What Is a Wire Stripper?
A Wire Stripper is a hand tool that removes insulation from electrical conductors without cutting the metal wire. Its shaped notches match common wire sizes and help expose a clean section for a terminal, connector, or splice. Some models also cut wire, crimp terminals, or include cutters for small fasteners.
Quick Facts About Wire Stripper
Category
Electrical hand tool
Used for
Removing wire insulation
Common confusion
Often confused with a cable cutter
Also called
Wire Stripping Tool, Wire stripping pliers
Often discussed with
Electrical Wiring Installation
Key Takeaways About Wire Stripper
- Notched openings match different wire sizes.
- Clean stripping protects the conductor from unnecessary damage.
- A wire stripper is not the same as a cable cutter.
How Wire Stripper Works
A wire stripper uses a sized cutting notch to score insulation around a conductor. Squeezing the handles closes the jaws around the covering, while a pulling motion removes the separated insulation. The notch must suit the wire gauge so the metal conductor remains intact.
Related glossary terms: Wire Gauge, Copper Wire, Wire Nut.
Stripped wire needs enough exposed metal for its connection, but excess exposed conductor can create a contact hazard inside a box. Installers select a notch that fits the conductor and inspect the result before placing the wire under a terminal or inside a wire nut. Automatic models adjust through a wider range, while manual models give the user more direct control. A crimping tool may be built into some wire stripper designs for attaching approved terminals.
From the Service Electric team
When we install wiring, we select a stripping notch that fits the conductor and remove only the insulation needed for the connection. We inspect the exposed metal for nicks, cuts, or loose strands before securing the wire. This check helps us catch damage before the connection is enclosed.
Wire Stripper in Practice: A Real-World Example
During an Electrical Wiring Installation, a technician may strip insulation from a branch-circuit conductor before connecting it to a receptacle terminal. The technician checks that the exposed copper fits fully under the terminal and that the insulation does not sit beneath the clamping surface.
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Related Terms
Wire Gauge
Wire Gauge is a measurement system that identifies a conductor's size and helps determine how much…
Copper Wire
Copper Wire is a conductive material used to carry electrical current through circuits, equipment, and building…
Wire Nut
Wire Nut is a twist-on connector that joins stripped electrical conductors inside an electrical box or…
Electrical Splice
An Electrical Splice is a connection that joins two or more electrical conductors within a wiring…
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