Joining Electrical Cables In Walls

When splicing insulated wire you have to strip the insulation from the end of the wire to expose the metal core which may be solid or stranded copper.

Joining electrical cables in walls.

The alumiconn tm connector shown here is used to splice a copper pigtail wire together with one or two aluminum wires as a step in reducing the fire hazard associated with aluminum electrical wiring. Electrical wires in a building are sometimes joined without twisting wires together. Sometimes when someone has drilled through it last one was a kitchen fitter who should have known better or sometimes to extend a cable e g. Instead we use special approved connectors.

Instead all splices must be contained within an approved junction box or fixture electrical box. Use a wire nut size appropriate for the number and gauge of the wires you re using. The best way to strip wires is to use a pair of basic wire strippers. The box itself must remain accessible and cannot be hidden behind drywall or other building materials that would require removal to get to the box.

Wiring splices are made by joining the bare metal ends of wires together. Now and again i need to join a cable that is buried in a wall sometimes in a stud wall sometimes to be plastered over. Chase down to new possition. Run exteneded cables in safe zone to where they need to be dropped to new outlets.

With the exception of stranded wire which we ll talk about below it s important to make sure the ends of all wires are lined up before twisting on the wire nut connector. Start by marking the desired location for the box on the walls. Push up into ceiling space crimp joints dont need to be accessable. Once the studs are located outline the position of the old work electrical boxes on the wall.

Install the wire connector place the wire nut connector over all of the wires. A splice is the joining of two or more wires by twisting them together. Line up the wire ends then tighten electrical caps photo 1. A plastic connector called a wire nut is used to insulate and secure the splice.

Pull cables out of wall use crimps and enclosures not j b. To move an accessory lower on the wall. To do this you must find the location of the wall studs using a stud finder. When installing them in finished walls electrical boxes should be located between studs.