Electronics > Repair

Finding fault location for broken power cables in walls

<< < (6/7) > >>

forrestc:
So, I bought a tool a few years ago which I love which might help you.

At walabot.com, they sell a handheld radar imager which connects to a smartphone.  It provides a 2d view of what is on the other side.   Look at their videos to see if this might help.

If I was buying a new one, I'd probably buy the 2 instead of the 2m since the 2 M is a simplified version with fewer features and the 2 gives you more details.

calzap:

--- Quote from: Poroit on December 06, 2024, 05:16:44 am ---G'day Mike,

If you find the location of the Break/Cut, I imagine you will still need to cut a hole at least 300 x 300mm to be large enough to access the cut ends.

There may not be enough slack in the cable for a simple butt joint. You may need to insert a short length between the two cuts ends.

Wago are good for that type of work.

https://www.wago.com/au/electrical-interconnections/discover-installation-terminal-blocks-and-connectors/221#durchgangsverbinder

--- End quote ---
There's usually little or no slack in NM cable in residential wiring, and it's required to be secured (usually stapled to framing) at intervals.  So to fix a break or add a branch, two boxes are required (splices must be in a box).  Within a box, there is a requirement for minimum working length, and any listed connectors (wire nuts, Wagos,  crimp-ons, etc.) of appropriate size may be used. 

Even with direct visual exposure of a break location for NM cable, it can be hard to see the actual break.  A small drill bit can cut the phase conductor and the plastic covering entry point can re-close over the penetration.  A saw blade can cut one conductor and also twist the cable, so the the cut is opposite your viewing angle.   If there is insulation in the wall or cables are grouped, it's more difficult.

Personally, I hate NM cable and prefer conduit which allows flexibility for present and future wiring.  If conduit should be accidentally cut in a hidden location later, there are electrical, mechanical, acoustical and optical means of finding the break.  In walls and attics, I like flexible, corrugated plastic conduit, called ENT in the US ... almost as easy to install as cable.  But in the U.S., NM cable rules in residential applications because it's cheapest and quickest.

Mike

Poroit:
G'day Mike,

Is there accessible roof space above the garage ?

calzap:

--- Quote from: Poroit on December 07, 2024, 02:03:26 am ---G'day Mike,

Is there accessible roof space above the garage ?

--- End quote ---

Yes.  I'll probably be able to take a look up there next week.    Mike

Poroit:
That may help you solve your problem.

Some of them aren't the easiest place to work in but you may be able to get a new power cable across to the South wall and remodel the wall so you can drop the cable down between the studs.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page

There was an error while thanking
Thanking...
Go to full version
Powered by SMFPacks Advanced Attachments Uploader Mod