How to Find a Broken Wire in a Wall: Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners & DIYers

If you're dealing with a dead outlet, flickering lights, or a mysterious short circuit, the problem could be a broken or damaged wire hidden inside your wall. But how do you actually locate it without tearing down your whole house?

Digital multimeter isolated

In this article, we’ll break down the signs of a broken wire, the tools you need, and how to trace and locate faulty wiring inside walls safely and efficiently.

⚠️ Why You Should Act Quickly

A broken or damaged wire isn’t just an inconvenience — it can also be a serious fire hazard. Common causes include:

• Nail or screw damage

• Rodents chewing wires

• Aging or brittle insulation

• Overloaded circuits

• Poor splicing or loose connections

🧠 Common Symptoms of a Broken Wire in a Wall

Before you open up your walls, look for these telltale signs:

• 🛑 Dead outlets or switches

• 💡 Flickering or dimming lights

• 🔥 Burning smell near outlets

• ⚡ Breaker keeps tripping

• 📡 Loss of signal to devices (Ethernet or coaxial)

🧰 Tools You’ll Need to Find a Broken Wire

🛠️ How to Find a Broken Wire in a Wall: Step-by-Step

🔹 Step 1: Turn Off the Power

For safety, shut off the circuit breaker connected to the suspected wire. Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm there's no power before touching anything.

🔹 Step 2: Check Outlets and Switches First

Use a multimeter or outlet tester to check if power is reaching nearby outlets or switches. If not, the break is likely between that point and the previous working connection.

🔹 Step 3: Use a Wire Tracer or Tone Generator

Connect a tone generator to one end of the circuit (usually at the breaker or outlet). Use the probe to trace the wire path inside the wall. If the tone suddenly stops, you’ve likely found the break location.

🔍 Pro Tip: Good wire tracers can detect wiring up to 10–12 inches deep in drywall.

🔹 Step 4: Use a Stud Finder with AC Detection

Many modern stud finders have live wire detection. Slide it along the wall to see where the wire path may run — and where it may stop unexpectedly.

🔹 Step 5: Test for Continuity

If both ends of the wire are accessible, use a multimeter set to continuity mode. If there’s no continuity, the wire is broken somewhere in between.

🔹 Step 6: Inspect Visible Wiring

Open up nearby outlets or switch boxes and look for:

• Burned, loose, or disconnected wires

• Broken insulation

• Signs of rodent chewing

🧱 What If You Need to Open the Wall?

If your tools pinpoint a likely break location:

1. Mark the suspected area with painter’s tape

2. Cut a small inspection hole using a drywall saw

3. Locate the break and assess if the wire can be repaired (via junction box) or needs full replacement

🧯 Safety Note: All splices must be done inside an accessible, code-compliant junction box.

🚫 What Not to Do

• Don’t randomly cut into walls — always trace first

• Don’t attempt repairs while wires are live

• Don’t ignore buzzing outlets or persistent breaker trips

📦 When to Call an Electrician

Call a licensed electrician if:

• You can’t locate both ends of the wire

• The break is inside a conduit or fire-rated wall

• The damaged circuit is high-voltage or critical (HVAC, range, etc.)

🔧 Repair Options

Depending on the damage:

• Use a junction box and wire nuts to reconnect wires (must be accessible)

• Reroute a new cable if the old one is deeply damaged

• Replace outlets or switches if connections are corroded or burned

🧠 Summary

✅ Conclusion

Finding a broken wire in a wall is a blend of science and strategy. With the right tools and methodical steps, you can locate and fix faulty wiring without unnecessary wall damage. Always prioritize safety, and if in doubt, consult a professional.