[tpagel]

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.

 

[Leah Frances]

Seems to be personal preference to some extent. Not twisting doesn't seem to be enough of a time saver to justify the chance the nut could fail/slip/whatever.

 

[secutanudu]

There have been MANY threads discussing both pre-twisting the wires and the use of tape.

Twisiting of wires: Under normal circumstances it is unnecessary if you properly fasten the wirenut.

Electrical tape: completely unnecessary and amateurish

 

[electures]

Twisting the wires is not required although I prefer it. Tape is not needed either.

 

[Speedy Petey]

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.

 

[biggles]

advantage is they disconnect when un nutted but if there is a load they will spark..twisting them aces that problem but need to recut when you renut them....this on solid wire more the stranded but it is an electricans install choice

 

[jmans8666]

If you twist them its better and the wire nut will not fail and if you twist them you do not have to cut them if you wish to redo something you just untwist them

 

[Speedy Petey]

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:

 

[Leah Frances]

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.

 

[electures]

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.

 

[tpagel]

Thank you for all the replies. I appreciate the insights.

 

[bob22]

Or use these and not have to worry about taping and twisting:
http://www.idealindustries.com/media/img/product/medium/in-sure.jpg

 

[AllanJ]

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.

 

[busman]

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.

Then you're not twisting them correctly.

 

[Leah Frances]

Then you're not twisting them correctly.

He may be twisting them correctly, but not trimming the twist afterwards for proper length.

Exposed copper after the wire nut is on is a big NO NO.

Wrapping electrical tape around it is not a solution for that problem.

 

[frenchelectrican]

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.

The only time I put electrical tape on wirenuts is the motour peckerhead that is the only place due the viberations but for anything else heck no I will not bother with tape that look ugly.

And for any readers if you are thinking take the wirenut off make sure that the circuit is COMPLETY off and pay attetion if you have MWBC { multi wire branch circuit } MAKE sure it is complety 100% off on both leg or phases espcally with netural on MWBC they can get ya if not heed the warning.

Merci,
Marc

 

[SD515]

I love and hate this topic :laughing:

From the consensus, it seems I'm one of the few that doesn't pre-twist.

 

[frenchelectrican]

I love and hate this topic :laughing:

From the consensus, it seems I'm one of the few that doesn't pre-twist.

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

 

[DoctorWho]

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.

 

[a7ecorsair]

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.

Do you wrap tape around the receptacle to protect the screws too. I've seen that, really stupid and messy. There is no need for tape inside a box except to remark a white.