Stranded wire as pigtail?

I have seen a number of postings about using stranded wire as the pigtail to switches or outlets. I thought that a stranded wire cannot be directly connected under a screw on an outlet or switch, but that a (fork) terminal had to be crimped onto the stranded wire first. The fork terminal is then placed under the screw and the screw tightened.

Or am I just confused?

 

Many jurisdictions do requre that to be done and many for some reason allow the stranded wire under a screw. I personal belief is to use the proper connectors to make a connection. Either the forked or full round or furrels to make the proper hookup. I have seen mistakes made on stranded wire which have caused a multitude of problems.

 

The Code says that you must use a terminal spade or loop is the connection is not listed and labled for use with stranded wire directly. There are receptacles that have a squeeze plate where you have the screw loos and slide the wire in the squeeze plate space then tighten the screw and thus the squeeze plate down on the solid or stranded wire. This receptacle does not require a terminal to be installed on the stranded wire to be connected to this type connection.

If you have a scew and you have to wrap around the screw's post then you must install a terminal spade or loop.

Just depends on the device and the approved wire to be connected to it directly.

Wg

 

WG,
While I don't approve of the stranded wire being directly connected to the side screw on a receptacle, the UL White Book in guide RTRT for "receptacles for attachment plugs and plugs" says: "Terminals of the wire-binding screw, setscrew, or screw-actuated back wired clamping types are suitable for use with both solid and stranded building wires."
It looks to me like the listing is for use with both solid or stranded conductors on all listed receptacles.
Don(resqcapt19)

 

If you are going to put stranded wire under a screw strip it so a little insulation is left on the end to hold the strands together and twist the strands COUNTERCLOCKWISE. When tightening the screw the counterclockwise twist will allow the screw to pull the strands inward securing them more.

DaveB.inVa

 

Used a Gfci the other day with the clamping plate in it, man are they nice. I would always use the spade terminal and crimp it on stranded wire. It makes for a neat clean and effective connection. It says something about you if people should come after you and see your work.

 

resqcapt19 I havn't seen the listings you are referring to but if it says the post or screw is approved for both stranded and solid then it should be approved. Question is it possible that the manufacturing instructions call for terminal ends on the products you mentioned. Standed to a screw post is pretty messy and hard to make a reliable connection without strays hainging out asking for a shorted cuicuit in my mind.

Wg

 

WG,
That information was from the UL White Book and applies to all listed 15 and 20 amp receptacles.
Don(resqcapt19)