ECN Forum Forums Photo Discussion Forums Violation Photo Forum Damaged Cable

Photo submitted via Joe Tedesco;

Could the person who sent this in provide any background info?

Sweet!
Pretty scary way to mount NM cable!

Yes, I can.
I'm sorry if I sent it wrong but it was in my email. This was from a customer who called complaining that her post lamp was not working. After tracing the wiring we found that it was fed from an outside light. The UF cable came out of the fixture and was tucked into the door frame where the aluminum siding was butted into. It was then covered in caulking. From there it went into the ground. As you can see it had to be there at least 10 to 15 years. Nails were driven into the center of the UF cable at regular intervals. Is this an approved method of fastening the cable? (Joking, Of course) I was suprised it lasted this long without causing fire damage or injury. Wowsers!!!!!

Blessings. Mark

Mark,

(I think Joe misplaced the information)

This looks all too familiar. I've dug up many UF cables that look like this too. A nicked UF cable will eventually end up like this. One clue is when the breaker trips when it rains.

Ah, the joys of troubleshooting ...


Bill