Capping off live wires…Can you use connectors?
Hi…
Hoping the collective wisdom here might provide some kind advice to a new homeowner in an old house. Its a c.1900 house with the wiring that Jack built. While I’m saving my pennies to have my electrician gut this puppy and start over, I’d like to cap off a couple of very old outlets.
I understand the basics. Panel dead, test wire to ensure its not live, strip wires, cap wire, re-install in box, blank plate (but don’t bury) the box. However, I cannot find wire caps at the big box stores, only connectors (http://www.idealindustries.com/products/wire_termination/twist-on/twister.jsp) is what I can find @ HD.
My question is, can I use connectors (each with a single wire) as a terminus? Or do I need to make a run to the supply house for actual caps? (which would be a bummer, since they are closed for the holiday).
Thanks for helping a gal out…
Jen
Replies
You don't need to strip the wire sinc you are just capping it off. If you have enough wire at the end, just clip off the exposed copper and put a yellow wire nut on it, then tape it to keep it secure.
Yeah, if there is not already exposed copper, don't strip the wire. Just screw a wire nut onto the insulation.
If the wire's been stripped and you don't want to trim it back, you can double over the end of the wire to add a little thickness so that a wire nut will grap it.
Obviously, use the smallest standard wire nut you have.
Those "connectors" shown in
Those "connectors" shown in your link are a type of what is commonly known as a "wire nut".
The other guys said what to do....I like to tape the nut on too, just to make sure it doesn't pop off if the old dry insulation crumbles.
It is best to find the other end (here the wire is fed) and disconnect that end. Then tape both ends of the dead wire back on itself and mark it as spare.