tell you this but yeah, that's going to have to be pulled out and re-run with new - no way I'd trust that. Use the old wire to run a fish tape, then pull new romex behind it. And yeah, be glad you didn't hit BOTH the black and white at the same time.

^^ Ditto what she said.... ^^

 

[nsula_country]

Holy Moley... that's one heck of a "nick". Hate to tell you this but yeah, that's going to have to be pulled out and re-run with new - no way I'd trust that. Use the old wire to run a fish tape, then pull new romex behind it. And yeah, be glad you didn't hit BOTH the black and white at the same time.

May have. Check teeth on holesaw.

CT