Most Common DIYer Electrical Mistake - Don't Let This Be You!
Summary
TLDRIn this video, Scott from Everyday Home Repairs demonstrates the common mistake made when connecting stranded wire to solid core wire, often seen in light fixtures and smart switches. He highlights the risk of loose connections leading to heat, arcing, or fire hazards. Scott then shows the correct technique using a wire net and the best practices, including a preferred method with AWG 221 connectors for a consistent and secure connection. He emphasizes the importance of proper wire connection for safety and durability in DIY electrical projects.
Takeaways
- ⚠️ The number one mistake made by DIYers when connecting wires is combining stranded wire with solid core wire, which is common in light fixtures and smart switches.
- 🔥 A loose connection can cause additional heat, reduce the life of connections, and potentially lead to arcing or short circuits, posing a fire hazard.
- 🛠 To connect stranded and solid core wires properly, use a wire net and follow best practices to ensure a strong connection.
- 📏 When stripping wire, use the correct gauge for stranded and solid core, and avoid pulling at an angle or wiggling the strippers to prevent damage.
- 👍 Pre-twist stranded wires to avoid frayed strands and ensure a secure connection within the wire nut.
- 🔧 The correct approach is to lead with the stranded wire when connecting, ensuring the wire nut bites into the stranded wire, not just the solid core.
- 💡 WAGO 221 connectors are recommended for DIYers as they provide a consistent and reliable connection, especially for those new to electrical work.
- 🔌 WAGO 221 connectors are lever nuts, not push-in connectors, and are approved for use with both stranded and solid core wires.
- 💰 While WAGO connectors are more expensive than wire nuts, their reusability and reliability make them a good investment for DIYers.
- 🔗 WAGO 221 connectors have been tested and proven to handle loads up to three times their rated capacity without failure.
- 🌍 In European markets, WAGO lever nuts are more common than wire nuts due to their consistent and solid connection quality.
Q & A
What is the main mistake that DIYers make when connecting stranded wire to solid core wire?
-The main mistake is not ensuring a tight connection, which can result in a loose connection that may lead to additional heat in the junction box, arcing, or even a fire hazard.
Why is it important to avoid a loose connection when connecting wires in electrical work?
-A loose connection can lead to increased heat, which might reduce the life of the connections, and in the worst case, cause arcing or a short circuit, posing a fire hazard.
What is a wire net and how is it used incorrectly in the script's example of a common failure?
-A wire net is a tool used to secure wires together. In the example, the wire net was biting into the solid core wire, but the stranded wire was just loosely wrapped around it, leading to a weak connection that could be pulled out easily.
What is the correct way to connect stranded wire to solid core wire using a wire nut?
-The correct way is to lead with the stranded wire, inserting only about an eighth of an inch into the wire nut, ensuring that the wire nut bites into the stranded wire properly, creating a strong connection that won't come loose.
Why is it recommended to pre-twist solid core wires before putting a wire nut on?
-Pre-twisting solid core wires helps to ensure a more consistent and secure connection, even though wire nut manufacturers usually advise against it and suggest letting the wire nut do the work.
What is the recommended method for DIYers to connect stranded to solid wires according to the script?
-The script recommends using WAGO 221 connectors, also known as lever nuts, as they provide a more consistent connection and are easier for DIYers to use correctly.
What are WAGO 221 connectors and why are they preferred by the script's author?
-WAGO 221 connectors are a type of electrical connector that uses lever nuts for a secure connection. They are preferred because they offer a consistent connection, are approved for use with stranded wires, and are reusable.
How do WAGO 221 connectors ensure a secure connection with stranded wires?
-WAGO 221 connectors have a bus bar that fully seats the wires when the lever is closed, ensuring a secure connection. They are also designed to accommodate both solid and stranded wires.
Why are WAGO 221 connectors more common in European markets according to the script?
-In European markets, WAGO 221 connectors are more common because they provide a solid and consistent connection, which is preferred for their reliability.
What is the main advantage of using WAGO 221 connectors over wire nuts for temporary light fixtures in renovation projects?
-The main advantage is that WAGO 221 connectors are reusable. They can be easily removed from the wires without damaging them, making them ideal for temporary setups where wires need to be disconnected and reconnected.
How can one find a sample kit of WAGO 221 connectors as mentioned in the script?
-A sample kit of WAGO 221 connectors can be found in the description of the video, which likely contains a variety of pin sizes suitable for different wiring projects.
Outlines
🔌 Avoiding Common Electrical Mistakes
In this segment, Scott from Everyday Home Repairs addresses a prevalent issue in DIY electrical work: the improper connection of stranded to solid core wires, often seen in light fixtures and smart switches. He emphasizes the importance of a secure connection to prevent heat buildup, arcing, or short circuits, which could lead to fire hazards. Scott demonstrates a common failure point where a wire nut does not adequately secure the connection, resulting in a loose wire. He then shows the correct technique, which involves stripping the wires properly, pre-twisting the stranded wire, and using a wire net to ensure a tight connection. The goal is to have the wire nut bite into the stranded wire, creating a strong and secure connection that can withstand a pull test.
🛠️ Introducing WAGO 221 Connectors
Scott introduces an alternative solution for connecting wires, the WAGO 221 connectors, which he has found to be a better option for DIY electrical projects. He explains that these lever nut connectors provide a more consistent connection than wire nuts, especially for those who don't work on electrical projects frequently. The WAGO connectors are approved for both stranded and solid core wires and have been tested to handle three times their rated capacity without failure. Scott demonstrates how to use the WAGO connectors, highlighting their ease of use, reusability, and the secure connection they provide. He also mentions that while more expensive than wire nuts, the reliability and consistency of the WAGO connectors make them a worthwhile investment for DIYers.
🛒 Recommended Tools and Final Thoughts
In the final part of the script, Scott provides a quick note on expanding one's tool collection and suggests checking the description for a link to his Amazon store, where he lists his recommended tools, including a utility knife and wire strippers. He then returns to the topic of connectors, recommending the WAGO 221 for those with multiple projects ahead. Scott mentions sample kits containing different pin sizes as a good starting point for DIYers to try these connectors. He also invites viewers to watch another video for more best practices when working with electrical outlets. The video concludes with a reminder of the importance of using the correct techniques and tools for safe and effective electrical work.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Stranded Wire
💡Solid Core Wire
💡Wire Nut
💡Pull Test
💡Wire Stripper
💡Pre-Twist
💡Loose Connection
💡WAGO 221
💡Bus Bar
💡Load Test
💡Junction Box
Highlights
The video aims to help viewers avoid the common mistake of connecting stranded wire to solid core wire, which is crucial in electrical work.
Loose connections can lead to additional heat in the junction box, potentially reducing the life of connections or causing arcing and fire hazards.
The importance of a proper wire connection is emphasized, especially in light fixtures and smart switches.
A demonstration of a common failure in wire connection is shown, highlighting the need for a pull test to ensure a tight connection.
The correct method to connect stranded and solid wires is explained, emphasizing the need to lead with the stranded wire.
Pre-twisting wires before putting on a wire nut is suggested for a stronger connection, despite some manufacturers' recommendations.
The use of wire strippers with the correct gauge callouts for stranded and solid wires is demonstrated to avoid damaging the copper.
Stranded wire should be stripped carefully to avoid breaking strands and reducing current capacity.
A wire net should not be used to bite into the solid core wire but rather to ensure a tight connection with the stranded wire.
The presenter recommends using AWG221 connectors for a consistent and reliable connection, especially for DIYers.
WAGO 221 connectors are approved for use with stranded wire and have been tested to handle three times their rated capacity.
WAGO connectors are reusable and do not damage wires when removed, making them ideal for temporary setups.
The cost of WAGO connectors is higher than wire nuts, but the presenter argues that the reliability justifies the expense for DIYers.
A sample kit of WAGO 221 connectors is suggested for DIYers to try out and see if they prefer these types of connectors.
The video includes a link to a load test of WAGO connectors, showing their durability even at high amperages.
The presenter offers a note on expanding one's tool collection with recommendations for utility knives and wire strippers.
A final reminder to check the description for additional resources and tools recommended by the presenter.
Transcripts
how's it going you guys it's scott with
everyday home repairs and today i want
to help you avoid the number one mistake
i see di wires do when they're jumping
into electrical the mistake comes from
when you need to connect stranded wire
to solid core wire this is extremely
common in light fixtures such as vanity
lights ceiling lights i have one right
here which is an led
recessed wafer light
and inside the junction box all your
connections are going to be stranded
with your neutral hot and your ground
you will also see this with a lot of the
smart switches that are becoming more
and more popular and why this is so
important is because a loose connection
can equal at minimum additional heat in
your junction box which might lower the
life of some of these connections and at
maximum can't equal arcing or short
which can be a fire hazard so let me
quickly show you how to connect these
two together with a simple wire net and
what the best practices are and then
we'll finish off with actually my
preferred method which i think is
perfect for diy-ers so here's the
example of a common failure
the wire nut is connected i don't have
any exposed copper it feels pretty tight
where the wire nut is biting into the
wire but then many people forget to do a
pull test
so if i pull i can already
see that the wire is coming out and
there the stranded came out and i had a
very weak connection now the wire net
still connected on but that's because it
was biting into the solid
so here's the example you can see the
wire net actually was just biting into
the solid core
and then the stranded was just getting
wrapped around the solid core but really
with a very loose connection
this is a classic
failure point
and something that can be avoided with a
simple technique let me show you how
so first up we're going to strip off
some new wire
and remember in your wire strippers you
do have the gauge callouts for stranded
and then on the opposite side for solid
and those will be different stripping
holes depending on if you're doing
stranded to solid
now this is 14 gauge so 14 gauge solid
would be here
and usually i'll be stripping three
quarters of an inch or maybe just a
little bit more
you'll pull that straight off you will
not pull at an angle and you shouldn't
wiggle
the strippers too much because that can
cause damage to the copper itself
now that's especially true with stranded
because stranded can you can break off
some of those strands right and then
you'd be lessening the current capacity
of that wire
so 14 gauge here and again we're gonna
do about
three quarters to an inch
again pulling straight out
you can see sometimes if you if it's a
little bit harder you can go to the
piece of insulation that no longer has
any wire in it you can pinch down on
that piece of insulation and then pull
it the rest of the way off
now for the stranded
it is nice to put a little bit of a
pre-twist on there just to make sure you
don't have any
frayed wire
then the correct approach is pretty
simple and this is going to ensure you
get a nice strong connection between the
stranded and solid
what you want to do and what we did
wrong last time
is we just put the wires
we just put the wires within the wire
net and what ended up happening is the
solid actually led the stranded so the
wire nut actually just bit on to the top
part of the solid and the stranded just
got wound loosely around the solid core
that is not what you want you want to
actually do the opposite you want to
lead with the stranded
you can really do only about an eighth
of an inch and that's going to be enough
often when you have solid core wire
many professionals will pre-twist
they'll pre-twist the wires together
prior to putting the wire nut on even
though the wire nut manufacturers
usually call out to not pre-trust and to
let the wire nut or a wing nut like this
do the work
all right so now once we have that
folding on
we can look down inside
you can see the stranded is much higher
up and is biting into that wire nut so
that same pull test is not going to pull
the wire out like it did last time
so you can kind of yank on these all you
want and it's just not going to happen
now a correctly installed wire nut is
really hard to beat in terms of price
and the proven durability the challenge
is it does take a little getting used to
so if you're starting off on your
electrical project i actually have a
better solution and it is the connector
i've been using for the last year let me
show you one quick note if you guys are
ever looking to expand your tool
collection you're kind of building out
as you build up your diy skills and
projects
you can look down in the description
you'll see our amazon store it has
things like my favorite utility knife
which is the milwaukee fastback
you'll see
my go-to wire strippers which are now
this hybrid set from canipix
which are great brand but they're a
little costly so sometimes i will put
kind of the higher end and a more mid
tier
that i also prefer
you'll see the pictures you can kind of
run through it quickly and see if we
have a recommendation for tools so just
something to check out and you'll see
that in all of our different videos so
now on to the connectors that i
recommend
these connectors are called awgo221
if you've seen any of my other videos
you've seen these connectors because
they are my go-to
now these are both three wire connectors
they are called lever nuts they are not
push in connectors do not be confused
with something like this which would
just be a push in connector
these are a little bit different
why i prefer these i think especially
for di wires you can get a more
consistent connection using the wago
lever nuts than you can with a wire nut
considering you're only doing so many
electrical projects a year so you don't
get a lot of reps with the wire nuts
which it does take a little time to get
used to them
the smaller wago two two one which you
get a two pin three pin five pin those
are the ones i carry on me all the time
this goes up to 12 gauge and then the
bigger one can actually go up to 10
gauge so the smaller which has the
smaller envelope which is easier to fit
in the junction box is by far what i
recommend and why i recommend these for
di wires you will see
so we open up our two
slots here by releasing the lever
we place our solid core in you'll see it
through the housing it's fully seated
and that
chrome bar there is actually the bus bar
so i'll close that lever and that
secures that wire in place
then with a pre-twist
on the stranded just to make sure i
don't have any stray
strands
that get caught up i'll also seat that
in
and the big thing is
wago 221s
are approved for stranded not just solid
core there's some confusion out there
there's also some confusion seems like a
lot of pros say that these cannot handle
load i'll put a link in the description
the silver symbol which is a great
youtube channel you guys should check
out
did a load test and went three times the
the rated capacity so went up to 60 amps
and the wago
did generate heat but had zero issues
once it cooled down still fully
functioning and that was even after
three times the rated load
so
as long as it's installed as you see
here
with the wires fully seated the wago is
going to stand up to the test of time
and actually over in the european
markets
things like the wago lever nut are much
much much more common than wire nuts
and that's just because it's a solid
consistent connection
and here's an example of that this is a
221-613
which can handle 10 gauge and we have 14
gauge stranded wire in the middle
i know others have commented that the
levers are loose
and they are loose but that actually
does not release the wire so we can show
here the lever
looks like it's starting to come
released but it's actually just some
play within the levers and if we zoom
out here you'll see my little
cheap test rig and that shows
that single stranded wire
holding
25 pounds of weight without failing
you could push back a little bit on cost
these are gonna be quite a bit more
costly and cost you five to ten times
more than a standard wire nut but for
sdi wires that aren't doing a ton of
jobs we're not doing commercial jobs i
don't think that cost really makes a
huge difference
why i also like the wago i use them on
like temporary light fixture at
renovation projects because they're
reusable
you can take them right off the wires
are not damaged you can reuse those
they're just a great overall connector
and i do highly recommend them so now
you know if you're installing that
ceiling light or vanity light you just
want to use the standard wire nuts in
the package no problem now you know how
to safely connect up stranded to solid
but if you have a few projects ahead of
you i do recommend getting yourself
some wago two two ones there's some
sample kits that have two three and five
pins you'll see that down in the
description and i just think it's a
great starter kit for diy-ers to see if
you prefer these type of connectors now
if you want to see other best practices
and just things to avoid when you're
swapping out outlets around the house
check out this video right here i'll
walk you through three issues i actually
found in a newly built home in my area
so thanks for joining us on this video
and we'll catch you on the next one take
care
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