Repairing Guides

how to repair underground cable line

by Dillon Reynolds MD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Part of a video titled How to Fix Damaged Electric Wire Underground - Made Easy
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This is heat shrink tubing. But it's super thick and inside is a special type of glue or adhesiveMoreThis is heat shrink tubing. But it's super thick and inside is a special type of glue or adhesive that'll melt under heat. And that's going to seal the entire connection.

Full Answer

How do you fix a broken underground connector?

Underground connector Use a splice block to fix a severed cable. Replace the whole section of cable that you dug up with the same gauge UF (underground feeder) cable. Cut the cable about 12 in. on either side of the break.

What to do if you accidentally cut an underground electrical wire?

Accidentally cut an underground electrical wire? The easiest way to repair it is with an underground splice kit, which uses a rustproof connector to repair and seal the break. If you’re digging holes in your backyard, you should always call 811 a few days beforehand to mark all the underground utilities.

How do I fix a broken cable on a basement floor?

Replace the whole section of cable that you dug up with the same gauge UF (underground feeder) cable. Cut the cable about 12 in. on either side of the break. Then strip back the sheathing 2 in. and the wire insulation 5/8 in. Use two special underground splice kits (sold at home centers) to connect the new cable section.

How do you fix buried outdoor cables?

Sometimes things can go wrong with buried outdoor cables, especially when lawn tools are involved. When it turns out that something has cut one or your underground wires, you can use a splice kit to fix it. All you need to do is follow a few simple steps and use a few key pieces of equipment for a proper solution.

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How do you repair an underground coaxial cable?

1:1117:07INEXPENSIVE Low Loss Coax Cable Repair(Tube Method) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo do the repair you're going to need heat shrink tubing. Like this six inches long with glue on theMoreTo do the repair you're going to need heat shrink tubing. Like this six inches long with glue on the inside if you do not have glue on the inside.

How do you fix a severed cable line?

0:423:38How To Fix A Cut Coaxial Cable-F Connector Repair Tutorial - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTool right over here just like that we're actually going to feed the cable. In and it just seatsMoreTool right over here just like that we're actually going to feed the cable. In and it just seats perfectly right there and we're going to crimp it down you're going to see that blue line disappear.

How do you splice cable underground?

How to Splice an Underground Coaxial CableLocate the break in the cable. Dig up the cable and trace it from your house to the pole outside. ... Dry off both sides of the cable break with the dry rag. ... Attach the male connectors to each side of the break. ... Wrap the splice with plastic.

How do you fix a cut underground phone line?

0:067:38How to repair your cut telephone line with an external waterproof jointYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCable. You can use this little repair joint. And it won't it will there repair it nicely for you soMoreCable. You can use this little repair joint. And it won't it will there repair it nicely for you so let me just open up and show you these are really good qualities these this is made by Tyco.

What happens if I cut my 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 deep do Internet lines need to be buried?

Bury in the Ground: Dig 24 inches At 24-in. -deep, run direct-bury UF-B wire cable. There's one restriction: It needs a conduit where the cable is exposed on the outside of the house and to 18 inches below the ground.

Can you splice underground electrical cable?

Accidentally cut an underground electrical wire? The easiest way to repair it is with an underground splice kit, which uses a rustproof connector to repair and seal the break.

Can you splice a cable line?

0:001:33TV & Electronics : How to Splice Coaxial Cables - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTogether like this let's say all you have to do is cut the cable with special cable strippers youMoreTogether like this let's say all you have to do is cut the cable with special cable strippers you could use a knife if you knew exactly what dimensions the cable had to be spliced in it what depth.

Can I splice service entrance cable?

Service-entrance conductors can be spliced or tapped per 110.14, 300.5(E), 300.13, and 300.15 [230.46]. While the NEC allows this, maintenance considerations often make this method inadvisable. Remember, the NEC doesn't tell you how to design an optimal installation [90.1].

What happens if you dig up a phone line?

Hitting a buried line while digging can disrupt utility service, cost money to repair, or cause serious injury or death. Always contact your 811 center, wait the required time for utilities to respond to your request, and ensure that all utilities have responded to your request before putting a shovel in the ground.

Can you cut and rejoin an Ethernet cable?

Splicing Ethernet cables is an easy way to make damaged cables functional again, because you can remove the damaged portion of the cables and splice the remaining pieces together.

How do you repair a cut fiber optic cable?

1:126:28Fiber Optic Cable Repair - (Can fibre optic cable be joined?) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe ends are cut back to where the damage has occurred on each damage. Point then to reconnect theMoreThe ends are cut back to where the damage has occurred on each damage. Point then to reconnect the link a new piece of fiber cable is inserted between the two points and spliced twice.

Can you repair a cut Ethernet cable?

If the wire has an area that is mangled, cut that area out. Determine which splicing technique you will use for splicing the small (usually 22-28 AWG) wires together. Use a technique that you feel comfortable using. As long as there is continuity through your splice, it should work.

Step 1 - Purchase Electronic Monitoring Equipment

If you don’t know the location of the break, you can purchase electronic locating equipment at most electrical supply houses or big box stores. The...

Step 2 - Call The Phone and Utility Companies

Another alternative is to phone your local electric company and use their locating service. Most provide this service for free when locating the ma...

Step 3 - Dig Up The Affected Wire

First and most importantly, make sure you turn main electrical supply off before digging or attempting any repair to, or addition to, the electrica...

Step 4 - Purchase Junction Boxes and Cable Connectors

If you are going to add additional circuitry to your existing wire underground, purchase waterproof junction boxes where connections can be made in...

Step 5 - Use A Splice Kit

A splice kit containing an inline connector will join the two ends of a break securely in a polyolefin sleeve, which will shrink when heat is appli...

How to repair a wire underground?

Use a non-contact voltage tester afterward to confirm that the cable is no longer live. Then, dig along the sight path between the electric cables exit and entry points.

What to do when you have buried wires?

When it turns out that something has cut one or your underground wires, you can use a splice kit to fix it. All you need to do is follow a few simple steps and use a few key pieces of equipment for a proper solution.

What is a special sealing box connector?

Special sealing box cable connectors provide the waterproof seal for the electrical wiring that enters the box as well. These are a must when joining wires together in the watertight box. They have silicone inside the connector which will seal out the moisture after you have inserted the wiring.

How to splice a wire?

Before you use the splice kit, you will need to cut the damaged wiring on either side of the break, and strip the outer sheathing back about three inches. Then, insert each conductor into the connector and match the colors. Tighten the screws in the connector, and heat the shrink tube with a heat gun to complete the seal.

Why do you need waterproof junction boxes?

If you are going to add additional circuitry to your existing wire underground, purchase waterproof junction boxes where connections can be made inside the box. This will protect the connections from corroding due to moisture and chemical elements from the surrounding ground.

What is a splice kit?

A splice kit containing an inline connector will join the two ends of a break securely in a polyolefin sleeve, which will shrink when heat is applied , to maintain a water-resistant connection. Inside the heat shrinkable tubing is an adhesive liner that will melt when heated. This will coat the connection and cover the wire with adhesive, oozing out the ends of the tubing as it shrinks. This method can be used if wiring is deep in the ground and no possible damage from gardening tools hitting it.

Step 1: Tools

Left to right: wire cutter, cable trimmer,something to kneel on. Make sure the cable trimmer has an RG-6 setting. You can buy the cable trimmer at Home Depot or any hardware store that stocks cable parts and supplies.

Step 2: Supplies

Left to right: 2 F-F RG-6 compatible cable adapters, 2 twist on RG-6 F connectors, 1 6' length of RG-6 cable (with F connectors already attached). In case F and F-adapter terminology is confusing, it means this: An F connector has internal threads (and a wire poking out from the center) to connect to another cable section. But what if you have 2 F connectors and you want to connect them together? Then you use an F-adapter, which has external threads on both sides to attach to the F connectors..

Step 3: Make a Clean Cut on the Cable

This just makes it easier to attach the twist on F-connector. From here on out, the steps should be applied to both cable ends.

Step 4: Strip the Cable

Not shown: Using the wire cutters, carefully cut away the entire covering of the cable, to expose the little wire right in the middle. Make this cut about 1/4 inch from the end. Then strip the cable using the RG-6 setting on your cable stripper.

Step 5: Attach Twist on Connectors

Slide them over the cable ends and twist them clockwise to tighten. The inner wire should poke through the end of the connector about 1/8 inch after you are done.

Step 7: Attach the 6' Cable to Each F-adapter

Job done! Now go inside and play some games on the internet! Oh, and don't forget to call the cable company so they can do a permanent fix.

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Assess The Damage

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If you’re digging holes in your backyard, you should always call 811 a few days beforehand to mark all the underground utilities. Unfortunately, privately owned wiring will not be marked, so it’s still possible to strike an electrical cable. It’s especially likely if you’re digging between the house and a freestanding garage, sh…
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Gel-Filled Splice Kit Repair

  • Start by cutting out the damaged sections. Then cut, separate and strip the ends of the buried cable (Photo 1). Do the same for the additional section of cable (if needed). Next, secure the wires in the brass holder (Photo 2). Locate the splice block in the protective shield (Photo 3). Wrap the shield around the splice and secure it (Photo 4). Then repower the circuit to make sure the splic…
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Required Tools For This Project

  • Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration. 1. 4-in-1 screwdriver 2. Lineman's pliers 3. Non-contact voltage tester 4. Spade 5. Utility knife 6. Wire stripper/cutter
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Required Materials For This Project

  • Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list. 1. Heat-shrinkable underground splice kit or Gel-filled wrap-around splice kit 2. Surveyor’s tape 3. UF cable
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