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Twist wires for wire nuts or not?

15K views 28 replies 16 participants last post by  Jim Port 
#1 ·
Setting up my wiring for a kitchen renovation, setting up grounds and pigtails. A friend of mine said that you don't have to twist the wires for a wire nut, but the person I learned from twisted the wires and wrapped the wire nut connection with elec tape. Is the twisting of the wire ends overkill, or will an inspector look for that detail? Thanks.
 
#5 ·
Two bottom lines:

- The wires should look the same whether you pre-twist or not. Meaning, you MUST twist the wire nut enough to twist all the conductors together.
That said, pre-twisting is a for-sure way of getting it right.

- On a properly installed wire nut tape is unnecessary, amateurish and messy. If you think tape helps, think again.
 
#8 ·
advantage is they disconnect when un nutted but if there is a load they will spark..
See post #5.


Also, WHY are you removing a wire nut on an energized circuit????? :no:
 
#10 ·
Yes, nuts alone are fine. But, I too don't really trust myself unless I pre-twist.

Also, taping over wire nuts is bad karma.
Taping wirenuts is a sign of an amature.
 
#13 ·
For three or more wires, in order for a twist to be secure the bare wire ends have to be so long that bare wire protrudes from the wire nut. Then I need tape to cover it.
 
#18 ·
I do pretwist or not depending on the conductor however 50% of the time I will use wirenut the other time I will use the Choc block connector { simauir to the DIN rail mount connecting block }

Merci.
Marc
 
#19 ·
lol, I never used to pre-twist until I got serious about fixing up my house, I tried it and I noticed that at the very least it makes me "feel" a lot better about thinking I have a solid connection that won't spring apart a year from now. As far as taping, I only do that if it's a metal box, just to prevent any contact, but if it's plastic I don't bother, can't stand that gooey residue it leaves when it gets old.
 
#26 ·
Maybe so, but taping things up is not a safety backup. If you are relying on tape on wire nuts or devices to save you when working hot you are not very smart.
 
#25 ·
My point was that saying it was "stupid" is a wrong statement. There are plently of very good electricians, which e7 is not, who feel that taping the device is a smart safety step. For e7 to critisize something he does not understand is wrong. Running a soldering gun does not an electrician make
 
#27 ·
Every time I have to peel electrical tape off a :censored: switch or outlet that the former HOer used I CURSE THEIR NAME!! It makes working on outlets or switches a major PITA.

I've even found some outlets in plastic boxes that were taped. :jester: Sheesh.

What don't you think e7 understands? That you should NEVER EVER EVER work 'Hot' so taping is a unnecessary and annoying step.

BTW. Seems like a lot of 'very good electricians' right here don't agree.
 
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