{"wikiid":417898,"langid":"en","namespace":"CATEGORY","title":"Damaged Wire","revisionid":1210471,"contents_raw":"== Background and Identification ==\n\nWires are cylindrical cords of metal, commonly surrounded by insulation. They are used to either bear weight or conduct electricity. For this reason, wires have a range of applications throughout different industries. Applications for wire include suspension bridges, springs, electronics, telephone cables, electric power transmission, heating, etc.\n\nWire comes in various fundamental forms, including solid core, braided, or stranded forms. In addition to having functional purposes, wire can also be used for decorative or amusement purposes, like jewelry and slinkies. In fact, wire was first used in jewelry making, originating in Egypt around 2890 BC.\n\nDamaged electrical wires can be the culprit for various electronic malfunctions. Damaged wires can usually be replaced fairly easily, as long as the wires are accessible without destroying the device. Generally, the same wire repair mechanism can be applied to all electrical wire types because all wires need to have a solid electrical and physical connection, achieved by crimping wire ends together and applying heat shrink. There are, however, numerous different types of electrical wires. Available electrical wires differ in their size (gauge), material, insulation, etc. Types of wire include NM-B wire, cat5e wire, bare copper wire, cat6 wire, and UF-B wire.\n\nDamaged wire can be identified by examining the wire for physical malformations\/breakage in the insulation or metal strands. If electrical wire is not conducting electrical current, it most likely has an identifiable physical deformity.\n\n== Additional Information ==\n\n* [link|https:\/\/www.lowes.com\/c\/Electrical-wire-cable-Electrical|Electrical Wire & Cable (Lowe\u2019s)]\n* [link|https:\/\/www.homedepot.com\/b\/Electrical-Wire\/N-5yc1vZbm7v|Wire (Home Depot)]\n* [link|https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wire|Wire (Wikipedia)]\n\n*  [link|https:\/\/www.inspectionsupport.com\/resources\/everything-on-lighting-from-wiring-to-home-decor\/|Home Wiring Tips]","contents_json":{"type":"doc","content":[{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":2},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"Background and Identification"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Wires are cylindrical cords of metal, commonly surrounded by insulation. They are used to either bear weight or conduct electricity. For this reason, wires have a range of applications throughout different industries. Applications for wire include suspension bridges, springs, electronics, telephone cables, electric power transmission, heating, etc."}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Wire comes in various fundamental forms, including solid core, braided, or stranded forms. In addition to having functional purposes, wire can also be used for decorative or amusement purposes, like jewelry and slinkies. In fact, wire was first used in jewelry making, originating in Egypt around 2890 BC."}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Damaged electrical wires can be the culprit for various electronic malfunctions. Damaged wires can usually be replaced fairly easily, as long as the wires are accessible without destroying the device. Generally, the same wire repair mechanism can be applied to all electrical wire types because all wires need to have a solid electrical and physical connection, achieved by crimping wire ends together and applying heat shrink. There are, however, numerous different types of electrical wires. Available electrical wires differ in their size (gauge), material, insulation, etc. Types of wire include NM-B wire, cat5e wire, bare copper wire, cat6 wire, and UF-B wire."}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Damaged wire can be identified by examining the wire for physical malformations\/breakage in the insulation or metal strands. If electrical wire is not conducting electrical current, it most likely has an identifiable physical deformity."}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":2},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"Additional Information"}]},{"type":"bulletList","attrs":[],"content":[{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"link","attrs":{"href":"https:\/\/www.lowes.com\/c\/Electrical-wire-cable-Electrical","target":false}}],"text":"Electrical Wire & Cable (Lowe\u2019s)"}]}]},{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"link","attrs":{"href":"https:\/\/www.homedepot.com\/b\/Electrical-Wire\/N-5yc1vZbm7v","target":false}}],"text":"Wire (Home Depot)"}]}]},{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"link","attrs":{"href":"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wire","target":false}}],"text":"Wire (Wikipedia)"}]}]}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"*  "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"link","attrs":{"href":"https:\/\/www.inspectionsupport.com\/resources\/everything-on-lighting-from-wiring-to-home-decor\/","target":false}}],"text":"Home Wiring Tips"}]}]},"contents_rendered":"<div class=\"clearer\"><\/div><div class=\"headerContainer\"><a class=\"selfLink\" href=\"#Section_Background_and_Identification\" title=\"Link to this section\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span    class=\"fa-svg-icon\"><svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 576 512\" overflow=\"visible\"><!--! Font Awesome Pro 7.3.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license (Commercial License) Copyright 2026 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M427.5 88c-21.4 0-42.2 6.9-59.3 19.4-11.4-11.7-24.4-22.1-38.4-30.7 27-23.6 61.7-36.7 97.7-36.7 82 0 148.5 66.5 148.5 148.5 0 39.4-15.6 77.1-43.5 105l-79.1 79.1c-27.8 27.8-65.6 43.5-105 43.5-82 0-148.5-66.5-148.5-148.5 0-17.9 3.2-35.5 9.4-51.9 4.6-12.4 18.5-18.7 30.9-14.1S259 220 254.4 232.4c-4.2 11.1-6.4 23-6.4 35.2 0 55.5 45 100.5 100.5 100.5 26.6 0 52.2-10.6 71-29.4l79.1-79.1C517.4 240.6 528 215.1 528 188.5 528 133 483 88 427.5 88zm-200 56c-26.6 0-52.2 10.6-71 29.4L77.4 252.5c-18.8 18.8-29.4 44.4-29.4 71 0 55.5 45 100.5 100.5 100.5 21.4 0 42.2-6.9 59.3-19.4 11.4 11.8 24.4 22.1 38.4 30.7-27 23.6-61.7 36.7-97.7 36.7-82 0-148.5-66.5-148.5-148.5 0-39.4 15.6-77.1 43.5-105l79.1-79.1c27.8-27.8 65.6-43.5 105-43.5 82 0 148.5 66.5 148.5 148.5 0 17.9-3.2 35.5-9.4 51.9-4.6 12.4-18.5 18.7-30.9 14.1S317 292 321.6 279.6c4.2-11.1 6.4-23 6.4-35.1 0-55.5-45-100.5-100.5-100.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><h2 id=\"Section_Background_and_Identification\" class=\"header\">Background and Identification<\/h2><\/div>\n\n<p>Wires are cylindrical cords of metal, commonly surrounded by insulation. They are used to either bear weight or conduct electricity. For this reason, wires have a range of applications throughout different industries. Applications for wire include suspension bridges, springs, electronics, telephone cables, electric power transmission, heating, etc.<\/p>\n\n<p>Wire comes in various fundamental forms, including solid core, braided, or stranded forms. In addition to having functional purposes, wire can also be used for decorative or amusement purposes, like jewelry and slinkies. In fact, wire was first used in jewelry making, originating in Egypt around 2890 BC.<\/p>\n\n<p>Damaged electrical wires can be the culprit for various electronic malfunctions. Damaged wires can usually be replaced fairly easily, as long as the wires are accessible without destroying the device. Generally, the same wire repair mechanism can be applied to all electrical wire types because all wires need to have a solid electrical and physical connection, achieved by crimping wire ends together and applying heat shrink. There are, however, numerous different types of electrical wires. Available electrical wires differ in their size (gauge), material, insulation, etc. Types of wire include NM-B wire, cat5e wire, bare copper wire, cat6 wire, and UF-B wire.<\/p>\n\n<p>Damaged wire can be identified by examining the wire for physical malformations\/breakage in the insulation or metal strands. If electrical wire is not conducting electrical current, it most likely has an identifiable physical deformity.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"clearer\"><\/div><div class=\"headerContainer\"><a class=\"selfLink\" href=\"#Section_Additional_Information\" title=\"Link to this section\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span    class=\"fa-svg-icon\"><svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 576 512\" overflow=\"visible\"><!--! Font Awesome Pro 7.3.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license (Commercial License) Copyright 2026 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M427.5 88c-21.4 0-42.2 6.9-59.3 19.4-11.4-11.7-24.4-22.1-38.4-30.7 27-23.6 61.7-36.7 97.7-36.7 82 0 148.5 66.5 148.5 148.5 0 39.4-15.6 77.1-43.5 105l-79.1 79.1c-27.8 27.8-65.6 43.5-105 43.5-82 0-148.5-66.5-148.5-148.5 0-17.9 3.2-35.5 9.4-51.9 4.6-12.4 18.5-18.7 30.9-14.1S259 220 254.4 232.4c-4.2 11.1-6.4 23-6.4 35.2 0 55.5 45 100.5 100.5 100.5 26.6 0 52.2-10.6 71-29.4l79.1-79.1C517.4 240.6 528 215.1 528 188.5 528 133 483 88 427.5 88zm-200 56c-26.6 0-52.2 10.6-71 29.4L77.4 252.5c-18.8 18.8-29.4 44.4-29.4 71 0 55.5 45 100.5 100.5 100.5 21.4 0 42.2-6.9 59.3-19.4 11.4 11.8 24.4 22.1 38.4 30.7-27 23.6-61.7 36.7-97.7 36.7-82 0-148.5-66.5-148.5-148.5 0-39.4 15.6-77.1 43.5-105l79.1-79.1c27.8-27.8 65.6-43.5 105-43.5 82 0 148.5 66.5 148.5 148.5 0 17.9-3.2 35.5-9.4 51.9-4.6 12.4-18.5 18.7-30.9 14.1S317 292 321.6 279.6c4.2-11.1 6.4-23 6.4-35.1 0-55.5-45-100.5-100.5-100.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><h2 id=\"Section_Additional_Information\" class=\"header\">Additional Information<\/h2><\/div>\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lowes.com\/c\/Electrical-wire-cable-Electrical\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Electrical Wire &amp; Cable (Lowe\u2019s)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homedepot.com\/b\/Electrical-Wire\/N-5yc1vZbm7v\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Wire (Home Depot)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wire\">Wire (Wikipedia)<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n<p>*  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inspectionsupport.com\/resources\/everything-on-lighting-from-wiring-to-home-decor\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Home Wiring Tips<\/a><\/p>","linked_wikis":[],"can_edit":true,"available_langids":["en","de","es","fr","it","jp","ko","nl","pt","ru","tr","zh"],"ancestors":[{"dataType":"wiki","wikiid":24940,"langid":"en","title":"Electronics Skills","display_title":"Electronics Skills","namespace":"CATEGORY","summary":"Learn about the skills that you might need to work on your device.","url":"https:\/\/www.ifixit.com\/Device\/Electronics_Skills","text":"Learn about the skills that you might need to work on your device.","image":{"id":3076779,"guid":"cmuCAKLrWhXHb1vt","mini":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/cmuCAKLrWhXHb1vt.mini","thumbnail":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/cmuCAKLrWhXHb1vt.thumbnail","140x105":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/cmuCAKLrWhXHb1vt.140x105","200x150":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/cmuCAKLrWhXHb1vt.200x150","standard":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/cmuCAKLrWhXHb1vt.standard","440x330":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/cmuCAKLrWhXHb1vt.440x330","medium":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/cmuCAKLrWhXHb1vt.medium","large":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/cmuCAKLrWhXHb1vt.large","huge":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/cmuCAKLrWhXHb1vt.huge","original":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/cmuCAKLrWhXHb1vt.full"},"modified_date":1724345161,"author":699092},{"dataType":"wiki","wikiid":9470,"langid":"en","title":"Skills","display_title":"Skills","namespace":"CATEGORY","summary":"There are so many things we could do if we only knew how. This area aims to catalog most specialized skills necessary to perform certain kinds of repairs.","url":"https:\/\/www.ifixit.com\/Device\/Skills","text":"There are so many things we could do if we only knew how. This area aims to catalog most specialized skills necessary to perform certain kinds of repairs.","image":{"id":3083065,"guid":"6xnCqymZPROSN1fY","mini":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/6xnCqymZPROSN1fY.mini","thumbnail":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/6xnCqymZPROSN1fY.thumbnail","140x105":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/6xnCqymZPROSN1fY.140x105","200x150":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/6xnCqymZPROSN1fY.200x150","standard":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/6xnCqymZPROSN1fY.standard","440x330":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/6xnCqymZPROSN1fY.440x330","medium":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/6xnCqymZPROSN1fY.medium","large":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/6xnCqymZPROSN1fY.large","huge":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/6xnCqymZPROSN1fY.huge","original":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/6xnCqymZPROSN1fY.full"},"modified_date":1792695294,"author":273546},{"dataType":"wiki","wikiid":11000,"langid":"en","title":"Root","display_title":"Root","namespace":"CATEGORY","summary":"","url":"https:\/\/www.ifixit.com\/Device\/Root","text":"Repair guides, manuals, and troubleshooting help for Root. Get everything you need to repair your Root yourself.","image":{"id":243440,"guid":"bhofAWyrmGwRFlak","mini":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/bhofAWyrmGwRFlak.mini","thumbnail":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/bhofAWyrmGwRFlak.thumbnail","140x105":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/bhofAWyrmGwRFlak.140x105","200x150":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/bhofAWyrmGwRFlak.200x150","standard":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/bhofAWyrmGwRFlak.standard","440x330":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/bhofAWyrmGwRFlak.440x330","medium":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/bhofAWyrmGwRFlak.medium","large":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/bhofAWyrmGwRFlak.large","original":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/bhofAWyrmGwRFlak.full"},"modified_date":1705097689,"author":1}],"created_date":1589222871,"modified_date":1711400478,"is_troubleshooting":false,"authors":[{"userid":3399692,"percent":16.67,"username":"Carsten Frauenheim","avatar_url":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/p1cHBpItoOEfNENt.thumbnail","profile_url":"https:\/\/www.ifixit.com\/User\/3399692\/Carsten+Frauenheim"},{"userid":3369971,"percent":50,"username":"Claire Franz","avatar_url":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/KxcFdc1ejH5lpPmb.thumbnail","profile_url":"https:\/\/www.ifixit.com\/User\/3369971\/Claire+Franz"},{"userid":4165074,"percent":16.67,"username":"lindanezdulkina","avatar_url":"https:\/\/assets.cdn.ifixit.com\/static\/images\/avatars\/User\/ifixit\/avatar-4.thumbnail","profile_url":"https:\/\/www.ifixit.com\/User\/4165074\/lindanezdulkina"},{"userid":1,"percent":16.67,"username":"iRobot","avatar_url":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/AjiayMD6LWqf5FAL.thumbnail","profile_url":"https:\/\/www.ifixit.com\/User\/1\/iRobot"}],"tags":[],"unreviewed_machine_translation":false,"flags":[],"image":{"id":2167058,"guid":"h2M2pBtaL1FHEIYW","mini":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/h2M2pBtaL1FHEIYW.mini","thumbnail":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/h2M2pBtaL1FHEIYW.thumbnail","140x105":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/h2M2pBtaL1FHEIYW.140x105","200x150":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/h2M2pBtaL1FHEIYW.200x150","standard":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/h2M2pBtaL1FHEIYW.standard","440x330":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/h2M2pBtaL1FHEIYW.440x330","medium":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/h2M2pBtaL1FHEIYW.medium","large":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/h2M2pBtaL1FHEIYW.large","huge":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/h2M2pBtaL1FHEIYW.huge","original":"https:\/\/guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com\/igi\/h2M2pBtaL1FHEIYW.full"},"documents":[],"author":3399692,"display_title":"Damaged 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