How to Install a Wire Connector
Wire connectors or electrical wiring connectors usually reside in an electrical junction box. Commonly called wire nuts or twist-on connectors, these devices are typically made of high-grade plastic in different sizes and colors. Wire nuts are widely used around the globe, they are convenient and easy to use, and they help keep your electrical connections safe and secure. Learn how these devices are used to keep your home safe and your electricity flowing. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Go to the electrical panel board and locate the circuit breaker that corresponds to the circuit on which you'll be working. Flip the circuit breaker switch to its "Off" position. Plug an appliance such as a table lamp into an outlet in the circuit and turn on the appliance. The appliance should not turn on if power to the circuit is turned off.
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Look at the wires that you will be connecting and read the label along its length to know the wire size. Look at the following information and find the right color of connector corresponding to the wire size: big blue connector for 10-gauge wire; gray, red and big tan for 14-gauge and larger; yellow for 18-gauge and larger; big orange for 18- to 14-gauge; little blue for 22- to 16-gauge; and small tan for 22- to 18-gauge.
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Strip off three-quarters of an inch from the tip of the wires to be connected with a wire stripper. Hold the wires together side by side in one hand and hold a pair of electrical pliers in your other hand. Place the tip of the wires in parallel position between the jaws of the pliers, squeeze the handles of the pliers firmly, and twist the pliers clockwise three or four turns to splice the wires. Trim about a quarter of an inch off the end of your twisted splice with diagonal pliers, cutting at an angle to form a point.
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Get the correct size of wire connector for the spliced wires. Place the wire connector onto the tip of the wires and screw the connector clockwise until it is tight. Tug on the wires to see if they are tight. Wrap electrical tape around the base of the connector to cover any exposed stripped wire. Turn on the circuit breaker once you have completed your work.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear rubber gloves for safety.
Be sure that there is no power in the circuit on which you'll be working before touching any wires.
Using a wire connector that is too big will result in a poor connection.
Using a wire connector that is too small will prevent the spliced wires from entering the connector to a proper depth.
References
- Photo Credit electricity meter image by Charles Jacques from Fotolia.com
