Wire nuts

elkangorito · 12-13-2007, 12:17 PM

Guys,
Just a quick question from an Aussie who knows "bugger all" (almost nothing) about US electrical accessories.

What are the available voltage & current ratings for "wire nuts"?

How does one connect them to a wire? Is it by screw or compression?

Sammy · 12-13-2007, 01:17 PM

I just checked a box of yellows I had and it shows 600V max..

www.idealindustries.com

elkangorito · 12-13-2007, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammy

I just checked a box of yellows I had and it shows 600V max..

www.idealindustries.com

Thanks Sammy

.

Are these devices twisted onto the wire or do they use screws? From the pictures, I cannot see any screws. I therefore assume that these things "twist on" somehow.

HouseHelper · 12-13-2007, 01:29 PM

600V max as stated. The wire nuts are twisted on, but the "holding" action is by compression of an internal spring.

Sammy · 12-13-2007, 01:29 PM

Your welcome.

No screws involved..

Just strip the insulation back on each wire maybe 3/8 of an inch, hold the wires together with the stripped ends flush and screw on the wire nut.

The wire nut has threads up inside just like a machined nut and it will grip and twist the wires together.

redline · 12-13-2007, 01:30 PM

Usually you first twist the wires together and then twist on the wire nut until it is tight and will not pull off the wires.

LawnGuyLandSparky · 12-13-2007, 01:30 PM

They're twisted on. Inside there is a sharp "spring" with a decreasing radius. As you turn, the wire is drawn up and compressed.

elkangorito · 12-13-2007, 01:34 PM

Just to make sure...

These "wire nuts" do not use "screws". They are "twist on". In other words, the wire is not held captive by a screw compressing it to a housing. True?

Also, according to Sammys' site link, these things can have a minimum of 300v insulation. Is this correct?

Sammy · 12-13-2007, 02:17 PM

No screws involved what so ever.

Just the wire nut itself.

71-72 sizes are 300V max only

73 size and up are rated for 300v to 600v max depending on conductor number and size.

All are CU/CU but there are specific's available for AL.

elkangorito · 12-14-2007, 10:59 AM

Thanks a lot guys...very helpful

.

HouseHelper · 12-14-2007, 11:02 AM

Since you bought it up... What do you use down there to secure wire splices?

elkangorito · 12-14-2007, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HouseHelper

Since you bought it up... What do you use down there to secure wire splices?

Australia uses "screwed" connectors. No, not that type of "screwed"

.

Earth connectors generally have 2 screws & standard (Active or "hot") connectors have 1 screw. They come in different current carrying capacities & are all insulated for a minimum of 600v. The general method for applying them is to use PVC electrical tape to totally cover the connector & part of the cables after the connection is finished. The wires must be twisted "properly" before using this device.

I have always been shocked & appalled at the number of so called "electricians" who cannot twist wires together properly. This inability to twist wires properly is quite possibly one of the biggest reasons why fires occur. Unfortunately, Arc Fault breakers will only allow some electricians to either continue their laziness or become lazier.

Andy in ATL · 12-14-2007, 05:53 PM

Wirenuts are my favourite.

When I was a green ass helper, the guy who taught me said I had to twist every wire together for one year. As I gained experience and speed, I quit pre twisting up to four 14AWG CU solid wire together. Some may be shocked by this, but I'll give anyone an Andrew Jackson ($100 for my Aussie buddy) who can pull the wirenut off of them. All 12AWG and up gets pretwisted into a sexy little secure spiral.

Andy