There are many types of wires used for power distribution, but most wires are made of copper or aluminum. Exposed wires should be taken seriously. Before you are sure that the wire is not live, you should treat the wire as a flowing wire.
Bare ground wire
The ground wire has no current flowing most of the time and usually has bare wires and connections. When a surge or electrical problem is detected, the ground wire will take the excess current away from the circuit. The ground wire brings the electric energy to the ground through a ground rod or pipe, where it can be safely neutralized. In modern power outlets, the third round plug is used to connect the ground wire of electrical equipment, which may need to transfer current to avoid electric shock.
The grounding wire (especially the outside of the house through the grounding rod) is exposed. Unless there is a surge that causes current to flow through the ground wire, the ground wire is safe to touch.
How to test wires
You can use a voltage tester to test the wires. You can buy a voltage test at your local hardware store. There are many types and accuracy of voltage tests. Inexpensive voltage testers will simply tell you if there is current near the wires, while more expensive voltmeters will show you how much current there is and the voltage of the bare wires.
Non-contact voltmeter
The non-contact voltmeter detects the current by identifying the electric field without the need for electrical connection. These voltmeters are a good choice for your home, you can easily determine whether the electrical connection is safe to touch.
Use a voltmeter
A traditional voltmeter has two wires, which are connected to the positive wire and the negative wire or the connection on the electrical circuit. After connecting the wires accordingly, current will flow through the meter, so that the electricity to be conducted can be read accurately.
How to fix bare wires
Loose or bare wires can be a very common problem caused by home renovation projects and normal wear and tear. When hidden indoors, it is difficult to identify loose or bare wires. However, if you do see bare wires, it is important to stay safe and follow the steps for repairing wires.
Close the circuit
Find out which circuit the exposed wire opens, and then close the connection. This will allow you to work safely without the risk of electric shock. When doing any electrical wiring, it is important to touch the circuit first and then touch it.
Isolate bare wires
Isolating the bare wires can give you a better understanding of what causes the bare wires. If it is a puncture on the wire insulation, look for possible nails or other hazards; if it is a loose electrical connection, look for how to unplug the wire from the electrical fixture.
Exposed area of electrical tape
Electrical tape, usually black, should be used on bare wires because of its low conductivity and durability. For larger notches and wire cuts, you may need to cut the wires completely and use wire nuts for electrical connections. If the insulation between the positive and neutral wires is damaged, electrical tape should not be used.
Reconnect loose electrical connections
Over time, electrical connections in light sockets, switches, and sockets may loosen, causing connection problems and possible fires. The loose electrical connections should be properly connected and tightened to ensure that the wires will not loosen again. One of the main problems with aluminum wiring is that it will bend and move over time, causing electrical connections to loosen.