Is it safe to turn on a breaker with exposed wires?
Asked by CuriousCat99
I removed a ceiling light fixture and will need to leave it unplugged overnight, exposing the wires until I get a replacement tomorrow. I really need to turn on the breaker, and I'm certain no one will be able to touch the wires since they're up high and out of reach. I could also cap them if that helps. Is there any risk involved in doing this? What if someone accidentally flips the switch?
Answers
The main concern is if anyone gets up there and touches the exposed wires. Go ahead and cap them, and if someone else is around, just make sure to remove any ladders or anything they could use to reach it. If you want to be extra cautious, you can even tape the switch in the off position.
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As long as the wires are kept separate and capped, you should be fine. You could use electrical tape to secure them too. Just remember that power needs to go to the fixture before the switch, so capping them off is key. If you don't have a junction box, wrapping them with electrical tape is a must.
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You're generally okay to turn on the breaker as long as you cap those wires and maybe wrap them with some electrical tape to keep them secure and prevent any movement. Just make sure no one is around to accidentally touch them!
CuriousCat99: Thanks for the tip! Just curious, though, I noticed one of the wires is showing as hot with the breaker on, even though the light switch is off. Is it still safe to leave it like that?
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CuriousCat99: That's helpful, thank you! I just want to be extra safe with it, especially since one wire is hot.