Unused Wires - How To Safely Isolate Them?

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Nesianstyle

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#311418 13-Jan-2024 22:39

I am removing our outside security lights and I'm not sure what I should use to put on the end of the wires so they are safe when they are not being used? A quick search on Youtube gave me wire nuts but apparently they aren't used in NZ, what is the equivalent here?

Thanks

Tinkerisk

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#3181556 13-Jan-2024 22:58

If it is outside, a waterproof cover/distribution box would be the safest, albeit most expensive, solution.

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Nesianstyle

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#3181557 13-Jan-2024 23:01

Tinkerisk:

If it is outside, a waterproof cover box would be the safest, albeit most expensive, solution.

I actually want to put them back inside the soffit as I may relocate the security light to a new position later on. I'm putting a camera where the security light was, I just don't want the wires inside the soffit exposed.

MadEngineer

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#3181558 13-Jan-2024 23:06

You’re looking for an ip56 junction box.

You're not on Atlantis anymore, Duncan Idaho.

Tinkerisk

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#3181559 13-Jan-2024 23:07

This is no professional advice!

I would fit the cables with a luster terminal, wrap them in plastic foil, seal them watertight with insulating tape and you're done.

Depending on the exposure to UV light, it will leak. In any case, the junction box is the correct solution.

SomeoneSomewhere

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#3181561 14-Jan-2024 00:23

Flexible solutions like electrical tape and plastic foil are usually not considered adequate. Sharp copper and cold flow cause punctures easily, especially if someone inadvertently steps on/leans on one.

It sounds like you want to put it in the attic space, not outside in a wet area. A junction box like this would be the standard answer. It comes with screw connectors (various names), though terminal strip/chocolate block is also acceptable.

You should also ideally disconnect the supply to them at the light switch as well.

Wire nuts alone would not be acceptable in the US. It still needs to go inside a box, and their requirements for boxes and securing cable are much stricter than ours.

Be aware of the limits of DIY work as you're rather close to them, as well as your own competency.

tweake

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#3181615 14-Jan-2024 11:09

Nesianstyle:

I am removing our outside security lights and I'm not sure what I should use to put on the end of the wires so they are safe when they are not being used? A quick search on Youtube gave me wire nuts but apparently they aren't used in NZ, what is the equivalent here?

Thanks

nothing, because you have disconnected the wire from the circuit so it cannot be made live. typically at the switch. tho i would put a bit of tape on to keep moisture out. also tape and mark the other end so someone doesn't reconnect it.

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Bung

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#3181748 14-Jan-2024 16:50

tweake:
nothing, because you have disconnected the wire from the circuit so it cannot be made live. typically at the switch. tho i would put a bit of tape on to keep moisture out. also tape and mark the other end so someone doesn't reconnect it.

Without knowing much more about the circuit you can't say nothing. The power may be wired to the light 1st (3 plate). An electrician would be needed to disconnect at the breaker.

tweake

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#3181750 14-Jan-2024 16:56

Bung:
tweake:

nothing, because you have disconnected the wire from the circuit so it cannot be made live. typically at the switch. tho i would put a bit of tape on to keep moisture out. also tape and mark the other end so someone doesn't reconnect it.

Without knowing much more about the circuit you can't say nothing. The power may be wired to the light 1st (3 plate). An electrician would be needed to disconnect at the breaker.

exactly. thats the point. you disconnect the power to it, not just cover the end and have a live stray wire floating about.

SomeoneSomewhere

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#3182054 15-Jan-2024 10:18

That's why you install a proper junction box. If it's three plated and the circuit continues on to feed other groups of lights (unlikely, but possible), you can't remove power without disconnecting something else or running extra cable.
Even if you can safely disconnect power to just that, putting it in a labelled JB avoids giving anyone a scare in future.

SomeoneSomewhere

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#3182056 15-Jan-2024 10:23

Remember that a homeowner cannot do any switchboard work (including disconnecting circuits), cannot run extra cable, and I would argue cannot reconnect disconnected cable because that's extending a circuit.