3 Simple Ways To Fix Exposed Electrical Wire - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Fix Exposed Electrical Wire PDF download Download Article A comprehensive guide on repairing minor cable damage Co-authored by Marvin Woo and Eric McClure

Last Updated: December 9, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Fixing Exposed Electrical Wire with Electrical Tape
  • |
  • With Sugru
  • |
  • With Heat Shrink
  • |
  • Key Safety Information
  • |
  • Can you use a charger with a frayed wire?
  • |
  • Video
  • |
  • Expert Q&A
  • |
  • Tips
  • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Marvin Woo and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Marvin Woo is a licensed electrician and the Owner of Woo's Electrical & Appliance based in East O’ahu. With over two decades of experience, he specializes in troubleshooting issues and maintaining residential electrical systems. Marvin is both licensed and insured to complete electrical work in the state of Hawaii. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 180,788 times.

When electrical cables get moved around and bent a lot, sometimes the outer jacket can get ripped and expose the electrical wires inside. This situation is especially common with frequently used cables like phone and laptop chargers. If you see exposed wires in your electrical cables, fix them as soon as possible to prevent the problem from getting worse. Remember, always test exposed wires with a multimeter to confirm they’re not live, and wear insulated gloves and goggles to protect yourself from potential shocks.

How to Fix Exposed Wires and Cables

The best way to deal with minor damage on a wire is to sheathe it. You can do this with Sugru putty or heat shrink wrap, although the easiest and fastest option is usually to wrap the exposed wire with electrical tape.

Steps

Section 1 of 5:

Fixing Exposed Electrical Wire with Electrical Tape

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Stick electrical tape over the exposed wire and wrap it around once. 1 Stick electrical tape over the exposed wire and wrap it around once. Peel up the end from a roll of electrical tape and center it over the area of the cable with the exposed wire. Press it down on top of the exposed section and wrap it tightly around the damaged area.[1] This method works to repair minor damage in any type of electrical cable.
    • Warning: Do not use duct tape or any other type of tape to cover exposed wire. Electrical tape is insulated and specially made for electrical applications.
    • Electrical tape comes in different colors, so you can try to find a color that most closely matches the cable you want to repair if you care about the aesthetics. Keep in mind that the electrical tape can get worn out and torn over time, so you might have to replace it eventually with a fresh layer.
  2. Step 2 Wrap the tape tightly around the wire 2-3 more times and cut it. 2 Wrap the tape tightly around the wire 2-3 more times and cut it. Continue to wrap the tape around the damaged area, directly on top of the first revolution you made. Loop the tape over itself so that each layer you add has no gaps. Cut the tape when you complete 2-3 more full wraps and press the end down.[2]
    • Wrapping the tape more than once will help this quick fix last longer and help prevent further damage to the cable.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Add additional layers of tape for added security, as needed. 3 Add additional layers of tape for added security, as needed. Stick the end of the electrical tape on the cable just to the side of the damaged area you already taped around, overlapping it slightly with the first section of tape. Wrap it around the cable 3-4 times, then cut or tear it. Repeat this for the other side of the first taped area.[3]
    • Covering the undamaged areas of the cable to the side of the area with the exposed wire that you wrapped first will strengthen the cable and help prevent further damage to the area.
  4. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

Fixing Exposed Electrical Wire with Sugru

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Open a packet of Sugru and knead the putty for about 30 seconds. 1 Open a packet of Sugru and knead the putty for about 30 seconds. Rip open a pack of single-use Sugru and pull out the silicone rubber putty. Squish it back and forth between your fingers for about 30 seconds to warm it up and make it more moldable.[4]
    • Sugru is a moldable, adhesive silicone rubber putty that hardens into a rubber-like outer jacket when it cures.

    Warning: Do not use Sugru putty for high-voltage cables or DIY electrical work. Only use this method to fix exposed wires in low-voltage cables like electronic device chargers or headphone cords.[5]

  2. Step 2 Roll the putty out into a long, thin rectangular shape. 2 Roll the putty out into a long, thin rectangular shape. Place the putty on a flat surface and roll it back and forth with your fingers until it becomes long and thin. Press it down with your hand until it flattens into more of a rectangle so that you can wrap it around your cable.[6]
  3. Step 3 Wrap the Sugru putty around the damaged area and smooth it out. 3 Wrap the Sugru putty around the damaged area and smooth it out. Center the Sugru over the section of cable with the exposed wire and wrap it around the cable tightly. Press the edges of the putty together where they meet and firmly rub the Sugru with your fingertips to smooth out the seam and remove any fingerprints.[7]
    • If the area you’re repairing is close to the wall adapter or power adapter end of the cable, make sure to press the Sugru right up against the power block or the charger plug to create a smooth-looking repair.
  4. Step 4 Leave the putty to cure for at least 24 hours. 4 Leave the putty to cure for at least 24 hours. Hang the cable up or lay it out on a flat surface somewhere out of the way. Leave it alone for a full 24 hours so the Sugru has time to cure completely.[8]
    • The putty will turn into a strong, flexible protective casing around the exposed wire. The casing will help to prevent further damage to the area.
  5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 5:

Fixing Exposed Electrical Wire with Heat Shrink

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Choose 2:1 ratio heat-shrink tubing for frayed wires. 1 Choose 2:1 ratio heat-shrink tubing for frayed wires. Heat-shrink tubing with a ratio of 2:1 means it will shrink to half its diameter when you heat it up. Heat-shrink tubing that is twice the diameter of your cable and has a 2:1 ratio will shrink to the exact same diameter as your cable to seal and repair the damaged area.[9]
    • Heat-shrink tubing is a type of shrinkable plastic tubing that you can use to cover and insulate wires. You can use a hair dryer or heat gun to heat it up and shrink it.
    • You can use this method to repair any type of electrical cable with exposed wires. Heat-shrink tubing can be used to repair long sections of exposed electrical wire as well.
    • Note that heat-shrink tubing won’t work for cables that have ends that are larger than the cable itself, like chargers, because you won’t be able to get the tubing over the large ends. This method works best if the electrical cable has 1 end that is the same diameter as the cable itself.
  2. Step 2 Cut the heat-shrink tubing to be slightly longer than your wire. 2 Cut the heat-shrink tubing to be slightly longer than your wire. Licensed electrician Marvin Woo explains that, “generally, the tubing should be just slightly larger in diameter than the wiring so that it can easily slip on and shrink tight enough when heated.”[10] Measure the damaged area and double the measurement just to give yourself plenty of material to work with. Cut the shrink wrap to size with scissors.[11]
  3. Step 3 Slide the heat-shrink tubing over the damaged spot and heat it. 3 Slide the heat-shrink tubing over the damaged spot and heat it. Woo instructs to “place the section of heat shrink over your wiring. Once in place, center yourself over the splice and apply heat using a heat gun to all sides of the tubing to evenly shrink it.”[12]
    • If you don’t have a heat gun, you can probably use a hair dryer set to the highest heat setting.
  4. Step 4 Continue heating the tubing until the shrink wrap is taut. 4 Continue heating the tubing until the shrink wrap is taut. Keep moving the heat gun or hair dryer back and forth along the tubing to shrink it. Once the shrink tubing is fully shrunk around the damaged area and there’s no give in the material, you’re good to go. Let the wire cool for a few minutes before you finish[13]
    • This will stiffen the damaged area and protect the exposed wire to prevent further wear and tear.
    • The tubing will start to shrink almost right away. Depending on how long the section of heat-shrink tubing you are heating up is, you will probably be able to shrink the whole piece in 30 seconds or less.
    • Don’t ever use an open flame to shrink heat-shrink tubing because you can easily melt it and damage your cable even more.
  5. Advertisement
Section 4 of 5:

Testing Exposed Wires & Key Safety Info

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Wear protective gloves and eyewear to avoid dangerous shocks. 1 Wear protective gloves and eyewear to avoid dangerous shocks. Any exposed wire represents a potential health and fire risk, so do not mess with any wires without taking the proper precautions. Wear protective gloves with electrical insulation and throw on some safety goggles to prevent potential sparks from blinding you.[14]
  2. Step 2 Use a multimeter to determine if the wires are safe to touch. 2 Use a multimeter to determine if the wires are safe to touch. Plug the black probe into the COM port and the red probe into the voltage/resistance port. Set the multimeter to the highest AC voltage and touch the red probe to any positive exposed wire and the black probe to any neutral or ground.[15]
    • If you get no reaction: The wire is not live and you can safely touch it.
    • If the multimeter dial or reading moves: Your wire is live and you cannot safely touch the wire. Do not tempt fate. While the current is unlikely to be strong enough to harm you, it’s not worth risking your health by messing with a live wire.
  3. Step 3 Flip the circuit breaker to shut off any live wires and re-test them. 3 Flip the circuit breaker to shut off any live wires and re-test them. If the wire is live (or could potentially become live), shut off the circuit for the wire at your fuse box. Locate the switch that corresponds specifically to the room or system where your wire is located and flip that circuit off. Re-test the wire when you’re done to confirm it’s off.
    • Not sure which switch corresponds to your wire? No worries! You can simply shut the main power off using the master circuit breaker switch. That will shut off power for the entire home.
  4. Step 4 Contact an electrician if you cannot confirm the wire is dead. 4 Contact an electrician if you cannot confirm the wire is dead. If you don’t have a multimeter, you can’t seem to shut the current off, or anything about this process seems overwhelming to you, just contact an electrician. It isn’t worth risking your health to fix a bad wire, and an electrician will have no problem fixing the issue for you. Rex Cauldwell Rex Cauldwell, Licensed Master Plumber

    When dealing with exposed wires, safety comes first. Always turn off the power at the breaker before attempting repairs. For minor damage, an electrician may use tape to insulate the wire. However, if the damage is severe, replacing part or all of the wire may be necessary. Working with electricity is dangerous, so it's often best to consult a professional to ensure repairs meet the code.

  5. Advertisement
Section 5 of 5:

Can you use a charger with a frayed wire?

PDF download Download Article
  1. No, frayed chargers are a serious fire risk. No, frayed chargers are a serious fire risk. While phone and tablet chargers don’t put out a lot of voltage, a frayed charger can still overheat and spark an electrical fire. On top of that, a frayed charger is way more likely to overcharge a phone or tablet battery, which can also cause a fire. Do not put your life or home at risk by using a frayed charger—replace the cord immediately.[16]
    • Why do charger wires fray so often? You just use charger cables a lot—that’s really it. The wear and tear eventually leads to fraying. Apple chargers, in particular are more likely to fray, too—they don’t use the standard strain relievers that prevent fraying you’d find on other products.[17]

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How can I tell if an outlet is grounded before working on an exposed wire? Jesse Kuhlman Jesse Kuhlman Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric Jesse Kuhlman is a Master Electrician and the Owner of Kuhlman Electric based in Massachusetts. Jesse specializes in all aspects of home and residential wiring, troubleshooting, generator installation, and WiFi thermostats. Jesse is also the author of four eBooks on home wiring including "Residential Electrical Troubleshooting" which covers basic electrical troubleshooting in residential homes. Jesse Kuhlman Jesse Kuhlman Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric Expert Answer You'd need a three prong tester. You just plug it into the outlet and a set of LED lights will turn on to indicate whether it's grounded or not. You can also use a multimeter if you prefer. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
  • Question What can I use to attach two exposed wires? Jesse Kuhlman Jesse Kuhlman Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric Jesse Kuhlman is a Master Electrician and the Owner of Kuhlman Electric based in Massachusetts. Jesse specializes in all aspects of home and residential wiring, troubleshooting, generator installation, and WiFi thermostats. Jesse is also the author of four eBooks on home wiring including "Residential Electrical Troubleshooting" which covers basic electrical troubleshooting in residential homes. Jesse Kuhlman Jesse Kuhlman Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric Expert Answer Wire caps are the post popular option. Those are the little, plastic, thimble-shaped caps that you twist on top of two wires to connect them. You can also use a butt splice, which is a little plastic joiner. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 7
  • Question Can a multimeter measure wattage? Jesse Kuhlman Jesse Kuhlman Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric Jesse Kuhlman is a Master Electrician and the Owner of Kuhlman Electric based in Massachusetts. Jesse specializes in all aspects of home and residential wiring, troubleshooting, generator installation, and WiFi thermostats. Jesse is also the author of four eBooks on home wiring including "Residential Electrical Troubleshooting" which covers basic electrical troubleshooting in residential homes. Jesse Kuhlman Jesse Kuhlman Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric Expert Answer No, if you're running wires or doing any kind of electrical work, you can't use a multimeter to measure wattage. You can use it measure amperage and voltage, though! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • If you have to replace worn-out electrical cables, try buying more durable types like cables with a braided outer jacket instead of the standard rubber jacket. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
  • You can take old, worn-out electrical cables, such as phone and laptop charges, to an electronic waste recycling center. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • If you leave electrical wire exposed, the wire itself can start to fray, which can eventually result in a faulty or completely broken wire. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
  • Avoid buying laptop chargers made by third-party manufacturers, which can damage your laptop. Always buy a replacement cable from your laptop’s manufacturer. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
  • Don’t try any of these methods to fix exposed electrical wires that are completely bare. Replace them instead. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Repair an Electric CordHow to Repair an Electric Cord Use Heat Shrink TubingHow toUse Heat Shrink Tubing Fix a ChargerComplete Guide for Fixing a Broken Charger Repair a Cut Cat5e Ethernet CableHow toRepair a Cut Cat5e Ethernet Cable Splice WireHow to Strip and Splice Wire: Wire Cap, Butt Splice, and Soldering Repair Dodgy or Broken HeadphonesFix Broken and Malfunctioning Headphones Use Wire StrippersHow toUse Wire Strippers Fix a Broken PipeHow toFix a Broken Pipe Keep Cables from BreakingHow to Keep Cables From Breaking Fix Leaking Pipes8 Easy Ways to Repair a Leaky Pipe Fix Loose OutletsHow to Fix Loose Outlets and Plugs Attach Two Phone Wires to Make OneHow to Attach Two Phone Wires Together to Make One Wire an Electrical SocketHow toWire an Electrical Socket Connect Electrical WireHow to Connect Electrical Wires Advertisement

References

  1. https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/5-easy-ways-to-fix-fraying-cables/
  2. https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repairing+Exposed+Wires/56682
  3. https://www.cnet.com/how-to/ways-to-protect-and-fix-cords-around-the-home/
  4. https://sugru.com/tech-gadget/how-to-repair-a-laptop-charger
  5. https://sugru.com/tech-gadget/how-to-repair-a-laptop-charger
  6. https://sugru.com/tech-gadget/how-to-repair-a-laptop-charger
  7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-qjS6WiyhI&feature=youtu.be&t=6
  8. https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/5-easy-ways-to-fix-fraying-cables/
  9. https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/5-easy-ways-to-fix-fraying-cables/
More References (8)
  1. Marvin Woo. Licensed Electrician. Expert Interview
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odWOK8TaJEw&feature=youtu.be&t=92
  3. Marvin Woo. Licensed Electrician. Expert Interview
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odWOK8TaJEw&feature=youtu.be&t=212
  5. https://youtu.be/4LqL93BsK_0?t=23
  6. https://youtu.be/4LqL93BsK_0?t=37
  7. https://www.zdnet.com/article/is-your-iphone-or-ipad-cable-frayed-replace-it/
  8. https://www.slashgear.com/1167256/the-reason-why-apple-charging-cables-break-so-often/

About This Article

Marvin Woo Co-authored by: Marvin Woo Licensed Electrician This article was co-authored by Marvin Woo and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Marvin Woo is a licensed electrician and the Owner of Woo's Electrical & Appliance based in East O’ahu. With over two decades of experience, he specializes in troubleshooting issues and maintaining residential electrical systems. Marvin is both licensed and insured to complete electrical work in the state of Hawaii. This article has been viewed 180,788 times. 5 votes - 80% Co-authors: 4 Updated: December 9, 2025 Views: 180,788 Categories: Electrical Maintenance In other languagesJapanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 180,788 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Sofia

    Sofia

    Oct 23, 2022

    "Good explanations and diagrams."
Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Marvin Woo Co-authored by: Marvin Woo Licensed Electrician Co-authors: 4 Updated: December 9, 2025 Views: 180,788 80% of readers found this article helpful. 5 votes - 80% Click a star to add your vote Sofia

Sofia

Oct 23, 2022

"Good explanations and diagrams." Share yours!

Quizzes & Games

How Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizAm I Chronically Online QuizAm I Chronically Online QuizTake QuizHow Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I QuizTake QuizMental Health QuizMental Health QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Repair an Electric CordHow to Repair an Electric CordUse Heat Shrink TubingHow toUse Heat Shrink TubingFix a ChargerComplete Guide for Fixing a Broken ChargerRepair a Cut Cat5e Ethernet CableHow toRepair a Cut Cat5e Ethernet Cable

Featured Articles

150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel SpecialWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic MeaningsWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic Meanings19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the World19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the WorldWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is My Aesthetic QuizWhat Is My Aesthetic Quiz Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHow to Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the Holidays

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)Random Fortune GeneratorRandom Fortune Generator

Featured Articles

Hilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizWhy Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)Why Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeA Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type Tell if You’re in LoveHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I QuizHow Beautiful Am I Quiz13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness Test

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Is a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?What’s My Demigod Fatal Flaw QuizWhat’s My Demigod Fatal Flaw Quiz

Quizzes & Games

What's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizAm I Being Gaslighted QuizAm I Being Gaslighted QuizTake QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizTake QuizAm I Toxic QuizAm I Toxic QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Home Maintenance
  • Electrical Maintenance
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --670

Tag » How To Cover Exposed Wires Outside