How to Fix Damaged Buried Electric Wire - Cheap & Easy

[@SilverCymbal]

Thanks for watching please LIKE & SUBSCRIBE - Splice Kit: amzn.to/34WbzDu Wire Strippers: amzn.to/3rsxqtU

[@fireflower1549]

Who do I call that is a pro?

[@Syrax777]

I just want to say thanks. I became a homeowner again 4 months ago. Between plumbing, tubs, boilers, and now a well pump. My google searches keep bringing me back to you on how to do repairs. Thank you for to the point, easy to follow videos.

[@jhans3278]

Thanks for the video. A few comments, 1)Be careful with open blade tools so they don’t cause a “line of fire” accident. 2)Clean the outer wire covering prior to “parking” the heat shrink tube. 3)When using a flame to shrink the tubing never touch the flame to the tubing and always keep the flame moving to avoid overheating.

[@SilverCymbal]

These are all great points, much appreciated

[@CaptainMarci104]

And also important: do a test before shrinking the tubing because if a connection is loose or shorted out, there is no way to fix this besides starting over with a fresh set of material.

[@gullenator1]

Granted this method would work on other wire types too, but Romex should not be buried underground. It would have been better to use UF or underground feeder cable for this example.

[@richardengland7077]

Yeah, there is no paper in underground cable, and he should have stated that.

[@SilverCymbal]

Yes 100% that was just cable for the demo, in the ground you would already have (hopefully) direct burial rated cable.

[@billhandymanbill2775]

Great video! Yes, this kit works great as the electrician used it to fix my neighbor's post light next to the driveway. By the way, depending on the circuit, you may only have 3 wires (hot/black, neutral/white, ground/bare) instead of 4 wires (4th being red) so this kit will work fine with 4 or 3 wires. As discussed by others, NM (regular Romex) is not permitted in the ground as it has to be UF (Underground Feed) as it has a thicker outer plastic jacket to protect against water and damage.

[@portaadonai]

Im an electrician and hardly ever learned anything from KZbin about electrical, but this video really reminded me of some important lessons and options that I might use in the future

[@SilverCymbal]

I really appreciate that coming from a pro. Thanks

[@herco2543]

Thanks for putting out all these interesting videos. Always look forward to your next one.

[@SilverCymbal]

Glad you like them! I appreciate it. This one is good to know about in case you ever have the misfortune of this happening

[@shaunhall6834]

I loved my electronics class back in Highschool! This takes me back to the glory days back in the 80's! I built my first computer from a kit, the Sinclair ZX81 with 1k of memory! We have come a long way! Now I'm interested in playing with Raspberry Pi... What kind of trouble can I get into now? ;). Thank you so much for having this channel!

[@jimb8601]

That’s a clever fix. I’m guessing many direct buried cuts aren’t going to have the slack for a single spice fix. Glad my wire to the pool is in conduit. Also helps that I know where it’s buried.

[@beebop9808]

That's pretty slick, I like that. I've always used the 3M epoxy kits underground but I don't deal with power wiring very often. Most of the time it's signal wiring. I'll certainly be looking these up in the future if I have need of them though!

[@ThePellyCanToo]

I do this type of work for my day job & I'm curious if the instructions say anything about cleaning, then abrading the outer insulation on the cable? Because that gives a better surface for the glue to adhere to, which helps to keep moisture out.

[@NT_84]

Looks like NM, which shouldn't be buried either directly or even in conduit. Just a heads up.

[@SilverCymbal]

Correct, thats just what I had for the bench repair, what will be in the ground will already meet code

[@herco2543]

Thanks for all the interesting videos. Always look forward to them.

[@SilverCymbal]

Glad you like them!

[@479.Flyn.]

Hey I love ur videos man I have been subscribed for a couple years I watched them all I love them man I lean a lot of stuff lol

[@SilverCymbal]

I really appreciate that. Thank you

[@479.Flyn.]

@@SilverCymbal ur welcome

[@DavidG2P]

You did the shrinking incorrectly. The middle must be shrinked first, before gradually moving to and shrinking the ends. Otherwise, you get air bubbles that you only can remove by puncturing the shrink tube.

[@bmerigan]

What's wrong with having an air bubble?

[@DavidG2P]

@@bmerigan It reduces the mechanical strength of the connection, leads to condensation and therefore corrosion, and lastly, it's not as satisfying as if you had done it perfectly and without air bubbles

[@plightn]

Nice, just like with soldering don't forget to put on the shrink tube before starting to tighten down the second end of wires. I feel like I do every time because I hyper focus on the task of soldering.

[@lilmatt1914]

stripping wires always looks easier on a work bench and through a screen than while stand on a latter (or in this case) on a wire thats barely sticking out of the ground.

[@OldAndGettingOlder]

Nice. I didn't know this repair kit existed. Good to know as I have multiple outdoor outlets. Fortunately I haven't hit a wire....yet.

[@theroadglider8565]

I'm officially a subscriber... Thanks for the simple repair ideas

[@jonny555ive]

Great tutorial you explained it very clear and very precise excellent job sir 👍👍

[@SilverCymbal]

Glad it was helpful!

[@YukonHawk1]

Excellent product 👍👍👍

[@woodsmanforlife1677]

I am glad I found your channel. Thanks for sharing!

[@SilverCymbal]

You are so welcome!

[@gavinminion8515]

From a UK perspective there are a number of issues with this video. Maybe this is considered OK for the USA, but don't ever do a repair like this (or bury cable like this outdoors) in the UK. Reasons: 1 - The joint, once made, cannot be inspected. Any corrosion or loosening of the connectors may occur without you being able to inspect the joint. This means that in future, the cable might present a fire or electrocution hazard. 2 - The joint has no strain relief, pulling on the cable might cause the joint to fail without warning (see 1). 3 - The repair tubing is nominally waterproof, but there are no guarantees, flexing the cable might damage the waterproofing - if this is underground it might lie in water for long periods which might lead to corrosion (see 1). 4 - if you actually do have unprotected cable lying in shallow burial, please disconnect it and replace it at the earlies possible opportunity, use steel wire armoured cable which will survive garden spades and will even offer some protection when damaged by heavy machinery. This cable offers no protection at all and even a garden spade might sever the live first, leading to an electric shock hazard.

[@Ariel1S]

Do not bury steel armored cable!! It is not waterproof so the water will soak through to the conductors inside, and on top of that the steel will rust. Shallow buried cable is not legal in the US either.

[@gavinminion8515]

@@Ariel1S steel wire armoured cable (SWA) is a specific cable type in the UK. The cable has galvanised steel wires surrounding a heavy duty inner cable, these are in turn surrounded by an outer waterproof sheath which protects the steel wires. In use, the steel wires are connected to earth (ground) at both ends, often there is a separate earth in the inner cable. This can be buried directly.

[@--_DJ_--]

@@gavinminion8515 You can't bury that cable anywhere, it was just for demonstrating the splice. #1 is the reason why it is an outdoor, burial only application. We use something similar to SWA for direct burial but it uses a corrugated steel outer rather than wire. I know it as Teck cable, but that may be a regional thing.

[@Ariel1S]

@@gavinminion8515 That's called LiquidTight here, not armored cable which is metal clad and not waterproof.

[@gavinminion8515]

@@Ariel1S that's interesting and is the reason I made my comments with the UK perspective. I thought there might be differences terminology between the UK and USA. Over here, if you asked for armoured cable, most times you would get SWA which can be buried. I'm not sure if we have an armoured cable without waterproofing, but that's probably because our environment is pretty damp. I would imagine there are parts of the USA where waterproofing would rarely be necessary?

[@The_Good_Life_starts_today]

Excellent video. Thanks for taking the time!

[@johnn3542]

I've used these. There is similar ones that are actually "in wall rated". Not ideal, but nice that you can bury a splice in the wall

[@mr1pearl]

Pretty full proof 👍

[@jersey-dude]

Good stuff. Always love your vids.

[@SilverCymbal]

I appreciate that! Thank you

[@aziaev]

Amazing solution

[@prodson8310]

Always great content. Thank you. Keep up the good work

[@Leonardokite]

Wow, that looks like a very robust repair method. Thanks!

[@yatagarasu1495]

Thank u for cutting it open. I wanted to know how it looked inside and i feared getting blueballed, but no!:)

[@SilverCymbal]

No problem, the materials in this kit are amazing. I have no doubts that this will hold up underground for a very long time.

[@rrome6178]

Another great video for an awesome project! Thank you.

[@imaramblins]

Gotta love the tip "make sure you match up the wires" (when connecting the other side of the splice...) I know. It HAD to be said. 😅Otherwise... Make sure you're looking away from the box when you flip that breaker back on.

[@iilynix5998]

Great video

[@SilverCymbal]

Thanks!

[@outdoorenthusiastenl4907]

Awesome video! Thank you for posting. Where did you buy this product?

[@handyandy8671]

Really Cool! Thanks!

[@Todd.T]

FYI, this may get you out of a jam, but it almost definitely isn't a permanent fix. If you live anywhere that the ground can freeze or move, the joint is where it is going to fail. 26 years of splicing and burying telecom wiring and it always fails at the splice. In cold areas, when you dig them up, there is frost stuck on the splice exclusively. I would do this to get it to work and plan a day with a new burial in conduit. If you were going to bury NMW, you'd have to go very deep. If you bury conduit, the requirements are much less for depth and you won't put a shovel through it.

[@adventure6583]

Now I know 👍👍

[@Krazy_Shorts]

Very cool! I like it!

[@sulunethetra]

What kind of mic are you using? Sounds great.

[@KennyMacDermid]

Is the damage to the insulation on the red wire (around 3:06) any concern?

[@--_DJ_--]

Yes, it shouldn't be like that. He just stripped it quickly and without much care. It would be fine though, it is all encased in glue.

[@rontiemens2553]

Fantastic.

[@scottmurphy4946]

People are shocked when they find out I am not a good electrician lol

[@SouthernGent007]

This expensive solution isn’t the only way. Wire nuts will work just fine as long as you seal them in silicone. I’d never pay this much for this option. Seems top notch but not worth the price.

[@12volti]

usually the cables that are buried are never "simple" they always have a protection and in addition they have a layer of material like plastic on top to let you know that there is something there

[@mgw6603]

Is this method ok to extend existing wiring for a light post? Old post is 4 ft and new post is about 6’…

[@SilverCymbal]

Yes, this could be used to add length to an existing wire. Just be sure that whatever wire you use for the extension is rated for direct burial.

[@paulsimkins3895]

Always start in the middle prevents air pockets inside

[@KameraShy]

Good to know.

[@barrym1684]

What about an irrigation system that has 8 wires any recommendations?

[@unmanaged]

This like how the power lines are done.

[@SilverCymbal]

Very true, those ones are crazy to watch get repaired.

[@renerodriguez1876]

Can you use this on irrigation wire?

[@anthonymarino4260]

well done

[@markphillips6154]

Very interesting new device. But but you’re almost never have any slack in an underground wire so how could you possibly use it

[@SilverCymbal]

Be sure to watch the video through I show that towards the end

[@Knush]

You would never dig down a wire without using tubing for protection. In My country it's yellow tubing for electrical and green for network/low voltage

[@SilverCymbal]

It depends what country you are in. The US uses cable inside conduit underground but it is also very popular to use direct burial cable which is what will typically get damaged as shown in this video. Common for lights, sheds, outside pumps, etc.

[@fireflower1549]

I have a Portable Power Generator, Cable head broke, can I just add another head?

[@skyserf]

Finding wires is a problem in need of a solution.

[@fluffallfuy511]

Or just use a swa cable for outside wiring?

[@lv7603]

Swa cable is not used universally. This is in the US SWA isn’t used in residential.

[@tylerc819]

Well first of any underground lines should have sheathing suitable or like most people run it through conduit piping

[@WHMAGuy]

Be cautious with the blade for one and the torch for two. You definitely scorched the h.s. Tube on the sides. The defect is visible in the video. The adhesive kinda saves it here (sorta) but I can tell you as someone who is WHMA certified that I would classify this as defect class 1,2,and 3. I definitely don’t recommend the hack and slash method for any electrical repair. The splice kit is pretty interesting but be sure to know the circuit and how many amps you’re pulling and compare that to the rating of the kit. If you own the home it’s your business but if you’re renting definitely get the landlord to make a professional assessment and repair.

[@Sylvan_dB]

That cable you are splicing is not rated for underground use. Those that are, are much harder to strip. Nice tip tho, on the splice!

[@z_polarcat]

I once used a heat shrink tube like that to insulate a network junction, when I heated it up, everything inside melted and I lost all of my work

[@ferdyhagels2771]

This repair isn’t gonna last. It’s a quick fix, but not ment to be permanent. Also, you need to “scrub up” the outer skin of the cable with sandpaper or a rasp around the cable ( not lenghtwise) to create miniscule barriers and prevent water leaking in and make the glue more grippy. I’ve seen many of these “repairs” fail in the field.

[@APtechnician]

Explain the proper repair

[@Headcase0570]

The most amazing thing about this contraption is that it uses shallow flathead screws. Why would anyone still use flathead screws? What's next, rolling up to the jobsite in a steam-powered car like 'whaddup I'm a hipster you just don't get me' ?

[@SilverCymbal]

I agree but you still see flathead screws in the US on every electric screw, At best they are multi head screws that can accept flathead (of course) or square drive which gives you much more torque. We can't seem to lose the flathead

[@Headcase0570]

@@SilverCymbal Not even crossheads (I think they're called Phillips heads in the US?) or torx/hex?

[@bobbyvee8941]

Don't make the mistake that I made: I bought an identical splice kit made by Commercial, at Home Depot for $14.00. The heat shrink is cheap Chinese crap and it will take enough heat to melt the wires in order to get it to shrink. And, it never completely sealed around the wire.

[@Uvoted4this]

I chose to call in a pro but she said she only worked on things at your home that are blown. Then she asked do you have things at my home that blow quite often because she offers a discount on bulk jobs.

[@OliWarner]

Wago make gel boxes. And don't bury unarmoured cable.

[@SilverCymbal]

Those gel boxes aren't available in North America yet. I love Wago stuff but I don't see those being useful for an inline repair like this but maybe once they are approved here I may feel differently.

[@steve_main]

3:06 You have damage to your red wire and it should be replaced or at least black tape that!

[@americanliberty4898]

Now, do that in a 3' trench laying on your stomach, most of the time you'll have to add little chunk of wire and do 2 splices!

[@plurplursen7172]

hmm, next time, if ya want to open a crimped cable you can do it in a way more logical way. Another thing, you cut way way too deep with the knife. The trick is to only go 50% through the outer layer. If you want to remove a crimp, make a cut 50% through the thickness of the wall all along the crimp, and then use the heat gun to heat it up again. The crimp will tighten and open up along the cut u made, super easy! Done, my smartass electrician tip of today.

[@rachelhagins1401]

And when your done it will look like a ferrite choke!

[@igfoobar]

That cable isn't rated for direct burial. Underground feeder cable is grey.

[@MrSeth166]

First thing, the wires most be installed under the code, it most be in a schedule 40 grey PVC electrical conduit at 18 inches deep and if the surface is going to be use for a road where heavy equipment the conduit must be a schedule 80 PVC conduit.

[@SilverCymbal]

Not sure where you live but this type of cable is common in the US and meets code. Direct burial wire and cable are types of electrical service wire that can be placed directly in the ground without needing protection from conduit. These products can withstand exposure to soil, moisture, and fungus and are rated for wet, dry, and damp environments.

[@APtechnician]

Actually electrical service must be installed according to the guidelines of the AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) in the area, which may differ from what you read in the NEC.

[@xiakookle]

This is a great way of fixing underground cables but dont you think that 120 bugs is pretty expensive

[@SilverCymbal]

My Boston accent. It's under 20 bucks. This kit sells for $12US here amzn.to/34WbzDu

[@lisasmith1850]

Why can't you use this in a home? What would you use in the home?

[@SilverCymbal]

Technically it would work, but it would be unsafe and violate all building codes and be a potential fire hazard. There are regulations about electric boxes and protection for interior junctions and this would not meet them, but it can be great for it's labelled uses in outdoor circuits according to the directions.

[@lisasmith1850]

@@SilverCymbal Thanks, what can you use in the home?

[@Goal-2-Go]

Here's a tip: Always test to see if the power is off with your right hand thumb.. It's your only grounded finger..

[@Hyperlooper]

🤔🤔🤔

[@AutodidactEngineer]

I would solder them with my propane iron ;)

[@Timroin]

1:25 I don't wanna talk about how many times I've cut my hand doing that

[@JMC8415]

That underground repair will not last without using Scotchkote. Even with that "internal adhesive", it will fail.

[@salasrcp90]

The type of cable this guy is using is regular Romex cable designed for use in walls, this stuff should never be buried underground

[@charlesosteen8323]

German torque specs also are accepted...you know...Gutentyte.

[@foxxfury145]

Why would there be burried wire??

[@mhd786jna3]

Gate motor

[@jaredstone9487]

Dude sounds like NONE OF MY FRIENDS!

[@Retrocowboy100]

This is only for copper.

[@chipmagnuson2034]

Here's the million dollar question. How do you find the short with buried cable? Say Over 500' of cable. No easy way that I can figure out.

[@ThePellyCanToo]

If the buried cable has a short, then there's a good chance that it is also in contact with the earth. There is test equipment that can locate earth faults on buried cable. Which would be the easiest way that I can think of to find the short.

[@PimpMyDitchWitch]

If you have money you could use a time-domain refractometer or a thumper. Otherwise, dig it up!

[@AD-sw8yg]

FYI this is for copper wire only if you have aluminum don’t use it !!

[@on-site4094]

👍

[@rm0234]

All good until water gets in there and the cable goes down tripping the rcbos permanently

[@SilverCymbal]

True, but with this kit I don't think that will ever be an issue.

[@rm0234]

@@SilverCymbal fair enough

[@rm0234]

@@SilverCymbal im an electrician and never seen a repair joint that was able to withstand water, they all fail eventually. Will be interesting to see how this one goes

[@StrayCatHomestead]

I'd just buy a different house

[@Dmammoser1]

First

[@Sumukharao12]

This is interesting but electric tape would do the job fine

[@SilverCymbal]

100% those taped repairs always come back to haunt you

[@PimpMyDitchWitch]

@@SilverCymbal I don't know, man. A cambric, mastic, vinyl layered combo does pretty damn well!

[@JoeR203]

Flathead screws? Ewww!

[@astridmarley5072]

😍 Promo_SM!

[@SupremeRuleroftheWorld]

dont use a blowtorch or recommend the use for it. its called heat shrink, not melt shrink.

[@SilverCymbal]

The directions on this kit specify both a torch or heat gun. I normally am the first person to go nuts when people use a torch for small wire shrink products since they usually ruin the connector, this one is different. Its easily 10x the thickness

[@jayneela3077]

Looks to be too expensive.

[@SilverCymbal]

if you can't afford $12 to fix an underground line, you better just switch off the breaker and call it done.

[@michaelrauff734]

Looks like the original installer was to cheap to use the correct type of wire or burry the wire at the correct depth of 24inches (18 if in conduit).

[@mtranchi]

$120? Hmm...

[@shameer343]

10 to 20 dollars. Lol. You guys know it costs cents to produce them. I directly ring up manufacturers for things i need. Buy in bulk. (They dont take small order usually). Keep some. Sell the rest to shops which sell them at better price then their sources.

[@jrodjared]

You need gloves for that job?

[@williamholsey]

Why are you using surgical gloves. Those won't help you in any way shape or form.

[@SilverCymbal]

Sure they do, they let you see what I am doing on a camera better.

[@chaser9363]

I got only one issue with this tutorial. You make the case that you're not suppose to use this splice kit in the house, which is good. Yet you demonstrate with NM cable and not make the case its not rated for underground use. Seems like an oxymoron. Just saying. 🤔 🤦‍♂️

[@assassinlexx1993]

Here if they found that connection. The inspector would fail it. The insurance company will stop paying on the grounds of illegal connection. All this to save a few dollars. Do it right the first time. Knowing your home is still insured. 🤔

[@SilverCymbal]

If you mean underground cable, direct burial cable is routinely used throughout the US. You may be outside the US but direct bury cable is not illegal and neither is repairing it.

[@lv7603]

UF wire is legal and allowed for direct burial. I don’t like it but it’s legal and this is the type of splice used to repair it.