How to properly use a wire nut.

[@BevinsBuilds]

Quick video on #howto properly use a #wire #nut Link to my Amazon page www.amazon.com/shop/bevinsbricks I do make a small commision on sales from these links. Link to my other channel Bevins Bricks if you love Lego you will love this channel. kzbin.info/door/V0ncTOFl5Sg53sLNGxvi6w

[@zenmom42]

I was replacing a ceiling light fixture, and couldn't get the connections to hold. Your advice made all the difference, and there's now a lovely, *new* light fixture up there. Thanks a bunch!

[@kimberleeturner8475]

Female ?

[@Patrick_Gray]

I worked as a commercial electrician. We seldom used 14 gauge wire, because our receptacle circuits were 20 Amp. That was an "Ideal Twister" wire nut, my favorite wire nut. I used my 5/16" nut driver to twist them on. When we used other wire nuts we twisted the wires together, cut off the tip, and then installed the wire nut. That also might be my method when struggling to get several wire tip ends even.

[@derekpost1924]

I've been an electrician for 6 years and have not pre-twisted a single joint, and haven't had a single failure that I'm aware of. What's crazy to me is all of these ignorant and egotistical electricians on the internet who will call other electricians a "hack" for not pre-twisting when it literally says on all the wire nut package instructions that it's unnecessary. I guess I'm a "hack" for installing a wire nut the way the manufacturer recommends.

[@clv603]

I lost hope when I witnessed a sparky spray hard foam inside the void and gasket of a ceiling flush mount light fixture to fix a potential moisture problem by unknowingly (or knowingly, who knows) replacing it with a fire problem so he could get on with the next. I've seen some pretty silly things in residential construction electrical work. I think the only trades that do things right are the ones that can't hide their mistakes. Pavers, bricklayers, dry wallers and to some degree plumbers most of the time lol

[@wildchameleon7622]

It's called suicide wiring because if you don't twist the wires, it can come loose very easily. It happened to me when unscrewing A fire detector, the wires split apart and the hot wire hit the box and sent sparks all over the room.

[@marvinostman522]

I agree with you. I have a friend who has been in the trade for decade’s commercial and residential. He told me not to pre-twist. He said if for no other reason he said think of the guy that comes back later and has to do work on that connection. A wire is a solid substance and will only take so many bend before it breaks.

[@MavoTheGreat]

I’m 6 years in too and I don’t think every “suicide” joint is hack. Like he showed, if you aren’t pre twisting but you’re actually securing them properly and can obviously see they are twisted together then that’s a good joint, but after doing service work for 2 of my 6 years I’ve seen a lot of folks just twist the wire nut on but the wires are just stuck in there straight and unjointed. When they aren’t twisted together and you have the infamous “suicide” joint going on. Then it’s shotty work imo. As long as the joint is done like this guys demonstration I think it’s fine. I still pre twist my joints though. Just a preference in process.

[@spugnoid]

​@@wildchameleon7622turn the breaker off first.

[@ashley4074]

I’m a new homeowner and trying to fix things myself, but have been terrified of all things electrical. Showing this in simple terms without breaking the bank is just what I needed! Thank you!

[@markzmudy1821]

This is the best discussion I have ever heard about wire nuts. All key points are duly noted. And the demo with the weight, while not intended to be funny, made me laugh out loud. Great video!

[@HotShotMechPilot]

I wired many connections in my house using this exact technique (same copper exposure length and position of wires prior to nut install). I started second guessing myself when someone insisted that its best to pre-twist. Thank you for reassuring me that my connections are good! Subscribed.

[@gjacobson76]

With multiple wires under a wire nut, I have seen times where a wire will pull out. I myself like to take my lineman pliers and give the wires a partial twist, especially if it is 4 or more solid wires. Stranded wire I do not pre twist. I tape the wires first and work the tape over the wire nut. I never use cheap tape for connections, cheap tape is for pulling wire. In 20 years, I have never had a failure, but I have fixed plenty of other people's screw ups. While the instructions say it is unnecessary to pre- twist, it doesn't not to. I wouldn't say my way is right or wrong or condemn anyone for following the manufacturer instructions. I am simply stating my way and what has worked flawlessly for me.

[@mambodiehard]

Simple, crystal clear and to the point. Thanks!

[@its_notta_cedar]

Maaaaaaan ive been pre twisting for years and never knew any better because thats how i was taught. Then i seen someone not pre twisting and thought "HEY, thats not how i do it, HES WRONG" ill be shaving seconds per connection with this and thats really real real real when youve got hundreds of wire nut connections. I do irrigation if anyones wondering, big ol' fork that high voltage stuff.

[@wasserdagger]

Thanks for the helpful - and timely - advice. I'm getting ready to splice together a severed Shop Vac power cord, using wire nuts, and I just wanted to make doubly sure on how to go about using them.

[@bobbyc2768]

Thanks for the video bud, I've never done this before and am renovating my grandmother's house after she passed and had to mess with a broken switch on a ceiling fan and this video helped me get it done fast

[@worldsheaviestjamband93]

Hey my Lego guy is always showing me how to properly wire? Well that’s awesome. ❤

[@DDDYLN]

Much appreciated. I always used to pretwist. Sometimes the wires broke after twisting on the wire nut. Now, I understand why!

[@drphdzoidberg]

Thanks for this, nice collection in back!

[@AaronAlpar-yh3eo]

Thank you for clarifying this! Nothing would get built if all the wiring connections were all pre-twisted - its a waste of time. You should keep twisting until the wires start twisting around themselves at the base of the wire-nut.

[@lwfrey7923]

This was quite helpful for an amateur such as me. Thank you.

[@davidweber6024]

Interesting! I just watched this video after reading the instruction on installing a transfer switch and the manufacturer explained the same method.

[@jeffdavis8811]

Yes, no pre-twisting needed if you only have 2 wires. I have had a few failed connections when I didn’t pre-twist 3 or more wires.

[@felixnavarro5373]

Thank you , simply put and to the point ☝️

[@ejjohnson8100]

Thanks! This is so helpful. I’m trying to install a new garbage disposal

[@mattwaters6987]

Thanks for sharing this information. Most helpful. 😊

[@BowersGameCorner]

Fantasticly helpful video! Subbed

[@gilguzman08]

Yes sir been doing it right this whole time 💪

[@altemose_prime]

Thanks for the perfect explanation.

[@brugaldr809]

Finally someone whose Not sponsored by waYgo wire nuts or any other "Easy Expensive" nut

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

Bush wire ? Which fits inside a green basket? Is this why the crow push it on the grass day before yesterday? So it not connected to the light blue wire?

[@kevdab]

Super helpful, thank you sir!

[@gfy2979]

Did you see they say to "lead" a stranded wire so what would you do there?

[@CyberMedics]

Thank you for stating the facts! Always thought the same thing. My Grandfather was an electrician & he explained it just like you. New subscriber here. Do you recommend taping the wire nuts? Keep it up!

[@BevinsBuilds]

Yeah it's surprises me how many people think you need to pre-twist when it's absolutely unnecessary. With taping the wire nuts and the outlet let me say this first, it's not required. But it is something people do and what we call that is a courtesy wrap. :)

[@jaygosch8705]

Taping wire nuts wastes a lot more time than pre-twisting the wires! Tape is completely unnecessary unless you stripped the wires too far back and don't feel like re-doing the connection after trimming the wire. And if you've ever worked on connections with taped wire nuts, you already know your fingers, the wire, and the wire nut are covered in sticky goo. You could ignore it, but then you're likely to get the adhesive on nearby walls, door knobs, and your tools. Certainly not what I consider a "courtesy".

[@keithanthony9903]

Great video thanks also made sure I turned off power!

[@keystone1355]

Awesome. Put in a hot water heater by myself the other day and wasn’t sure, so I did not twist before.

[@Scotts_Blocks]

From one sparky to another...thanks for helping with this "Great Debate" 😂

[@robertmorin6495]

Good video....Thanks for the tips. Subscribed.

[@bertramusb8162]

What about multi wire joins, say like 6x #14 neutrals in a 4 gang? Would you expect the same results?

[@apples2752]

Thanks for the info!!!

[@bobbystanley8580]

I just had to repair a connection where the wire nut failed. I sure wished it would have been pre twisted before

[@msstardust7979]

If you wish to add one more wire to the ones already in a wirenut must you undo the pigtail or just put it over and let the nut twist it?

[@danrowe79]

Thanks for a great instruction video. WHY do some people use black electrical tape to seal the wire nut after making the connection? Is this necessary? Good to do or bad?

[@chrissanchez5345]

My dishwasher connects with wire nuts, they melted, so I pre twisted, the first time they weren’t pre twisted . Maybe I should untwist them now

[@quill6211]

Excellent info

[@surferdude642]

I typically don't recommend pre twisting when using 14 gauge wire, even up to and including 5 wires. Make sure you use the appropriate wire nut. I've seen people pre twist with pliers and gouge and nick the bare wire all over the place, not good. Connecting 3 or 4 12AWG is more challenging and while pre twisting is still not required, it is helpful in my experience. If pre twisting, be generous with the strip length and only grab near the ends of the wires (about 1/4" in) and twist until you have a snug spiral. Clip off the excess and if done correctly you will be left with a perfect spiral and no gouges or nicks.

[@BevinsBuilds]

As you agree there are times where pre-twisting is helpful. My point with this video is there are so many people that say that is the only way to do it correctly and it's not the case.

[@jaygosch8705]

Agreed. I was taught to always pre-twist and had been doing that for a couple years. I never had any complaints or found any problems doing it that way. But one day, I read the instructions and they said you don't need to pre-twist. I figured it would save time, so the next job I had, I didn't pre-twist. A few weeks after I completed the work, I got a call that lights were flickering. I went back and checked and found that one of the wire nuts with a bunch of #12 wires was loose. Needless to say, that was embarrassing. I went back to pre-twisting except if there are only 2 wires. With a bunch of wires, I prefer pre-twisting because I can see much more easily if one of the wires slipped back. I do find the wire nuts with wings much easier to pre-twist. They didn't have that type when I first started wiring. Also, I've never had any problem reusing any old wire nuts as long as they're in good condition. I can't imagine why they printed that disclaimer except to sell more wire nuts. Lol. I don't reuse wire nuts if they got wet and corroded or if the spring is damaged or the plastic broken. Or if someone taped them and they are covered in adhesive. 😊 That's annoying, unnecessary, and leaves sticky residue on my hands that will get on walls, door knobs, wall plates, etc. unless I stop and wash my hands.

[@surferdude642]

@@jaygosch8705 I like the 3M performance plus and the Ideal wing nut

[@jeteagle1457]

As a electrician for over forty years a PROPERLY INSTALLED wire nut is by far the SAFEST

[@lawllaygoh]

Great video. Thanks for the tip.

[@richardb7093]

what about strand wire to solid wire?

[@seanbarnes9021]

The only time I pre twist is if I am connecting 3 wires that are too short at once just to make sure all 3 stay in place as if there is not a lot of room to hold them. Other than that in my 20 years of doing electrical work I've never pre waisted a simple connection.

[@user-fx5vb3oi3k]

the best joint is soldered , using the wire nut as a cover

[@deewerner]

How do you know what color/size to use?

[@woodlandburl6648]

Great video.

[@rp9674]

Once I saw that how the wire not twisted the wires itself all I needed to know, no pre-twisting

[@rp9674]

Great video, but would have been better if the wire broke and he pretended it hit him in the eye.

[@artfay8382]

should have also covered connecting stranded with solid, which is a common situation when installing light fixtures etc

[@davidweber6024]

I find the Wago lever connectors useful for terminating stranded and solid conductors (especially of different gauges). They lock down on each of them individually and offer a secure connection. As a bonus, if you decide to change the light fixture, removing just that one conductor is much easier than when they are bundled into a wire nut.

[@yihsiangng7038]

Can I use on multi core wire ?

[@JJMECC]

The skin of the wire is carrying all of the current with these connections, this means all of the current is now being transferred to the wire nut coils even wagos act the same way the connection is fractional. I am surprised there aren't more faults out there. This one ore two wire twist is sub par if they oxidate or over heat once it will eventually fail. manufacturers dont mention pre twist so consumers feel they don't need to

[@bobbykimble6358]

So you twist it with the skin on it? You don't strip it at all?

[@JJMECC]

@bobbykimble6358 Skin Effect!

[@bobbykimble6358]

@@JJMECC Interesting i'll have to try it

[@samc1837]

Have you used wire nut twisting tool? Wondering if that makes it easier to lock without giving me arthritis.

[@BevinsBuilds]

I've always done it the old fashioned way twisting by hand.

[@Penguin545]

Pre twisting isn’t the only way to make a joint… it’s just the best way.

[@RustyCas999]

Does having different strip lengths (as in your example here) make a difference?

[@BevinsBuilds]

You should strip them the same length, I was being lazy and in the example I used a ground wire. 😀

[@TH4L3G1TK1NG]

I can't help it, my jounreyman taught to pretwist, even if it isn't technically necessary, but then again, I'm in high-rise so some of the junction boxes can have connections with 4 or more wires, but helpful tip if im just gonna do something quick at home, in say a potlight or something

[@darrensmith6782]

Thanks for this. It makes sense. I have been wasting a lot of time. I guess the problem is that if you don’t twist it on properly.

[@BevinsBuilds]

That is the biggest problem is most people don't realize there is a technique you need to do in order to use a wire nut correctly.

[@customizedtrainingservices2079]

Great video!!! Short ant to the point!!! I have been wondering about this for years. I have always been a pre-twister. Not any more!

[@BevinsBuilds]

Pretwisting is ok just not needed at all. :)

[@brian2100]

Can wire nuts get warm on a electric water heater

[@DiegoSanchez-b6k]

If Wire sits on it long enough, I reckon they would...

[@takeoverjupiter]

Its one time use meaning i shouldn’t reused a wire nut after replacing one of the wires?

[@Rooster960]

If the wire is too thick ,I would twist them prior to using the nuts, but for thinner wire like 14 ,I think not necessary

[@SGood54]

How do you do two stranded wires?

[@DiegoSanchez-b6k]

Same as chicks, At the same time...

[@tomhughes4980]

Always twist and cut the end on a 45° angle

[@DennisYeager-ex4io]

Well, if you get into union electrical work, they make electrician flyers in order to twist them and then cut it off even because they don’t always twist the same without doing that. You have no idea what they’ve done when you just twist the wire.

[@josephd27]

You tell em Daryl 👏

[@BevinsBuilds]

🤣

[@illuminotme4261]

Exactly right !!!

[@monicabarkerkemper73]

Thanks!

[@R900DZ]

Great video to settle this never ending debate once and for all.

[@BevinsBuilds]

Thanks

[@frankhouck4446]

“Unnecessary” doesn’t mean “don’t”. I still prefer to pre twist. I believe it ensures good surface area contact. The real question is, how much to torque down. I go pretty heavy with the insulated wire twisting a couple times outside of nut. I also hold the wires stable tightly to keep them from twisting outside nut as long as possible.

[@BevinsBuilds]

No but the point is pre twisting is not required as so many people claim.

[@nyxnaux]

@@BevinsBuildsIt’s not required but is good common practice. You’ve obviously never had to troubleshoot, or else you’d understand.

[@nathanr.8556]

Unnecessary means unnecessary

[@frankhouck4446]

@@nathanr.8556 ok…. What’s your point? My point was that unnecessary does NOT mean “don’t”. “Don’t” is binary and finite. Unnecessary is not. It may be unnecessary and, while it is “good enough” and passes code, pre twisting is simply better. It Doesn’t mean it’s necessary. As a DIY person, I’m not trying to shave seconds off an install. It’s worth it to me to do it “better”. So, again, what’s your point? Btw - didn’t you ever learn that defining a word by using that word, or a derivative of that word, in the definition is meaningless? I guess I should ask you “what is a woman”.

[@DiegoSanchez-b6k]

​@@frankhouck4446- Woman means woman

[@gregfaris6959]

Wire nuts are used extensively in the US, but I have never seen them in any other country (and I have done building projects in 18 countries in Europe and Asia). Even in the UK you never see them. Anyone know if these are legal and used in any country outside the US?

[@BevinsBuilds]

I cant speak for other countries but they are the standard use item in the usa and they are UL listed. Being UL listed yes they are safe and legal to use.

[@BevinsBricksWorld]

@@BevinsBuilds UL Listing means that UL has tested representative samples of a product and determined that the product meets specific, defined requirements. These requirements are often based on UL's published and nationally recognized Standards for Safety.

[@jackriley7967]

What do they used in the other countries?

[@gregfaris6959]

@@jackriley7967 Screw Terminal Strips are extensively used in Europe, and you will find them in pretty much every application where wire nuts would be used in the US. A ceiling light fixture, for example, would come with a two-terminal block already rigidly mounted inside it, so the installer would insert two wires and clamp down the screws, as opposed to twisting bare wires together with wire nuts. I'm not saying that's necessarily better - Just an observation that I have never encountered wire nuts outside the US.

[@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago]

My wife's uncle was just electrocuted over here in the Philippines, so you can forget about there being any codes over here. I'm about to wire up our generator and I was actually able to find twist caps online to my surprise, although I went with an automatic transfer switch so I most likely won't be using them. Good to have for future projects though.

[@MrSpacelyy]

That's not twisted really well at all 2:25 It should be much more tightly. Also twist .wires or more. 2 wires is like when making a mistake. Wire could be used without a nut.

[@BaghaShams]

I'd like to caution that with some cheap wire nuts, you may not want to twist them too much, as it starts "stripping" its grip on the wires. I stopped twisting when I felt it had a strong enough hold. Thanks for your video, it helped with my home dimmer light switch installation.

[@Dutch-Power-Cow]

Thow out these old, old, old, school wire nuts and take a leap in to the 21st century America. In Europe we use Wago Connectors for the last 30/40 years. We never ever use an old school wire nuts anymore!

[@KevinCoop1]

100% correct!

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

WAGO Lever Nuts

[@labmanme]

thank you

[@dioncurtiscurtis3188]

lol so essentially the reason why our connection comes out it’s because b/c we didn’t do it properly. Makes sense

[@Angela-pi6zc]

Thanks

[@boaragile82]

The best approach is, indeed, using different method to splice. I came to hate wire nuts: everyone and their mother uses them differently, and boy, do they produce interesting results when some idiot screws them on a bunch of five without securing the wires to each other (and by securing, I don't mean tape, but cable tie). The idea of having a spring coiled around several wires has its limitations. Unless it is a requirement for a splice to be dismountable AND spring clamps are prohibited, I know of no reason to use wire nut instead of hex crimp or spring clamp.

[@JimmyDanieley]

Twist don't twist doesn't matter but if you have to hot work a problem it's much better for the wire to be un 😉

[@BrickfordCityFire]

I don't know if I will need this, but it's good to know just in case! Great video!

[@BevinsBuilds]

Just some general information for those that need to know how to use a wire nut :)

[@rock4115]

Thanks.

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

How to properly use a wire nut. 🤣 How to properyl ...... Everyone on YT is an expert on everything

[@clv603]

If you really want it done right, heat shrink the joined wires together and fill the void of the wire nut with silicone adhesive before twisting it down. The extra time and cost of material is negligible to make the connection corrosion proof which is every wire nut's worst enemy, and easy to remove and replace or change what's connected down the road.

[@rock4115]

Ideal states on their video tutorial of wire nuts that twisting is not necessary, but recommended

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Remember that recommendations are often the best way for any manufacturer to avoid liability. If your packaging says to twist...its their lawyers talking. My Ideal packages do not say this. Nor do all my other brands. I have never twisted since in the beforetime...around 1969.

[@timyassa4343]

1:16

[@butters742]

I think its not so much the wire nut that's feared, Its the people who use it. My house is full of really awful connections using wire nuts because the nut wasn't secured on properly, or the wires were not held right when putting the nut on. Half the time i find them melted with no pre-twist because the person who put the wire nut on didnt take the time to secure it. Just doing a pretwist takes a second and increases the surface contact. Just a guarantee verses a maybe. 2 seconds verses a house burning down. Plus when I'm wiring other houses and you have 8 14/2's coming into a 5 gang box, pre-twisting a good joint helps organize everything. Pre-twists are demanded because it ensures a lot of pros rather then cons from any level of worker experience.

[@BevinsBuilds]

The biggest problem is most people that are wiring houses these days are not licensed electricians. Even if they are they are paid by the job not by the hour so sadly people rush through things and mess up. Pretwisting is an unnecessary added time consumption, just do things right the first time. :)

[@beltycat5490]

No pretwisting !

[@BevinsBuilds]

Correct :)

[@devor8251]

It should be reliable enough for 100w fixture. For something more serious, well... I'll hold my toxic irony.

[@serpentes9818]

my boss aint gonna like this...

[@ianmib]

The wire nut fall off because ppl pre-twist. Any more than two wires pre twisting is dumb.

[@antoniskonstantakis5474]

I understand what you are saying but pre twisting is the best way to use wire nut

[@frontagulus]

Could you explain why it's the best way?

[@antoniskonstantakis5474]

@@frontagulus I will try the best I can because English is not my language,,,,,so If you pre twist the wires before putting them in the wire nut you get a better connection and its unlikely that they will come off...that is my experience as a 30+ years of being an electrician

[@PapaGoatGamez]

Youdaman 👍

[@thepittsburghplug3167]

I pretwist because I have fixed a million non pretwist ed connections.

[@jeffhicks2987]

Nice video that all l need to no thanks

[@BumpyBilsko]

Dude this has never happened to me before but I have a man crush on u. Completely heterosexual mind u! Weird! Love the vid brother

[@paulcross8824]

Been in the business for over 40 years and every time I'm called out to a job for electrical short it's always because somebody forgot to twist the wire before they put the nut on sorry buddy

[@chrishawly]

User error. He showed that if done properly the wire nut twists the wires

[@21a551]

Indeed not necessary!

[@comodice905]

Bro what are you saying