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    SoCalDIY's Avatar
    SoCalDIY Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jul 31, 2014, 09:43 PM
    What are these bare wires in my wall?
    I have a 2005 townhome in SoCal that is extremely well built - everyone I have had do work on the house has commented on it, so I suspect that what I am seeing is up to code:

    I am installing a doggie door in an exterior (stucco) wall. After I cut through the interior sheetrock and pulled out the insulation, I discovered a pair of rather fine (like the highest string on a guitar) bare wires running in parallel, about 1/2" apart right across the hole. They are inside the tar paper for the exterior wall, but run outside the studs. I can't tell where they go after they disappear to the left or the right.

    Any idea what these wires are? The only thing I can imagine is that they might be speaker wires for an outdoor speaker setup? But then why wouldn't you use a twisted pair? Perhaps they are doorbell/intercom wires? We also have an automatic (fire) sprinkler system, so I don't want to cut anything important...

    Thanks for any ideas!
    SoCalDIY's Avatar
    SoCalDIY Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #2

    Jul 31, 2014, 09:53 PM
    Oh - and I should add that the wires look like they are probably aluminum - they are a dull gray color, not shiny, and they look to be just a simple wire. Almost looks like something you would hang a picture with, not run through your wall.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #3

    Aug 4, 2014, 01:10 PM
    E string is pretty small. These are non insulated bare wire? I have built some homes, remodeled a lot and have never seen what you are describing.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #4

    Aug 4, 2014, 06:48 PM
    Could be a door bell wire. Try using a non contact electrical detector, or simply push the wires up out of the way.
    SoCalDIY's Avatar
    SoCalDIY Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Aug 5, 2014, 04:57 AM
    A friend of mine figured it out - the exterior is stucco, and they built it by putting up the studs, wrapping them in tar paper, and spraying the stucco on - there's no plywood or chipboard sheeting. The wires were run horizontally across the studs just to support the tar paper during the construction process - when I reached my hand up the wall, I found several more wires just like the ones I found before. So the wires aren't serving any purpose now - they've been cut, and doggy door is installed. Now I just have to get my dog on a diet so she fits... :)
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #6

    Aug 5, 2014, 05:05 AM
    No way stucco would be supported by tar paper. Possibly wire mesh substrate.
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