A customer of mine had squirrels tear up some NM cables in his attic. I suggested a thorough inspection be done (visual) by coming back and clearing insulation to see all cables and also perform a cable insulation test. Anything I'm missing?
I'm also wondering if the megger would read a cable like the one pictured as being good if nothing is close enough to arc or jump/read across. .
I've seen wire like that which would megger fine but was very dangerous if it was missed on a visual inspection, and the mouse/rodent landed on the energized wire.
Somehow the rodents gnaw energized romex all the time but very few are killed.
I've had some pictures of squirrels and gnawed romex at a state fair exhibit and one ole gal chewed my butt for giving them a bad rap:laughing:
A megger is definitely a good check, but it's not fool-proof: I've seen cables with bare exposed copper test fine because there was no fault path (similar to the picture you posted).
I think you just gotta spend a bunch of time feeling out every cable.
A meggar may be enough to find the bad cables if they are laying in damp insulation or something like that......something that can create a conductive path. Otherwise,its just going to be lots of visual inspecting.
I'm surprised with all the technology out there that cable manufacturers haven't found a way to put a repellent on the outter jacket, like the insecticide in the spray foam cans.
It's a big problem, mice and squirrels see it on most every reno job I do
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Electrician Talk
2.3M posts
93.3K members
Since 2007
A forum community dedicated to professional electricians, contractors, and apprentices for residential and commercial work. Come join the discussion about trade knowledge, tools, certifications, wiring, builds, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!