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While assembling a treadmill, I screwed through one of its wires (pretty sure it's the I/O cable). Can I fix this with electrical tape, or do I need to get this repaired? Any advice is much appreciated!

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2 Answers 2

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If you're absolutely sure you only damaged the outer insulation of an I/O cable then electrical tape would be Ok. If any other cable insulation or conductors are at all damaged, then you should get it repaired or get a replacement cable. Treadmills can be dangerous so you don't want to take chances with them malfunctioning or the dead man switch not working.

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  • Thanks Jack. The screw went through the insulation and likely the conductors - I could see through to the other side. Since it's probably involved in treadmill controls, I'll get it repaired.
    – SteveJ
    Jul 14, 2021 at 4:10
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    if you can see any metal in the hole, don't use tape, otherwise it's probably ok.
    – Jasen
    Jul 14, 2021 at 8:37
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That appears to be a data cable.

data is normally low voltage and electrical tape would be fine starting 1/2” or more away make a tight wrap over coating at least 1/2 with each additional wrap will provide plenty of insulation for this.

The NEC doesn’t deal with equipment but having worked for a large company that was the method used to repair skinned cables.

If copper is showing on multiple conductors sealing then protecting with tape is preformed for field repairs.

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  • +1... definitely strip (carefully!) the outer sheath to see what has happened to the interior wires. Jul 14, 2021 at 3:16
  • Thanks Ed. I wrapped it with electrical tape for now.
    – SteveJ
    Jul 14, 2021 at 4:12

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