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How to Cap Off Electrical Wires Safely
Put a cap on electrical wire hazards with these steps
Photo: Johner Images / Johner Images Royalty-Free / Getty Images
Photo: Johner Images / Johner Images Royalty-Free / Getty Images
SKILL LEVEL
Challenging
COMPLETION TIME
30 minutes
COST
$25–$50
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Wire stripper
- Non-contact voltage tester
SUPPLIES
- Wire nuts/ wire connectors
- Electrical tape (optional)
- Blank electrical plate (if capping wires in an electrical box)
If you’re wiring a house or embarking on a major remodeling project, you’ll likely encounter exposed electrical wires that can create a serious hazard if left uncovered. Learning how to cap off electrical wires ensures the exposed ends are covered, preventing electrical shocks, short circuits, electrical fires, and possible damage to your home’s electrical system.
As with any project involving electrical work, safety is paramount, and it’s best to hire a professional electrician rather than doing it yourself. However, if you have electrical experience, it’s possible to cap wires safely by following a few steps and using the right tools. Here’s how to cap off electrical wires safely and effectively.
Don’t Put Yourself in Danger: Let a Pro Take This On
Complex, high-risk projects demand more than typical DIY projects. They require time, specialized tools, and trained expertise to make sure the job is done safely and correctly. We made it easy for you to find a local pro—with our skilled network, you'll get the job done without the stress of doing it yourself or significant safety risks.
Prepping to Cap Off Electrical Wires
It’s crucial to shut the power off at the circuit breaker before capping off electrical wires. This important electrical safety tip eliminates the potential for electrical shock and helps create the safest possible environment for working with the wires.
After you’ve shut off the power, it’s also important to use a non-contact voltage tester to ensure there’s no charge in the wires you’re planning to adjust. Once your meter reads 0, you can proceed to the next steps.
Trim the Wires So They’re Flush With the Insulation
Photo: m-gucci / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesOnce you’ve shut the power off at the breaker and double checked there is no electrical charge in the wires, use wire cutters to trim the ends of the wires until they are flush with their protective casing. This step will provide you with a straight section of conductor to work with, ensuring a secure connection.
Strip the Insulation
Photo: Grigorev_Vladimir / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesUsing wire strippers, carefully strip away roughly one inch of insulation. To strip the wire, place the wire in the appropriate stripping notch of the wire strippers, squeeze the handles, and pull the strippers toward the end of the wire. It may take a few attempts to completely strip the wire.
Screw on a Wire Nut
Photo: Grigorev_Vladimir / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesNext, take a wire nut that corresponds with the size and quantity of the wires you’ll be capping off. Hold the stripped ends in one hand, and use the other to screw the wire nut clockwise over the stripped ends. Once the nut is in position, tug gently to ensure the wires are held together firmly.
Apply Electrical Tape Over the Wire Nut
Photo: AntonioDiaz / Adobe StockTo provide another layer of protection, wrap electrical tape tightly over the wire nut and connected wires. Start a few inches away from the wire nut and continue wrapping, extending it beyond the nut onto the insulated section of the wires.
Repeat Until All Wires Are Capped
Photo: photovs / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesLastly, repeat the previous two steps for each wire until every wire is securely capped. If the capped wires are in a device box, such as an electrical outlet box or junction box, then it’s necessary to install a blank cover to comply with National Electrical Code (NEC) regulations.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
When it comes to any project involving electrical wiring, it’s always best to enlist the expertise of a licensed local electrician. While capping off electrical wiring might seem like a fairly straightforward task, it can still be very hazardous, and safety should always be the top priority.
By hiring a professional electrician, you can be assured that the job is done safely and correctly. Keep in mind that hiring an electrician costs an average of $50 to $100 per hour.
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