[Stapler]

What I've noticed is some people think wire nuts may be reused whilst others have an inverse opinion.

Given how the spring inside compresses, I can understand why wire nuts are single use only products. However I am interested in general opinion here.

 

[ddawg16]

Spring?

The nuts I use have a threaded metal cone.

I reuse all the time.

 

[mpoulton]

I reuse them if they are in good shape, but if there's ANY trouble getting it to grab, I toss it and use a new one.

 

[J. V.]

I reuse if I'm paying for them.

 

[Oso954]

The nuts I use have a threaded metal cone.

In many cases, that threaded metal cone is a coiled spring.
Here is a cutaway of an Ideal weatherproof wire nut.

 

[Stapler]

Thank you for all the responses. Potentially some manufacturers may insert metal directly in the wire nuts, but I've used mostly Ideal Industries wire nuts.

 

[jbfan]

I only reuse if adding another wire.

 

[AllanJ]

I would say it is safe to reuse the wire nut if the inside is not deformed.

 

[mikeyp78]

I agree with what has been said here a few times: take a look inside, if everything looks intact, should be all right.

 

[Stapler]

Just for maximum clarification, I called Ideal Industries and the technical support representative told me that only the "In-Sure" push in wire connectors can be reused. Not that I am stating anyone wrote here is wrong, I am literally just reporting on what I was told by the manufacturer.

 

[mikeyp78]

Bizarre. Just did a little internet search. HD markets Ideal Wire Nuts as reusable on the website.

 

[mikeyp78]

Even more bizarre:

And.... from the Ideal Industries Website itself... a quote....

"The Wire-Nut® also features a tough, flame-retardant thermoplastic shell that withstands environmental extremes and is reusable for easy circuit changes and addition"

 

[Stapler]

This was my source of information and I called the phone number listed, option one. Ideal Industries electrical division side phone number is 1-800-435-0705. For privacy, I don't want to give the representative's name.

For legality sake and because the phone calls are likely recorded, this makes the person I spoke would say these aren't reusable.

 

[rjniles]

Ideal sells wire nuts. Why would they want you to reuse them?

 

[Stapler]

They inherently wouldn't as I initially stated, this needs to be mentioned "In-Sure" push in wire connectors can be reused according to Ideal. Being a business, one might come to conclusion if their wire nuts aren't meant to be reused, then their "In-Sure" push in wire connectors would fall into that same category.

 

[Speedy Petey]

Just for maximum clarification, I called Ideal Industries and the technical support representative told me that only the "In-Sure" push in wire connectors can be reused. Not that I am stating anyone wrote here is wrong, I am literally just reporting on what I was told by the manufacturer.

Just curious, but why are you so concerned about this?

 

[Stapler]

For the most part, this is pure curiosity and also a mixture of viewing a plethora of viewpoints. Once had a teacher tell me, every day there is a new opportunity to learn. Knowledge is powerful and can bring people together for better or worse.

 

[Oso954]

Being a business, one might come to conclusion if their wire nuts aren't meant to be reused, then their "In-Sure" push in wire connectors would fall into that same category.

That's faulty logic. They are two seperate designs. While in this case they can both be reused, you can not make the assumption that all products made by the same company can. Different designs may have different restrictions.

Being able to reuse wire nuts is a selling feature. Ideal sells enough of them that they don't care whether you reuse them on one light or receptacle. They sell for new projects. Very few people will collect and sort used wire nuts for new projects. Is simpler to keep new ones on hand.

A lot of people have a preferred wire nut, and will use that one vs reinstalling and older nut of a different style or mfg.

My guess is that on a percentage basis, the number of wire nuts reinstalled is extremely low.

 

[Stapler]

Fair enough, as you are correct in that these are two different designs. Obviously some of Ideal's products may be reused and other products are not. Depends on the product and application.

Those who that work in the electrical trade probably are more likely to use brand new wire nuts just as an extra insurance as being called back to correct prior work is more of a disadvantage I'd presume.

Preference and perceived reliability certainly come into play.

 

[mikeyp78]

I'm guessing that:

a) Ideal markets the wire nuts as "can be" reused placing that discretion in the hands of the consumer. That said, then
b) They are just covering their rear-ends by keeping the jargon simple... for liability sake.
c) From what I understand, the buy-in for the "In-Sure" connectors is very shaky. Generally speaking, most electricians hate them and don't trust them. So, they're probably pushing the technology since it's more or less "state of the art" and easy for the DIYers out there. (Kind of like how plumbers aren't buying into Shark-Bites.)

Great conversation, though.