how to detect an open wire end in the ceiling?

tmai · 11-16-2009, 08:14 PM

Hi,

How do I detect the open end of a wire in the ceiling? Previously there was an existing wire for the track light but a painter covered up the hole in the ceiling and retextured the patch so I now have no clue how to find the open end so I can install a ceiling light fixture. I still have an existing switch in the room. Please, help. Any suggestion is greatly appreciated.

TM

Just Bill · 11-17-2009, 07:15 AM

If the wire is live, which it should not be unless it is in a junction box, you might find it with a proximity detector(sometimes called a cricket, etc). Available at homes/hardware stores. They emit a beep or chirp when close to a live wire. And some stud finders have wire detection, but also live wires.

tmai · 11-17-2009, 11:59 AM

I don't think it is in a junction box, I will ask the painter but I don't hope he will remember since it has been 6 months. Any way, I will try to call him and a wire detector as you suggested. Thankyou very much for your help.

Scuba_Dave · 11-17-2009, 12:27 PM

It's a code violation to tuck a wire up into the box & dywall/mud over it
Any box must be accessible
UNLESS the other end of the wire was disconnected & marked as abandoned
Good way to cause a fire if the wires were not wire nutted pretty good

11-16-2009, 08:14 PM	#1
tmai Newbie Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 2	how to detect an open wire end in the ceiling? Hi, How do I detect the open end of a wire in the ceiling? Previously there was an existing wire for the track light but a painter covered up the hole in the ceiling and retextured the patch so I now have no clue how to find the open end so I can install a ceiling light fixture. I still have an existing switch in the room. Please, help. Any suggestion is greatly appreciated. TM

11-17-2009, 07:15 AM	#2
Just Bill Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Wilmington, DE Posts: 3,098	how to detect an open wire end in the ceiling? If the wire is live, which it should not be unless it is in a junction box, you might find it with a proximity detector(sometimes called a cricket, etc). Available at homes/hardware stores. They emit a beep or chirp when close to a live wire. And some stud finders have wire detection, but also live wires.

11-17-2009, 11:59 AM	#3
tmai Newbie Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 2	how to detect an open wire end in the ceiling? I don't think it is in a junction box, I will ask the painter but I don't hope he will remember since it has been 6 months. Any way, I will try to call him and a wire detector as you suggested. Thankyou very much for your help.

11-17-2009, 12:27 PM	#4
Scuba_Dave Xtreme DIY'r Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: South of Boston, MA Posts: 17,248	how to detect an open wire end in the ceiling? It's a code violation to tuck a wire up into the box & dywall/mud over it Any box must be accessible UNLESS the other end of the wire was disconnected & marked as abandoned Good way to cause a fire if the wires were not wire nutted pretty good

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how to detect an open wire end in the ceiling?