Have recent changes to your house caused wires to poke through walls or flooring? Trust Crowe Electric to keep you, your family, and your home safe!
Have you recently undergone home renovations or experienced coastal storm damage? With these events, walls, floors, and ceilings receive wear and tear that cause wires to become visible. Don’t try to fix the problem yourself; we’ll tell you what to do with exposed electrical wires.
Each Crowe Electric electrician in Marshfield, MA, is top-tier, has years of experience, and uses top-of-the-line equipment. Our team has helped provide 24/7 emergency electrical services to all residences since 2017. Keep reading to learn more about our suggestions on dealing with exposed wiring and when to call us for assistance.
Why Are Exposed Electrical Wires Dangerous?
It’s one thing to see an intact electrical cable peering through cracks and holes in your home. But if you see smaller red and blue wires through slits or wear on the cables themselves, be careful not to touch them, whether the current is on or not. Touching them causes electrical shocks that can lead to death in some cases, but this is far from the only concern:
- If grounding wires touch, they could cause sparks that lead to household fires.
- Exposed wires in appliance power cords cause too much power to flow to the gadget, damaging it.
- Plugged-in exposed wires cause some power sockets to pull more electricity, causing power surges and short circuits that shut down the circuit breaker.
How Can You Tell If Exposed Wires Are Dangerous?
The moment you notice exposed wires, call a professional to test the wires; they can decide on a further course of action. If you have a voltage tester at home and electrical experience, you can test it yourself, though it’s still inadvisable. Touch the probes to the wires without touching the metal parts of the tester. The results explain whether they are safe to handle or not.
What Course of Action Should You Take for Exposed Wiring?
If you’re wondering what to do with exposed electrical wires, the first step is pinpointing the flawed wiring and understanding what could have caused its exposure. You should also visually analyze if there’s a loose connection or any visible punctures that could cause further harm.
Next, switch off the current from the breaker box and test the wires. We suggest an expert test your wires for absolute safety, though if you have electrical experience and the right equipment, you may be able to test the wires using the method mentioned above.
Methods for Fixing Exposed Wires
In severe cases, a professional will rewire your appliances, circuits, and outlets. However, for minor repairs, they’ll instead wrap it using any of the following products.
Electrical Tape
Electrical tape, although usually found in black, comes in different colors to create a seamless appearance on colored wires after wrapping them. Tape is especially beneficial for wires that don’t hide behind walls or flooring, such as phone chargers and laptop cables that you always have in sight.
Generally, electrical tape shouldn’t be used to wrap exposed wire if there’s worn insulation between positive and neutral wires. Also, electrical tape lasts five to seven years with indoor use and has a slightly shorter lifespan of three to five years outdoors. So, keep an eye on your tape and replace it when necessary.
An alternative solution to electrical tape might be wire nuts, a type of connector that can be used for low-voltage wiring. Talk to a professional for more details.
Sugru
If you have low-voltage cables (such as chargers) that have moderate damage, Sugru is a silicone rubber substance that can mold over the wires like clay. Within 24 hours, the clay hardens, providing more protection than electrical tape.
Heat Shrink
For high-voltage wires with extensive damage, heat shrink is the best option. In this case, professionals place live electrical wires within thermoplastic tubing, and the material shrinks to create a snug fit around the wires. That ensures absolute protection against water and other elements.
Call Your Local Electrical Team!
Exposed wiring is not only displeasing to look at but also creates a high-risk factor for your home and family. Rather than allow your home to become a danger zone, contact us for 24/7 services.
Whether you want to learn more about the causes of short circuits or what to do with exposed electrical wires, call Crowe Electric at 781-678-8266 today! Let us assist you.