alternative to wirenuts?

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daniel2229

daniel2229

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I have seen some new devices that replace traditional wirenuts. The wire is pushed in the side of a plastic block. The other wire that you are extending goes into the other side. They look very easy to use, but are they as good as wirenuts?
 
I know wirenuts work well and would be hesitant to use anything else. Does this new device work w/stranded wire?
 
daniel2229 said:
I have seen some new devices that replace traditional wirenuts. The wire is pushed in the side of a plastic block. The other wire that you are extending goes into the other side. They look very easy to use, but are they as good as wirenuts?
Click to expand...

since i work in aerospace, i really HATE wire nuts. very low-tech and they're garbage. wires twisted together is not a solid connection. to me, they're a fire just waiting to happen. moisture proof (heat shrink) crimp splices are a much more solid connection.

wire nuts are used because they're quicker, not better.
 
kok328 said:
I know wirenuts work well and would be hesitant to use anything else. Does this new device work w/stranded wire?
Click to expand...

more than likely you would crimp a solid terminal onto the end of the wire then push it into the block.

unless it just has a screw you tighten onto the wire end...
 
I read a couple of forums that stated the push-in connectors are not the best quality. Our electrician in our building said he didn't like them because there was only two contact points in the block -- where the wire is clenched.

He convinced me to go with wirenuts, which I did last night. I got the kind with wings so my arthritic fingers could deal with them.
 
The electrician sub used when I built my most recent house used them. They are kind of neat but more expensive, thats offset by labor savings I suppose. Downside is you can undo them as I recall.
 
Yea, my fingers cramp up after a few dozen wirenuts too. Buy the kind that has a 5/16" head on the top and use a nut driver to turn them.
 
I like wire nuts in the proper size. Once tightened, I wrap the base of the nut and the wires going into it with electrician's tape. It's a fast, safe connection.
 
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