Any tips on wire nuts on 8 gage wire?
edwardh1
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
Putting in a cooktop- had to run a new 220 circuit – old one was 30 amp new one is 40 amp so 8 gage wire, stranded- any tips on installing the wire nut connector? Wrap one wire around the other then apply the wire nut? Big wires! (to me)
using a big blue wire nut with “wings” on it for your thumbs
Edited 11/29/2008 6:13 pm ET by edwardh1
Replies
Hold the wires together then twist on the wire nut, which will do the wire twisting in and of itself.
I use one of those step drill bits and drill out the end of my #2 Phillips screwdriver handle, it makes for a nice way to grab them nuts that don't have wings.
And as said, just stab the two wires into the nut, they'll twist as you turn.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
at 8 gauge you should/ could be using a split bolt connector, you will find it much easir and more secure.
How do you insulate it ? tape?
Yup! Tape it is.I typically wrap those connections with friction tape to cover the sharp edges, and then cover it with GOOD electrical tape. Watch out for the cheap imports from an Asian country: The adhesive can let loose.I still think that 3M has an excellent electrical tape. They have a couple of versions. One stays flexible at low temps, but it is unlikely that you would need anything but the standard tape.Wrap it at least twice, once spiraling in each direction, with lots of overlap. Be sure to run tape between the wires to seal that area.In the old days they would have used a self-fusing rubber tape, but that is really unnecessary.
I have seen screw terminal connectors with a screw-on plastic cover.
The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of a mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one. --Wilhelm Stekel
agreed, the screw terminals w/ plastic covers are likly the best and neatest in this application. work safe, Dave
I thought you just had to have big nuts. :o)
I agree, with this size wire go the split bolt, then dip the connection into a container of liquid plastic that is available for dipping tools used in electrical work. after that you could put a shrink warp sleeve over the connection for additional protection. It will take additional time but will make a nice tight connection to prevent electrical leakage.
Virginbuild
The approved trade practice for insulating split bolts, and similar, splices is a three step process.
The first step is to fill large gaps and round sharp corners with electrical insulating putty.
This is then wrapped with a self-fusing splicing tape.
A final wrap if plastic electrical tape finishes the job.
The Polaris / NSI connectors are nice, and avoid all this mess. They still ought to get a wrap of tape, to keep the caps on.
The biggest problem is space in the box for all this. When I instal such a receptacle, I use a steel "4-11" box, as deep as I can find.
You always do a good job of explaining electrical stuff. Easy for the average guy to follow. You and CAP ought to write a book.....maybe he already has??
What is self-fusing tape? What keeps it from fusing on the roll?BruceT
X-treme Tapehttp://www.mocap.com MOCAP self fusing silicone tape. Auto, Marine, Home, Shop & More
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X-treme Tape at AmazonAmazon.com/tools Power tools, hand tools, & more Qualified orders over $25 ship freeIt has release paper between wraps on the roll.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
Thanks for the link. One video is worth a thousand words. Looks like there is a clear vinyl backer strip keeping the silicone tape from sticking to itself on the roll.
BruceT
In general, I agree completely with the putty.To be honest, the practice I was describing was used in the 1920's when installing streetcar trolley wire and its tapped connections, but with a nod toward modern-day tape. I have worked installing this stuff as a volunteer at a trolley museum (using a line car built in 1908 out of used parts) and have tried to use the same techniques as far as possible, with an eye to modern safety needs.(Anybody else here know how to serve guy wire instead of using clamped connections? Can you do it two wires at at time?)
I've always liked using these Polaris insulated connectors. They are rated for copper and aluminum cable connections.
I would not make this into a project, make it easy for yourself and use wire nuts. Such as Ideal brand 454, UL listed for this application.