Wire Connectors - To tape or not to tape?
#1
02-06-04, 10:31 PM
Wire Connectors - To tape or not to tape?
After connecting 2 or more wires with a twist-on wire connector, should you wrap tape around the connector and some of the wire to help keep it on?
I've always taped in the past, but a licensed electrician who did some work on my house didn't.
Thanks.
I've always taped in the past, but a licensed electrician who did some work on my house didn't.
Thanks.
#2
02-07-04, 06:11 AM
Properly done, there is no need to tape. However, if it makes you feel more comfortable you can put a piece of tape around the connection. Just don't overdo it with the tape.
#3
02-07-04, 08:07 AM
OK, now I have to ask what would be considered "overdoing the tape"? In the past I used about a 5" piece of tape, wrapped it once around the wire connector, then a couple of times around the wires and end back on the connector.
Is that too much?
Is that too much?
#5
02-07-04, 09:55 AM
Member
I also recommend that you do not use any tape at all. Strip the right amount of insulation (so that bare wire doesn't protrude from the wire nut, use a new wire nut (don't reuse one that's been used before), use the right size nut (consult the table on the package), and twist it on until the force of twisting the wire nut causes the wires to twist around each other (i.e., break your arm twisting it). If the wire nut never gets that tight, throw it away and try again.
#6
02-07-04, 03:13 PM
I only used tape as sort of a back-up. I think that the 1st time I used it was because I had trouble with a wire connector to connect 4 12 AWG wire. The connector was listed to handle up to 5 wires of this size. I don't know if there is any standards to the colors, but the connector was red.
Then another time I gave the connector one good final twist and one of the wires snapped.
In any event, thanks to everyone, this board is one of the best used of the WWW.
Then another time I gave the connector one good final twist and one of the wires snapped.
In any event, thanks to everyone, this board is one of the best used of the WWW.
#7
02-07-04, 05:40 PM
Member
Yes, wirenuts are sized by color. I know which colors to use, but off the top of my head, I can't tell you the capacities of each. As for taping wirenuts, if they are installed correctly and are the PROPER CONNECTOR for the job, there is no need to tape them.
I agree that DoItYourself.com is the best forum, not only for electrical, but for HVAC and Plumbing too
I agree that DoItYourself.com is the best forum, not only for electrical, but for HVAC and Plumbing too
#8
02-07-04, 06:07 PM
Member
If one of the wires snapped, perhaps you nicked it when stripping the insulation. It is very important not to nick the conductors!
#10
02-10-04, 06:16 PM
I couldn't figure where I read about using tape as a added safety precaution, then I happened to read "Wire Connection Part 1" in Wiring and Electricity Basics of this website. See it for yourself at http://www.doityourself.com/electric/electconnecta.htm
"A good safety precaution is to pull on each wire to assure that it is secure, then wrap electrical tape around the wire nut and the wires connected."
"A good safety precaution is to pull on each wire to assure that it is secure, then wrap electrical tape around the wire nut and the wires connected."
