Nicked Romex Sheathing

[cowboyjosh]

So Im doing some low volt work in a customers house, and was cutting in a single gang box today when my keyhole saw nicked 2 Romex wires in the interior wall. I was able to visibly able to verify by pulling back the sheathing know without a doubt that the conductors and the conductors insulation WERE NOT COMPROMISED, its only the sheathing. I nicked a 14/2, and a 14/3. The **** retentive part of me wants to pull new Romex (accessible attic), but I know some electrical tape over the damage will suffice. I also know that behind the trim ring for the low volt I cut in, one can easily get to the Romex in the future; its not like its "buried" in the wall.

I ran this by a Master Electrician and he said there is probably allot more abraded Romex behind the wall of the average home, then anyone would like to think about and to "tape it and forget about it".

Whats your thoughts?

 

[JimDon]

if only the sheathing, follow his advice -- tape it and forget about it. use some Super 33 on it, if you really are **** (like me LOL) then cover with the silicone self vulcanizing tape. I get the Gardner Bender stuff at Menards for $4 a roll. It will be WAY better than the original when you are done -- and please sleep at night -- this F U is so minor it is not worth losing sleep over.
Cheers,
JimDon

 

[mypov]

tape it, forget it - so long as you're sure you've not exposed the copper (or aluminum) don't even worry about it. Some electrical tape and it'll be good to go.

 

[buzz4041]

If the conductors insulation was not compromised there is no need to worrry at all. What is the difference when it goes into the box and you remove the jacket ? Outer jacket is for construction of the cable. You would be amazed at how many staples have damaged this outer jacket.

 

[bassman]

forget it, it probably has other abrasions from when installed too. But if the copper is nicked, you must replace it. Don't even bother with tape. It will serve no purpose.

 

[Aceman]

If it's only the sheath, tape it and forget about it. That's why they make tape....

 

[Bull]

I just did the same thing while removing a wire staple to reposition a wire. I found this information on another site:

http://www.electriciantalk.com/f6/repairing-snagged-romex-jackets-31/

Made me feel better, though I am still pissed that I wasn't more careful.

 

[cowboyjosh]

I just did the same thing while removing a wire staple to reposition a wire. I found this information on another site:

http://www.electriciantalk.com/f6/repairing-snagged-romex-jackets-31/

Made me feel better, though I am still pissed that I wasn't more careful.

I read that before posting on here too. I just might replace the damaged Romex at my expense just to make things right. Like i said its very accessable so both romex could be replaced inside a couple hours, max. I know there is probably damaged sheath all over in the average house from initial installation, i just dont like leaving damage i caused. Overkill, probably, but ill feel good about the job.

 

[Steevo]

I read that before posting on here too. I just might replace the damaged Romex at my expense just to make things right. Like i said its very accessable so both romex could be replaced inside a couple hours, max. I know there is probably damaged sheath all over in the average house from initial installation, i just dont like leaving damage i caused. Overkill, probably, but ill feel good about the job.

Please send me your business card. I would be honored to do business with someone that has your sense of personal and professional scruples.

Overkill? Maybe.

 

[MrMark]

What about a nick in the insulation on the conductor? What's the consensus on that? Probably no go to wrap that in tape. I had that happen to me once and I replaced it. The romex sheathing bothers me with a nick, and I've had that happen a couple of times, but I have just taped it up, no biggie.

 

[v7guy]

Please send me your business card. I would be honored to do business with someone that has your sense of personal and professional scruples.

Overkill? Maybe.

yeah, you don't happen to be in the NE do you?

 

[sdowney717]

self vulcanizing tape, pull off some from the roll, take off the backing and stretch wrap it around the wire.