Ideal In-sure Connectors

tra999

I came across Ideal In-sure connectors at the store today. Basically a block with several ports for connecting wire without twisting/wirenutting. Has anyone used these? Since I'm working in a rather cramped spot, I thought these would help make connecting the wires easier and probably safer than twisting. Are these okay to use? Of course, all connections are in an appropriately sized box.

Thanks for the help.

mdshunk

I trust them about as much as I trust back stabbing switches and receptacles, which is very little. That said, I do have a few on the truck. They are handy when the box, for whatever reason, has very short wire tails in it and you can't properly terminate a wire nut. They are handy for that. I wouldn't really advise wholesale use of them unless you have a good reason why you can't use something superior, like a wire nut.

dougrus

Sorry to jacka thread but...

MD SHUNK...

I have installed a few 5" Halo cans in my house that used this type of connector.
What do you do when a fixture uses them? Do you strip and wire nut them?
Just wanted to know because I may do a couple more in the living room.
Thanks

__________________
Doug Russell

"What if the hokey pokey really IS what its all about."

mdshunk

Yeah... I put in Progress cans, and when you add -QC to the end of the part number they have quick connect things-a-ma-jigs on them like you're talking about. I use them if they're preinstalled, but I don't brag about it. Those type of connectors, not unlike back stabbed switches and receptacles, only contact the wire by a barb. I guess they're fine for a few lights, but if you start drawing some higher currents through them, I just don't trust them.

In fairness, I have never seen this type of wire nut fail in the field. Many guys call these "Wago's", after one popular manufacturer. I have seen plenty of backstabs fail, but I have not observed any failed Wago's. I guess that might be mostly due to their limited usage.

In the end, they are UL listed and are supposedly fine to use. I'm just not jumping on that bandwagon.