What to do with cut wire ends

tibberous

Simple question, but if you cut through wire, what should you do with the cut end? Is it safe to leave cut off straight, or should you strip the coating back and spread the ends farther apart?

Jim Port

Why would you have an energized cable without a device installed? If the cable is not energized there should be no issue.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

AllanJ

YOu need to either (1) put small wire nuts on the ends, which would require stripping back the jacket a little, also putting the wire end in a box with an accessible cover, or (2) disconnecting the other end of the wire.

Even if you disconnect the other cable end, it would be a good idea to have both ends in accessible boxes so the wires can be used again in the future (exception for obsolete and/or crumbling very old wires).

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