My house, built in 1895, has some old armoured cable wiring where the exposed wire insulation is very brittle. Most of the old cable has been replaced, but in some locations this is impossible without major wall/ceiling demolition. In some locations I've used electrical tape to wrap the wires in the box, although it is often difficult to do a good job without causing further damage.

Right now, I want to install a ceiling fixture where both the hot and neutral leads have two wires (a line and load to somewhere else). This makes it very difficult to wrap the wires. I've read about using shrink-wrap tubing to repair the insulation, but I'd have to take things apart to get the shrink wrap on.

Is there a product where you could just "paint" on an insulation repair? Any other suggestions?

(I have a picture, but don't see how to attach it.)

Split wire loom. 1/4" is smallest I could find, however twisting will reduce its diameter. Check electronics store or automotive parts store such as Car Quest.

Also see
http://www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/liquid_tape

I would use split loom covers. HD has them in different sizes and lengths, in the electrical dept. I would consider rewiring if possible, K&T has no ground and unless you are using GFCI's everywhere, you have a safety issue. Many insurance companies will not insure a house with K&T wiring. Another problem with K&T is the difficulty determining hot and neutral. Be aware that you cannot wrap fiberglass insulation around K&T it was designed to be free air.

Split wire loom. 1/4" is smallest I could find, however twisting will reduce its diameter. Check electronics store or automotive parts store such as Car Quest.

Also see
Liquid Electrical Tape & Spray Electrical Insulation | Plasti Dip International (http://www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/liquid_tape)

Thanks. I got some "liquid electrical tape" from Home Depot, which is similar to the product you linked to. It seems to be just right for my needs. The stuff in the bottle is a little thick, but the spray is thinner. Unfortunately, the spray is black and powerful, so I can't use it in the furnished living room.

Unfortunately, the spray is black and powerful
You can probably spray on a small brush and then brush it on wires.


I can't use it in the furnished living room.
There is always Wiremold