How to Replace Electrical Conductors

Shut off power to the outlet or area of wire that you will be working on. In the home, use the circuit breaker to turn off electrical power to the room or area where the damage is. In a car, unhook the terminal cables from the battery.

Using the screwdriver, open the outlet or unhook the damaged wire. Do not pull the wire or try to force it through an opening; this could further damage the wire.

Cut the damaged part of the conductor out using the wire cutters. Do not immediately throw away the damaged wire. Use it to measure out a section of the new conductor wire to ensure that it is the appropriate length.

Attach the new conductor to the remaining wire. Peel back a small length of the insulator and wrap the ends of the old and new conductor wire around each other. Secure using electrical tape. Do not leave any exposed wiring.

Attach the new conductor to the power source exactly as it was before you removed it in step 2. This usually involves screwing or clamping ends of the wire conductor to an outlet or power source. Reconnect the power source.