Raccoon Wire damage

[tboy]

The previous occupants of my house were Raccoons. House was bank owned, and when we got there we discovered we had a little problem. We tore out the drywall above the garage where they lived, and started remediation. One of the issues is the wiring; those buggers chewed the outside insulation of 14/2 wire GONE. With careful inspection, I have noticed that none of the individual conductors insulation is affected. They seem to have chewed with precision!

I'm comfortable making the repairs, but will have to add a bunch of unsightly accessible junction boxes in order to do so. Is there any repair that would be acceptable besides replacing the wiring? I was wondering if that self fusing black tape would work? That stuff seems far more robust than the original insulation.

 

[pizza]

if it's as precision-chewed as you say, i guess it's still good wire, but idk how to legally use it without putting it in conduit. of course, that's more work than replacing romex.

 

[mike93lx]

if it's as precision-chewed as you say, i guess it's still good wire, but idk how to legally use it without putting it in conduit. of course, that's more work than replacing romex.

You can't do that either. Romex with the sheathing stripped does not have the same ratings as thhn.

OP, it is junk. Pull it out and either totally replace or add accessible junction boxes. There are splices available that don't require boxes, but I wouldn't use them unless I had to

 

[pizza]

There are splices available that don't require boxes, but I wouldn't use them unless I had to

what's an example of such a splice?

 

[rlitman]

what's an example of such a splice?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Tyco-Electronics-Romex-Splice-Kit-2-Wire-1-Clam-A22899-000/202204326

 

[Bigblockyeti]

I was wondering if that self fusing black tape would work? That stuff seems far more robust than the original insulation.

That should be plenty to make it safe.

 

[tboy]

Is there any codes that would specify this type of repair? I’m thinking if I went to code enforcement they would tell me to replace it (maybe that’s a hint).

 

[PCustoms]

How many spots/length?

ElectricAL tape is an acceptable repair for knicked insulation

 

[mike93lx]

So you are sure you can see all of the damage and there is absolutely no damage to the conductors?

If it was my house it would all get replaced. Not a chance I would take if the drywall is out anyway, it shouldn't be that hard

 

[HotrodHR]

Rewire...

 

[nadogail]

There is a liquid plastic electrical tape that is applied with a brush, I have purchased it at Harbor Freight.

 

[mikeinri]

+1 for rewire. The life you save may be your own...

Mike

 

[MoonRise]

The drywall is off and the old wiring is chewed/damaged?

Just remove ALL the old damaged wiring and replace it. Done.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Tyco-Electronics-Romex-Splice-Kit-2-Wire-1-Clam-A22899-000/202204326

I know they're accepted, but I just can't warm up to them. Screams "hack job" to me.

Tommy

 

[Kevin54]

Raccoons don't chew wires. Squirrels do.