Cables and wires running in walls are usually damaged during renovation and finishing works that require drilling holes. In old electrical installations, such faults can occur spontaneously due to natural wear and poor quality of old components. A burnt electrical wire in the wall is a big problem - especially if it is difficult to determine the exact place where the cable has broken. We suggest how to detect where the electrical cable has burned and what to do in such a situation.
Check surge arresters at the Onninen wholesaler
How to find a burnt cable in a room?
If there is no power in the socket or the light switch does not work, and a network failure has been ruled out, it may mean a burnt cable. First, you need to check whether the problem is with a single socket/switch, or several sockets/switches in a given room, or sockets/switches throughout the house.
Before starting any work on the electrical installation, it is mandatory to turn off the main power supply. The next step is to find the place where the cable is damaged, hidden in the wall. For this purpose, it is worth reaching for a measuring device, e.g. a voltage detector.
The Best Tools to Detect a Burned Electrical Wire
A voltage detector (cable locator) is a specialized device for detecting current. It uses electromagnetic induction to operate, which ensures accurate location of wires hidden in walls. The tool is quite simple to use and should be easy for DIY enthusiasts.
Modern voltage detectors have various additional functions, including the ability to test electrical continuity. The detector is placed on the surface of the wall, where the damaged wire is likely to be, and then reads the data displayed on the screen. Inspection cameras and electronic beam detectors are also used to detect burnt wires in walls. The inspection camera is inserted into a previously drilled hole in the wall, which allows for a thorough examination of the space inside the wall.
Replacing a wire or part of the electrical installation
Once you have found the location of the burnt electrical wire, the damaged wiring should be repaired or replaced. This task should be performed by a qualified electrician, as errors and oversights can be very dangerous and can worsen the damage. The easiest cables to repair are those located near the junction box. They are easy to access without having to break plaster. The most difficult to repair is the area around the middle of a long cable connection. If the cable is working despite the damage, e.g. there has only been a superficial breach of the casing, the problem should be solved by insulating tape.
With its help, you should precisely secure the damaged area. If the wire in the wall has been broken, it is recommended to use a flush-mounted box and a cable connector. This type of repair should be done by a specialist. In the wall, at the place of the break, you need to make a hole for the box, and then isolate the ends of the wires. Using quick connectors, connect the ends of the broken wires to a previously prepared piece of cable of the same type. The final stage of the work is to cover the box with a lid, plaster it and finish as needed.
We invite all professionals who deal with designing, implementing or servicing electrical installations, as well as owners of electrical shops and construction and renovation companies, to familiarize themselves with the offer of our wholesaler. Our assortment includes cables and wires in over 50 thousand variants, from leading Polish and foreign manufacturers of electrical equipment. We offer installation cables , power cables , telecommunications cables, control and signal cables, fireproof and halogen-free cables, heating cables and mats, and cables for mobile receivers. Onninen specialists advise on which electrical equipment and cables will work best in a specific application.