I have a nick in the outer insulation of some 14/3 wire in my attic. The nick is rather small and there doesn't appear to be any damage in the 3 internal wires. I have wrapped it with electrical tape but I am concerned whether this is enough and if there is a fire hazard?
Also, I have some wire channel that was used by a friend to run some wire (it is rated for 14, 12 and 10 AWG)in his garage. Would it be safe to lay the damaged section of my wire in the wire channel, or should I not do this?
My concern is a potential fire.
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If it's only in the outer insulation, with no damage to the individual black & white insulation around each wire, (and no copper wire visible), then it should be OK. Wrapping it with tape as you did should be sufficient. Especially as it's in an attic, where it's not likely to be disturbed frequently.
Generally, type NM cable should NOT be put inside conduit, EMT, etc. -- the confined space & lack of air circulation will reduce cooling and make the wire run warmer.
So I wouldn't bother putting it in the wire channel. Anyway, that's mostly for physical protection of the wires rather than electrical isolation.
Generally, type NM cable should NOT be put inside conduit, EMT, etc. -- the confined space & lack of air circulation will reduce cooling and make the wire run warmer.
So I wouldn't bother putting it in the wire channel. Anyway, that's mostly for physical protection of the wires rather than electrical isolation.
