Strip low-voltage wire cleanly—without nicking the copper
First identify the cable construction and AWG. Then choose the stripping method for a single conductor or a paired landscape cable, set the strip length, and inspect every strand before making the connection.
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Check cable construction and AWG.
Open the jacket or split paired conductors.
Set the strip length for the next connection.
Choose a gauge slot or automatic pressure.
Remove insulation in one controlled motion.
Check every strand, then connect.
Start here: single conductor or paired landscape cable?
Match the AWG slot
Use the correctly marked blade opening. A slot that is too small can score or cut strands; one that is too large may leave insulation behind.
Split the two conductors first
Separate only the length needed for the connection. Avoid cutting deeply into the valley between conductors or twisting the copper while pulling them apart.
Choose the right stripper for the cable
Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper AWG 24–10
Best when cable sizes change often or you have many conductors to prepare. Adjust the tension on soft insulation, then test on a scrap end.
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3-in-1 Adjustable Wire Stripper
Best when you know the conductor size and want a clear, repeatable gauge reference with cutting and stripping functions in one hand tool.
View 3-in-1 Stripper →Step-by-step: strip low-voltage wire
- Disconnect power. Verify the transformer, battery, or power supply is off before exposing conductors.
- Read the cable. Confirm the printed AWG and whether the cable is solid, stranded, single-conductor, or paired.
- Prepare paired cable. Split the two insulated conductors just far enough to fit the connector or terminal.
- Set strip length. Match the metal contact depth—usually about 3/8 to 1/2 inch for many low-voltage connectors, but the connector specification wins.
- Choose the cutting point. Use the correct AWG slot or set the self-adjusting stripper tension on a scrap end.
- Strip in one motion. Keep the tool square to the cable and pull the insulation away without twisting the copper.
- Inspect before connecting. If any strand is nicked, cut off the damaged end and strip again.
Quality check before the connection
| Check | Pass | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Copper strands | All strands remain full-length | Cut back and re-strip if nicked |
| Strip length | Copper fills the contact area | Shorten exposed copper or strip again |
| Insulation edge | Clean, square, not torn | Adjust blade slot or tool tension |
| Paired cable | No cut in the conductor valley | Remove the damaged section |
After stripping: choose the next step by project
Low-Voltage Landscape Wire
Match the conductor gauge to run length, fixture load, and voltage-drop target before choosing the spool.
View Landscape Wire →
Waterproof Wiring Seal Kit
Use an outdoor-rated connector after stripping. Match the connector range to the number and gauge of conductors entering the splice.
View Waterproof Connectors →Common stripping mistakes
Scored strands reduce the current-carrying cross-section.
Exposed conductor can corrode or create a short.
This can loosen, break, or unevenly shorten strands.
Soft or thick insulation may need a tension adjustment.
Frequently asked questions
How much insulation should I remove?
Use the connector or terminal’s contact depth. Many low-voltage connections need roughly 3/8 to 1/2 inch, but never expose more copper than the connector can fully cover.
Can I use a knife to strip landscape wire?
A knife can score strands and is harder to control on flexible paired cable. A correctly sized or self-adjusting stripper is the safer, more repeatable choice.
What if the copper strands are nicked?
Cut off the damaged section and strip again. Do not hide strand damage inside the connector.
Should I twist the strands before connecting?
Keep strands gathered, but follow the connector manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid aggressively twisting them into a hard rope that changes the conductor diameter.
Match the stripper to your cable and workload
Use an automatic tool for changing gauges and repeat work, or a gauge-based adjustable tool when you want direct manual control.
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