I was doing some work in my new to us 15 ft travel trailer .While cutting the wall i cut an electric wire in half.My question is its towards the back of the trailer and it seems the only thing that isnt working is one outlet.But i aloso noticed my tail lights arent working.Im not sure if they were working before i did this because we are renivating it.Long way around to ask does the inside electrical have anything to do with the tail linghts.

jarata1 wrote:Long way around to ask does the inside electrical have anything to do with the tail linghts.No. You've cut more than one wire.

your trailer wires should be brown ,green yellow and white , find both ends and do a proper repair.

The wire to the outlet is 3 conductor romex. Should be easy to identify that. The wire(s) to the light are separate wires and probably run in the frame, under the trailer. But they could run anywhere.

Your inside outlet power is 110V. Your taillights are 12V.

Needs to be repaired. You do not want to leave bare wires inside a wall. Too much potential for a fire.

Cut wire in travel trailer I have a question | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

tenbear
Explorer
Apr 27, 2016
Kayteg1 wrote:
There is good reason why electrical codes don't allow burning wire nut connectors inside the walls.
TOO MANY FIRES STARTED THIS WAY.
If you really have no other choice, I would slide a piece of metal conduit over one end of the cable, solder cut wires, insulated with good tape and than slide the conduit over the connection.

I was not aware of this electrical code. Thanks for your advice.
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Apr 27, 2016
There is good reason why electrical codes don't allow burning wire nut connectors inside the walls.
TOO MANY FIRES STARTED THIS WAY.
If you really have no other choice, I would slide a piece of metal conduit over one end of the cable, solder cut wires, insulated with good tape and than slide the conduit over the connection.
tenbear
Explorer
Apr 27, 2016
jarata1 wrote:
What we be the best way to cover the exposed wires would electric tape around each wire do it or should I wire nut each wire

If it's a 12v wire I would use wire nuts to reconnect the wires and then cover the connection with electric tape. If it is a 120v wire, Romex, I would enclose the connection in a standard electrical junction box, making sure to clamp the wires in, and make the connection with wirenuts.

If you are just covering the wires without reconnecting them, I would make sure the wire is disconnected from the power and pull it out if possible. If I couldn't pull it out I would cut it short so it cannot be reconnected. On the other end I would cut off any sharp ends and just leave the wire there. Taping it up wouldn't hurt.
BB_TX
Nomad
Apr 27, 2016
I would also at least use a good tight wire nut. Electrical tape can age out over time and loosen up. Wire nuts are used elsewhere in RV wiring.
John_Wayne
Explorer II
Apr 27, 2016
If your not going to disconnect the wire at the breaker box I'd use a wire nut on each wire and electrical tape over the wire nut.
jarata1
Explorer
Apr 27, 2016
BB_TX wrote:
Needs to be repaired. You do not want to leave bare wires inside a wall. Too much potential for a fire.

What we be the best way to cover the exposed wires would electric tape around each wire do it or should I wire nut each wire
time2roll
Nomad
Apr 27, 2016
Or pull new wire...
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Apr 27, 2016
If the outlet is not needed - you can disconnect the wire at fuse panel. Proper fix of 120V wire require electrical box in the location.
Oldme
Explorer
Apr 27, 2016
Sounds like the 120V AC wire is cut.
You have both a fire hazard and life threatening shock hazard there.
This needs and immediate fix.
BB_TX
Nomad
Apr 27, 2016
Needs to be repaired. You do not want to leave bare wires inside a wall. Too much potential for a fire.