How to Make an Electric Pigtail Splice

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Things You'll Need

  • Wire stripper

  • Pliers

  • Wire nuts

  • Electrical tape

Wire nuts are the only way you can secure pigtail splices together.

When you connect two or more electrical wires together you must use a solderless splicing technique to join them together, which is also known as a pigtail splice. Using the pigtail splice is the standard way of connecting two or more electrical wires together, according to the NEC (National Electrical Code) for residential and commercial wiring. A properly connected pigtail splice will ensure the wires are secure and will not fall out. With the right tools and directions you can quickly splice all the electrical wires in your home.

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Step 1

Turn off the circuit breaker to the wires you will be splicing together.

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Step 2

Strip off one inch of insulation from each wire you are going to splice together. Clamp the wire at about one inch from the end with the wire stripper and pull it off to remove the insulation jacket.

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Step 3

Twist both wires together. Use your pliers to twist the stripped end of both the wires together.

Step 4

Place the wire nut at the end of the electrical wires. Screw on the wire nut to the end of the wires with your hands to secure it in place.

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Step 5

Wrap electrical tape over the wires and the wire nut if you have more than three wires together. The electrical tape will ensure the wires stay together and the wire nut does not fall off. The wires are now successfully pigtailed spliced and the power can be restored.

Warning

All electrical splices must be done inside an electrical box.

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