Knowledge Builders

how do you remove old wires from a wall

by Effie Eichmann Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Instructions

  • Use a razor blade to score the paint around the panel.
  • Unscrew the panel and pull from the wall.
  • Pull out the cords and cover the ends with electrical tape.
  • Push the cords into the hole in the wall.
  • Use the drywall patch kit to patch the hole. Attach the mesh, and then spackle over the patch.
  • Sand and wipe clean.
  • Paint to match your walls.

For modern stapled-up wiring, grip the staples with the tip of a pair of diagonal pliers, then lever downward to remove them. You can also use a tack puller, a small tool that looks like a forked screwdriver with a bend in its shaft.Jan 29, 2017

Full Answer

How do you remove electrical wires from the wall?

Remove the wires by pulling them through the wall or conduit. Pull gently -- don't yank them. This will prevent damage if they get caught on something in a wall space or conduit.

How do you get wires out of a power cord?

This loosens the wires, and you can simply pull them through. For modern stapled-up wiring, grip the staples with the tip of a pair of diagonal pliers, then lever downward to remove them. You can also use a tack puller, a small tool that looks like a forked screwdriver with a bend in its shaft.

How do you get wires out of a door frame?

If it's knob-and-tube type wiring (easily recognized by the white porcelain fittings to which the wire is mounted), you'll first need to pry out the knobs, which are nailed into the framing. This loosens the wires, and you can simply pull them through.

What to do with abandoned electrical wires?

Here's a zinger for you. There's no NEC requirement that the end of an abandoned cable, energized or not, be inside a junction box. You can tape or wire nut it off and stuff it inside the wall, if you want to, and that's legal. Here's a zinger for you.

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Does old wiring have to be removed?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires the removal of some, but not all types of abandoned wiring. The mandate is generally applicable to what is commonly called low-voltage wiring, although this term never occurs in the NEC.

How do you remove old cable wires from a wall?

0:411:53COAX OUTLET REMOVAL - HOW TO - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first thing remove the coolax cable if you have one attached next unscrew the coax wall plate.MoreSo first thing remove the coolax cable if you have one attached next unscrew the coax wall plate. Just two screws. Next unscrew the wall plate from the collects inside the wall.

Can you leave old wires in wall?

It's acceptable to leave wire in the walls. The only thing you need to do is leave the ends exposed in boxes and wire nut and tape the to legs together. That will indicate to an electrician what's going on, and if someone does try to tie into them in the future it will just pop the breaker.

Is it safe to cut an old cable wire?

A: Cable and phone wires don't carry current, so it's safe to remove them. However, it's critical not to cut into a power line, as you know.

Can you get electrocuted from a cable line?

Any device or cable running at or below 50V likely won't cause any harm or give you a strong electrical shock. However, if the system is not installed correctly, you could have high currents on your cables. Also, some old-style televisions, like Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) TV's have voltages around 25,000V.

What happens if you cut a cable line?

Just a reminder that a cable or line that is cut or damaged, whether on your property or elsewhere, will be repaired or replaced to facilitate transmission of data, video and voice and be charged and billed to those responsible for the property damage.

How do you remove old electrical?

0:253:18How to Remove an Old Electrical Outlet Box - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI took the way mud and mortar from around the perimeter of the box.MoreI took the way mud and mortar from around the perimeter of the box.

What do you do with old wires?

If you can't reuse them or find someone else who will use them, take your old wires and cables to the nearest e-waste recycling facility. Many companies that accept electronics for recycling, such as Best Buy, may also accept cables, wires, and cords.

Do you need to cap electrical wires?

Capping off electrical wires is necessary to safely remove a device from a circuit. A wire capable of being made hot by turning on a circuit breaker or replacing a fuse needs to be capped off if not connected to a load or some electrical device. An energized wire is a shock hazard to a person making contact with it.

Can you cut cable wire with scissors?

Avoid using scissors to cut wire. It is best to use a wire cutter or plier hand tool rather than using scissors or a blade. Even a sharp pair of scissors may not cut through wire without damaging the internal metal.

Is it safe to cut cable wire from wall?

Yes, you can remove all that coaxial cable and those ethernet wires in your walls and basement. Those wires don't carry electricity and are generally safe to remove.

How do you cut cable wires?

1:307:06How to Cut Custom Length Video Cables - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMy finger down which will open up where the blade is for the cable I stick one cable. Inside IMoreMy finger down which will open up where the blade is for the cable I stick one cable. Inside I release then with my thumb I twist around there's razor blades in here that are actually cutting.

How to remove staples from wiring?

For modern stapled-up wiring, grip the staples with the tip of a pair of diagonal pliers, then lever downward to remove them. You can also use a tack puller, a small tool that looks like a forked screwdriver with a bend in its shaft.

What does it mean when you have old disconnected wiring?

Old, disconnected wiring is a common sight when you open the walls, floors, and ceilings in an old house. It's a good idea to remove it for several reasons, but before I get into that, the most important thing to be sure of is that the wiring is truly dead.

Why do you fill old wiring with fire blocker foam?

Those holes can also lead to cold drafts. More important, the holes form a ready path for hot combustion gases in the event of a fire. Which is why you filled them up with fire-blocking foam.

Can you put abandoned wires in a junction box?

There's no NEC requirement that the end of an abandoned cable, energized or not, be inside a junction box. You can tape or wire nut it off and stuff it inside the wall, if you want to, and that's legal. Click to expand... At least twist all the wires together. W.

Can you tape an abandoned cable?

There's no NEC requirement that the end of an abandoned cable, energized or not, be inside a junction box. You can tape or wire nut it off and stuff it inside the wall, if you want to, and that's legal. Click to expand... Good luck getting that passed.

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1.Videos of How Do You Remove Old wires from A Wall

Url:/videos/search?q=how+do+you+remove+old+wires+from+a+wall&qpvt=how+do+you+remove+old+wires+from+a+wall&FORM=VDRE

30 hours ago How do you remove old wires from a wall? For modern stapled-up wiring , grip the staples with the tip of a pair of diagonal pliers, then lever downward to remove them. You can also use a tack puller, a small tool that looks like a forked screwdriver with a bend in its shaft.

2.How to Remove Electrical Wires | Hunker

Url:https://www.hunker.com/13414103/how-to-remove-electrical-wires

7 hours ago How to Remove Electrical Wires. Step 1. Check with your city or municipality code about DIYers performing electrical work. This can change from location to location. Some cities ... Step 2. Step 3. Step 4. Step 5.

3.What to Do When You Find Old, Disconnected Wiring …

Url:https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/interior-projects/a24937/what-to-do-about-old-disconnected-wires/

36 hours ago  · If the wires are truly dead no need for wire nuts or Jboxes. Shove back into the stud space if you can. At the Panel push them out of the panel if possible. (I believe when you write "shielded wires" you really mean insulated. Shielded and insulated are two separate things.)

4.A safe way to get rid of all those old cable and phone wires

Url:https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/a-safe-way-to-get-rid-of-all-those-old-cable-and-phone-wires/2019/03/29/364f5f48-4cd2-11e9-9663-00ac73f49662_story.html

9 hours ago  · How to rewire an old house series. Remove old 2 wire cable and install Romex with ground. Replace a cable between 1st and 2nd floor shown in this video.

5.Replace Old Wiring in House With Romex - Outside Wall

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dJIJzohZwM

22 hours ago  · Here's a zinger for you. There's no NEC requirement that the end of an abandoned cable, energized or not, be inside a junction box. You can tape or wire nut it off and stuff it inside the wall, if you want to, and that's legal. At least twist all the wires together. W.

6.The best way to abandon an old wire. - Electrician Talk

Url:https://www.electriciantalk.com/threads/the-best-way-to-abandon-an-old-wire.18565/

17 hours ago Loosen the terminal screws that hold each wire, using a screwdriver, and disconnect each wire from its terminal. Pull the cable away from the junction box once all the wires are disconnected. Cut off the tip of each wire to remove any exposed copper wire, using diagonal pliers.

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