How do you fix a broken cable?

Once you’re on a solid surface (preferably indoors), use the diagonal wire cutter to cut the cable cleanly at each edge of the damaged portion. If there are multiple spots where the wire is corrupted, consider removing that entire section instead of trying to splice numerous areas together.

How do you cut a heat shrink cable?

Thread the large heat shrink tube, followed by the smaller one, onto one side of the cut cable and slide them down and out of the way for now. Next, take your utility knife and carefully score the circumference of the outer jacket of the cable about six inches in from the cut end.

How do I splice a heat cable?

You’ll need to remove the cable from your roof first. Please don’t try to splice anything up on the housetop. Simply leave the cable clips in place, so all you have to do when you're finished is attach the heat wire back into the clips.

How do I know if my heat trace cable is working?

Before re-installing, it’s a good idea to plug in your newly-repaired heat trace cable and conduct what’s known as a megger test with a 500 VDC megger. You want to see a minimum reading of 20 Ohms for each circuit. That means your heat wire is powering up properly.

What is in a heat shrink cable kit?

The main things in the kit are usually a large heat shrink tube, a smaller ¾” x 3” heat shrink tube, a couple of pieces of mastic tape, two heat shrink butt connectors, and a copper or nickel ground crimp sleeve. Some kits also contain a heat shrink end seal, which you may need if the damage is toward the end of your cable.

How much does a heat wire splicing kit cost?

You can choose from several different self-regulating heat wire splicing kits, and they cost anywhere from $20-$30. The main things in the kit are usually a large heat shrink tube, a smaller ¾” x 3” heat shrink tube, a couple of pieces of mastic tape, two heat shrink butt connectors, and a copper or nickel ground crimp sleeve.