It’s not unusual for a dog, cat or even a rodent to get hold of an electric cable. The result: a wire ripped, stripped or severed, sometimes still live. This type of situation can represent an immediate danger: electrocution, short-circuit, tripping of the circuit-breaker… So it’s crucial to react quickly, even for a temporary repair. Drawing on my 15 years’ experience in electrical repairs, here’s how to temporarily secure an animal-damaged cable until an electrician can take over.
Why should this type of damage be taken seriously?
When a cable is cut or corroded, the conducting wires may be exposed, causing :
- Risk of electrocution if touched
- A short circuit if they come into contact with each other
- Overheating or fire if the power supply is not cut off
- Failure of devices connected to the circuit
Even if it’s a simple power cable or extension cord, a poor repair can make matters worse.
Temporary repairs: the right thing to do
1. Switch off power immediately
Before starting any work, switch off the power supply at the main circuit breaker or on the relevant circuit. Check that no voltage is present using an electrical tester.
2. Assess the damage
Check whether the cable is :
- Slightly nicked (sheath damaged but wires intact)
- Stripped (sheath torn off, wires exposed)
- Severed (broken wires)
Each case requires its own approach.
3. Strip and prepare ends (if severed)
Using wire strippers, remove about 1 cm of insulation from each wire, without damaging the copper inside. Make sure the wires are well separated.
4. Connect wires with insulated terminals
Use dominos, Wago terminals or quick connectors to link wires together. Be sure to match the colors (phase, neutral, ground) and tighten each connection.
5. Carefully insulate the
Wrap each connection with high-quality insulating tape, then bundle it all together in a heat-shrink tube or protective sleeve. This prevents accidental contact and protects the repair from moisture.
6. Place cable out of animal’s reach
Temporarily secure the cable high up or in a rigid sheath to prevent the animal from doing it again.
What you should never do
- Never twist bare wires without protection
- Do not use craft tape instead of insulating tape
- Never leave wires exposed, even if the power is switched off.
- Never turn the power back on without properly isolating the repair.
Do I need to replace the cable afterwards?
Yes, even if the temporary repair is well done, a damaged cable must be replaced to guarantee the safety and durability of your installation. A damaged cable may have invisible points of weakness, such as crushed copper or weakened internal insulation.
When should you call an emergency electrician?
If :
- The cable is embedded in a wall or recessed sheath
- This is a power supply for a large appliance (oven, hot water tank, etc.).
- The power continues to trip after the break
- If you’re not sure what’s causing the problem
…then an emergency electrician is essential. He can check the entire circuit, secure the repair and bring the installation back up to standard.
Conclusion: safety first, then repair
A cable pulled out by an animal may seem harmless, but it represents a real risk. A well-done temporary repair may help you out for a few hours or days, but it’s no substitute for professional intervention. To avoid any danger, never leave a damaged cable untreated.
Need a quick check or replacement? Use our emergency electrician service or contact our team directly here.
