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How to select twist-on wire connector

Use only 600 volt wire.
Lamp cord, extension cords are not rated 600 volt.
Use copper wire only. Aluminum wire is fire risk and should be avoided or installed by professional.

30 amp breaker use 10 gauge /
120-240 volt 30 amp outlet can be installed on 30 amp breaker only/ use 10 gauge wire ... cannot be connected to 15-20-40 amp breaker.

Orange/ #10 gauge wire, with ground ... 30 amp capacity. Safe maximum: 30 x 80% = 24 amps.
Buy:
10-2 gauge/ 30 amp
10-3/ 30 amp
Southwire electric tools
Yellow 12 gauge 20 amp
120 volt 20 amp outlet can be installed on 20 amp breaker, but not 15 amp breaker/ use 12 ga wire.
... cannot be connected to 30-40 amp breaker. 1

Yellow/ #12 gauge wire, with ground ... 20 amp capacity. Safe maximum 16 amps.
Buy:
12-2 gauge/ 20 amp
12-3/ 20 amp

NMB is house wiring
UF is underground
Rolls of stranded wire
HOOK UP Wires
White 14 gauge 15 amp
120 volt 15 amp outlet, AFCI, GFCI, timer, switch etc can be installed on 15 or 20 amp breaker. Never connect 15 gauge wire to 20-30-40 amp breaker.

White/ #14 gauge wire,  with ground ... 15 amp capacity. Safe maximum 12 amps.
Buy:
14-2 gauge/ 15 amp
14-3/ 15 amp

NMB is house wiring
UF is underground
50-60 amp breaker use 6 gauge /
240 volt 50 outlet can be installed on 50 amp breaker only
6-2 wire
Buy:
6-2 wire
Southwire electric tools
NMB is house wiring
UF is underground
40-50 amp breaker use 8 gauge /
240 volt 40 amp outlet can be installed on 40 or 50 amp breaker only
6-2 wire
Buy:
8-2 wire
Southwire electric tools
NMB is house wiring
UF is underground
     
Copper ground wire.
Every device, load, metal enclosure etc must be grounded. Ground wire must be continuous throughout installation, never switched on-off, never used as a Neutral wire.
Generally ... use same size as other wire in circuit
Buy:
12 gauge copper ground wire
Ground wire
Green ground wire
Ground pigtails
Ground rods/ ground clamps at Amazon
armored cable
Non metallic flexible cables must carry ground wire, but do not have hazard of short circuit causing injury from shock.

Armored steel cable can be used as a grounded connection, and will protect wires from damage. Metal can be energized from an insulation failure.

All conduit ...metal, plastic ... flexible and rigid ... must be attached to structure, and attached to enclosures, boxes.
Movement, damage and deterioration are major cause of electrical failure.
Buy:
Non-metallic flexible conduit
Power whip
Armored cable
Southwire armored cable cutter
Pull boxes
Southwire armored cable cutter
Electrical tools must be insulated.
Always best to disconnect power, but insulation failure, lack of proper grounding, grounded neutral, lack of GFCI, out-of-code wiring, generator operating without transfer switch, and other problems still pose a risk to anyone working on electric power ... even when breaker is off.

Buy:
Electrician tools kits
KLEIN TOOLS
Tools kits
IRWIN tools
KNIPEX

Telephone cable knife
Low Voltage Mounting Bracket for Telephone
Push on wire connectors

Push-on wire connectors in place of twist-on connectors

Buy:
Push on wire connectors Amazon
Red 3P connector for 10-14 gauge wire
Lever connectors for stranded wire at Amazon
HOOK UP Wires

Protect wiring from damage
Use nipper instead of pliers or screwdriver for removing staples (and nails). Do not damage cable or wires inside cable.

-Code says: Cable SHALL BE secured without damage to the outer covering. NEC sec. 336-15
Buy
End cutting nippers at Amazon


Electrically insulated tools
When removing insulation from wire, do NOT score or put cuts on surface of copper wire. Doing so increases resistance and heat on wire and creates possible weak point.
Buy tools:
KLEIN TOOLS
Wire strippers at Amazon
Electric Wire Stripping Machine
Linesman pliers
Utility knife at Amazon
multimeter
Multimeters
Voltage is tested across two separate wires. Ohms or resistance is tested across both ends of same wire. Amperage is tested along one or two points on same wire.
Buy:
Analog multimeter
Multimeters at Amazon
Klein multimeter
Electric testers at Amazon
Clampmeter for testing amp flow on line

GFCI circuit breaker
A GFCI circuit breaker will protect all boxes on circuit.

Circuit must be grounded. Ground wire must be continuous and connected to each piece of equipment.

White wire on circuit breaker must be connected to Neutral busbar inside the breaker panel.

Buy
GFCI circuit breakers
Push down
single-pole breaker
1" wide Push down breaker
Plug-in breaker
Buy single-pole:
Choose from 15 to 60 amp
Eaton CL series
Siemens 15-60 amp

Single-pole tandem breaker
Tandem breakers
Push down
double-pole breaker
2" wide Push down breaker
Plug-in breakers
Buy double-pole:
Choose from 15 to 125 amp
Choose from 15 amp to 200 amp
Eaton CL series circuit breaker
Siemens circuit breaker
Double pole GFCI




Never assume power is OFF

wire nut safety
Turn power OFF
Always stand on dry boards. 
Do not stand on soil or metal ladder
Electricians use fiberglass ladder
Do not touch or lean into anything made of metal

Use non-contact voltage tester on timer, on wire, on outlet to see if power is present.
Press button on tester, if single beep then no power is present. If continuous beep then power is present.
Never stand on bare ground, always stand on dry boards, do not hold or touch anything metal when working on timer or water heater that has power, tape tester leads to wood sticks, never touch wet water heater, or flooded water heater, or timer that had a short or fire without turning power OFF.

Buy:
Multimeters at Amazon
Buy non-contact voltage tester at Amazon
Electric testers at Amazon 

To strip cover off cable:
Using utility knife with fresh blade, carefully cut through plastic sheathing ... over top of ground wire.
Cut directly over the ground wire.
Do not cut very deep ... just enough to get through the plastic outer cover
Do not cut into insulation that covers wires

Steel spring inside each connector
Steel spring cuts into soft copper wire.

Tighter the connector, the stronger steel spring holds wires together.


Buy:
twist connectors at Amazon
Two questions:
Does connector cover past the copper wire? Yes

Is connector tight enough that it will never fall off? Yes

Answer 'yes' to both questions, you have right connector.
Twist connector very tight
          Copper part of wire is completely covered
Applies to wires that are twisted together
Applies to wires that are placed sided-by-side
Applies to stranded and solid wires
connect stranded wire and solid wire How to connect stranded wire and solid wire
If stranded wire is thinner than solid:
Strip back stranded wire so there is more copper visible than solid wire.
 Wrap stranded wire around solid copper.
Leave solid wire straight.
When connecting two solids and one stranded: twist solids together first, then wrap stranded wire around solids.
Apply connector very tight.
Pull stranded wire to make sure it is tight.
If stranded wire is same diameter as solid:
Cut off both same length
Don't twist together, cover with connector.
Twisted wire
Different size and types (solid and stranded) can be joined under same wire connector as shown.
If one wire is smaller there is risk it can pull loose, or come loose. or the connector will not bite into the copper and stay fixed to the wires.

The main safety question is: Can any of the wires be pulled loose after connector is tightened?
Pull on each wire firmly after connector is installed. Check it for sure. A poor connection is a likely source of flickering and failed circuit. A loose connection will begin to arc.
IN the best case, it will simply come apart and circuit will fail. Worst case, it can cause fire. If the connection is located inside approved electrical enclosure with matching cover that is secured tightly, the the fire should not spread. Instead the wires will melt, tripping breaker, or simply melt enough to longer make electrical contact, and the circuit no longer works.

The smallest wire can be wrapped or twisted together with one of the larger wires.
DO NOT SOLDER household wiring
Solder is used for low voltage applications (circuit boards) and will melt and come loose when used for ordinary 120-240 volt applications. Use approved wire connector instead. Twist wire connector VERY tight
Add black tape to hold the wires together if needed ... this helps hold wires in place both while connector is being installed, and after connection is finished.
It is safe to leave black tape holding the wires as illustrated below.
Buy
Outdoor wire connector
Wire connector assortment
Basic rules:
               
Wire connectors

Both types do the same job
Twist connectors do not need to be taped in household wiring.
All electrical connections has resistance, and Tape can cause heat build-up that might melt wire connector 
Different wire connectors Choose right size:
Ceiling fans and electric light fixtures from store usually arrive with orange connector.
The orange connector may be too small for connecting to solid wire.
Use Yellow connector instead

Never use connectors for aluminum wire
Always use copper wire. Twist connectors are not approved for aluminum wire applications.
Only specific high compression fittings are used for aluminum wire

Do not use connectors that were used before
Apply new connector each time for high amperage applications

Never expose connections to temperatures higher than 220°F

Friction tape
Friction tape: 
Friction tape is best. Plastic tape dries out and comes loose over time.
Do not use twist connector to repair extension cord, appliance cord, or lamp cord. Cut wires back, twist copper wire together, next solder wires, then cover repair with tape.
Friction tape applied over twist connectors:
Commercial electricians know that twist connectors always come loose in high amperage applications, and so they apply friction tape over each connector. However, friction tape can block heat transfer out of connector, causing connectors to melt in some circumstances.

Household electric usage will not experience same high amperage heat found in commercial applications.
Using twist connector without friction tape is fine for household applications.
Twist on wire connector is best choice for residential electrical installations
Using twist connector without friction tape is fine for household applications.
Use wire connector instead of tape to join residential wires together. Twist-on wire connector is very reliable under all conditions found in household electrical system. The metal spring coil inside wire nutŪ cuts into and grips wires firmly. Always tighten wire connector very tight. Do not reuse old wire connectors according to sources, but high cost of products today suggest inspecting old wire connectors for damage and do not re-use damaged, rusted connector, or connector without internal metal spring.

Plastic tape and friction tape
Tape can be added OVER the top of wire nutŪ (trademark Southwire) ... but it is NOT recommended or necessary.
For hard-to-wire connections, wires can be taped together to aid installation of wire connector. Do NOT use tape to cover bare part of wire and then cover tape with wire connector.
The metal spring coil inside wire connector must bite into bare copper.

Black plastic tape will fail in outdoor application unless sufficient tape is used. Friction tape is better choice than plastic tape for outdoor. Numerous wraps of friction tape will last indefinitely, but will be hard to remove for later repairs. However, friction tape can block heat transfer out of connector, causing connectors to melt in some circumstances.
With wire connector, the metal coil spring that bites into the copper can deteriorate (rust) in damp locations. Fill wire connector with silicone for more permanent outdoor connection.

Professional electricians working with larger wires and higher-voltage commercial applications connect wires using professional grade black plastic tape, sometimes adding friction tape for weather resistance.
For these high amperage applications, a lug is best choice. However tape is used for large wires and high amp-volt commercial applications since wire connectors will fail, or connectors are too small for the application. Often the commercial connections consume entire roll of tape per connection. The tape is wrapped very tight and done in specific manner to meet commercial wiring codes.
how to twist electric wires Linesman pliers
Use to twist wire
Use to cut wire
linesman pliers
Buy:
Linesman pliers

Resources:
How to twist wire
twist two electric wires

Match breaker to voltage that shows on appliance label

3-phase breakers are used for commercial service panels
14 ga wire ++  rated for 120 Volts x 15 Amp = 1800 Watts x 80% = 1440 Watts

12 ga wire ++ rated for 120 Volts x 20 Amps = 2400 Watts x 80% = 1920 Watts

10 ga wire ++ rated for 240 Volts x 30 Amps = 7200 Watts x 80% = 5760 Watts

Resources:
Select right wire and breaker
Wire size chart with distances
Electrical formulas
circuit breaker Circuit breaker resources
Resources:
Water heater is tripping breaker
How to replace circuit breaker
How to wire gfci
Can AC breaker be used for DC breaker
How to reset circuit breaker
Not enough space for circuit breakers
Circuit breakers
How to install subpanel
Why you need ground wire
Match breaker and wire size
How to wire subpanel
See inside breaker box
How to wire safety switch
How to wire whole house surge protector
Use only 600 volt wire.
Lamp cord, extension cords are not rated 600 volt.
Use copper wire only. Aluminum wire is fire risk and should be avoided or installed by professional.

30 amp breaker use 10 gauge /
120-240 volt 30 amp outlet can be installed on 30 amp breaker only/ use 10 gauge wire ... cannot be connected to 15-20-40 amp breaker.

Orange/ #10 gauge wire, with ground ... 30 amp capacity. Safe maximum: 30 x 80% = 24 amps.
Buy:
10-2 gauge/ 30 amp
10-3/ 30 amp
Southwire electric tools
Yellow 12 gauge 20 amp
120 volt 20 amp outlet can be installed on 20 amp breaker, but not 15 amp breaker/ use 12 ga wire.
... cannot be connected to 30-40 amp breaker.

Yellow/ #12 gauge wire, with ground ... 20 amp capacity. Safe maximum 16 amps.
Buy:
12-2 gauge/ 20 amp
12-3/ 20 amp

NMB is house wiring
UF is underground
Rolls of stranded wire
White 14 gauge 15 amp
120 volt 15 amp outlet, AFCI, GFCI, timer, switch etc can be installed on 15 or 20 amp breaker. Never connect 15 gauge wire to 20-30-40 amp breaker.

White/ #14 gauge wire,  with ground ... 15 amp capacity. Safe maximum 12 amps.
Buy:
14-2 gauge/ 15 amp
14-3/ 15 amp

NMB is house wiring
UF is underground
50-60 amp breaker use 6 gauge /
240 volt 50 outlet can be installed on 50 amp breaker only
6-2 wire
Buy:
6-2 wire
Southwire electric tools
NMB is house wiring
UF is underground
40-50 amp breaker use 8 gauge /
240 volt 40 amp outlet can be installed on 40 or 50 amp breaker only
6-2 wire
Buy:
8-2 wire
Southwire electric tools
NMB is house wiring
UF is underground
    
Copper ground wire.
Every device, load, metal enclosure etc must be grounded. Ground wire must be continuous throughout installation, never switched on-off, never used as a Neutral wire.
Generally ... use same size as other wire in circuit
Buy:
12 gauge copper ground wire
Ground wire
Green ground wire
Ground pigtails
Ground rods/ ground clamps at Amazon
armored cable
Armored cable can be used as a grounded connection, and will protect wires from damage. Metal can be energized from an insulation failure.

Non metallic flexible cables must carry ground wire, but does not have hazard of short circuit causing injury from shock.

All conduit ...metal, plastic ... flexible and rigid ... must be attached to structure, and attached to enclosures, boxes.
Movement, damage and deterioration are major cause of electrical failure.
Buy:
Armored cable
Southwire armored cable cutter
Non-metallic flexible conduit
Power whip
Pull boxes
Southwire armored cable cutter
Electrical tools must be insulated.
Always best to disconnect power, but issues of insulation failure, lack of proper grounding, lack of GFCI, out-of-code wiring, generator operating without transfer switch, and other problems pose a risk to anyone working on electric power.

Buy:
Electrician tools kits
Klein tools
Tools kits
stranded wire
12 ga Stranded wire is good for conduit with multiple wires ... but stranded cannot be installed under screw terminals on outlets, switches, timers etc without risk ... of heat causing splayed strands ....that come loose ... and begin to arc. Connect stranded to short piece of solid copper wire, and attach solid to screw terminal. Do not solder residential or commercial wiring.
Buy:
Rolls of stranded wire

Protect wiring from damage
Use nipper instead of pliers or screwdriver for removing staples (and nails). Do not damage cable or wires inside cable.

-Code says: Cable SHALL BE secured without damage to the outer covering. NEC sec. 336-15
Buy
End cutting nippers at Amazon


Electrically insulated tools
When removing insulation from wire, do NOT score or put cuts on surface of copper wire. Doing so increases resistances and heat on wire and creates possible weak point.
Buy tools:
Wire strippers at Amazon
Linesman pliers
Utility knife at Amazon
multimeter
Multimeters
Voltage is tested across two separate wires. Ohms or resistance is tested across both ends of same wire. Amperage is tested along one or two points on same wire.
Buy:
Analog multimeter
Multimeters at Amazon
Klein multimeter
Electric testers at Amazon
Clampmeter for testing amp flow on line
main breaker box
Larger image

See inside main breaker box

Basic house wiring
Electricity leaves power plant Resource: Electricity:
The grid is defined by three parts: transmission, distribution and end user. The following links show how it works
Power plant to end user power pole
Power pole to residential breaker box
Power pole to commercial breaker box

How to wire residential electric
How to wire commercial 3-phase

Why you need ground wire
How to wire 3-phase timer
3-phase water heater

Support the economy:
Buy water heaters from my associate links:

50 gallon Gas water heaters at Amazon
40 gallon gas water heaters at Amazon
50 gallon Electric water heaters at Amazon
40 gallon electric water heaters at Amazon
Hybrid / heat pump/ water heaters at Amazon

Resources:
How to install gas water heater
How to install electric water heater
Troubleshoot gas water heater
Troubleshoot electric water heater
Point of use water heaters
Resources:
Troubleshoot Gas valves with manuals
Icon gas valve

How to replace water heater element Waste King disposal
How to wire tankless electric


Install point of use water heater
Titan tankless

Contactors/ relays
Type 1 and type 2 surge protection surge protection
Programmable timers

Woods timers
surge protection
Anode rods anode rods
Recirculation system

Tankless recirculation
Point of use water heater
Install and troubleshoot garbage disposal Waste King disposal
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Electronic parts

Industrial supplies

Tools and home improvement

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Hayward pool
Pentair pool

Southwire electric
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Tools

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Fluke electrical testing
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Campbell Hausfeld air powered
Tekton automotive

Powerbuilt automotive
Saws and saw blades
box timers Resource:
Compare box timers
DPDT timers
Intermatic
Control water heater w/ Z-wave
Intermatic control centers Resource:
Intermatic control centers: and parts
Digital control centers and parts
Tork control centers and parts
Subpanels
All control centers and parts
Enclosures
programmable timer Resource:
Programmable timers
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