On occasion I have soldered the twist before screwing the wire nut on. Extreme, huh?
Contributor
On occasion I have soldered the twist before screwing the wire nut on. Extreme, huh?
Contributor
I always make a pretty twist counter-clockwise. I have a pair of needle nose pliers that don't open without help. They are "clamped" onto the wires, and the ends are twisted together, then the ends clipped. That leaves the wire nut to mostly just protect the twisted wires from touching anything else.
Soldering is not recommended.
Contributor
Interesting question, in Canada the electrical code stipulates that manufacturers installation instructions must be used.
In the case of Marrettes (wire nuts) all the manufacturers products I've purchased state not to twist the wires before installing the Marrette.
I don't twist the wires before insertion into the Marrette.............Rod.
Contributor
I was told to always twist the wires before installing the wire nut, so I do. It makes sense to me.
Contributor
Like Julie says, my electrician here in Vancouver (Canada) always twists the wires together. But then he’s old school, and values his claim free insurance and low call back reputation.
Young enough to remember doing it;
Old enough to wish I could do it again.
Contributor
Rod, I'm a stickler for following the book, but sometimes you have to let common sense & experience take the driver's seat. For a couple of #14 wires, no problem. Just make sure the ends of the wire are all perfectly aligned & then twist it tight. If the wires don't end up twisted inside the wire nut, then it's not a good connections, period. Try doing it with 5 or 6 #12s. MUCH easier to twist first with linesman pliers, clip the ends flush, and then put on the wire nut.Originally Posted by Rod Sheridan
BTW, I just checked the instructions for Marrette & Ideal wire nuts & both say to twist the wire nut on tightly, but don't forbid twisting the wires first. If the wires are not twisted after connection, then the wire nut was not twisted tightly enough.
Contributor
Aren't wire nuts made with right hand threads? Won't twisting the wires counterclockwise then twisting the wire nut on clockwise untwist the wires? What am I (or everyone else) missing? Oh and how do millennials with digital smart watches know which way to twist?
Member
I'll twist the wires clockwise if I have the grave misfortune of having to use wire nuts. Wago or Polaris connectors otherwise.
Contributor
This is also the reason given to me for not soldering junctions in crimp or twist connectors. The thermal changes can cause a solder joint to go 'cold,' causing more resistance in the joint. Eventually more heat could lead to junction failure. This isn't as critical in low voltage, low amperage circuits.Wire expands and contracts with heat.
jtk
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
- Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
Contributor
Need a choice of "DEPENDS"... sometimes yes, sometimes no...
Member
A really good set of linesman pliers like the Knipex 0912240 https://www.amazon.com/09-12-240-9-5...s%2C193&sr=8-2 will make you want to twist wires all day long. I think sometimes people don’t want to do it because they’re using marginal equipment.
Moderator
I do a very careful and tight twist to get a great mechanical connection, snip the end clean and then screw on the wire nuts. If I'm feeling really anal, I'll tape them, too.
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
Contributor
Counterclockwise?
Contributor
I twist the wires before using a wire nut.
Mike
Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.
Contributor
I have moved to Wagos for almost all 14# and 12# connections, solid and stranded.
Julie, Frank Pratt, what are your thoughts on Wagos?
Comments made here are my own and, according to my children, do not reflect the opinions of any other person... anywhere, anytime.
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