I Discovered This Hidden Wiring Trick In An Old Forum!

Summary

In this informative video, the host shares a time-saving and comfort-enhancing trick for wiring new or old electrical boxes, originally discussed by Jay Fletcher on Mike Holtz's electrical forum. The technique involves pre-wiring outlets and switches with pigtails at a comfortable workspace, such as a well-lit workbench, before quickly installing them in the boxes. This method not only speeds up the process but also improves working conditions. The host also recommends using Southwire box jaw wire strippers for easier wire preparation and suggests applying Wago 221s directly to the wires at the box for continuity. Additionally, two extra tips are provided: using Wago connectors without lifting the levers for solid wires to save time, and partially wrapping the bottom of lever nuts with electrical tape to prevent snagging during installation or servicing, while still allowing for visibility and easy wire removal.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Discovered a genius trick for wiring electrical boxes that speeds up the process and makes it more comfortable.
• 🎉 Credits to Jay Fletcher for sharing the idea on Mike Holtz electrical forum, which can be found in the video description.
• 🔌 The technique is applicable for both new and old work electrical installations, including outlets and light switches.
• 🛠️ Traditionally, wiring involves on-site cutting, stripping, and fastening wires, which can be uncomfortable and time-consuming.
• 🚀 Using Wago connectors allows pre-wiring outlets and switches with pigtails at a comfortable location like a workbench.
• 🧩 Pre-wired components can be quickly installed at each box, saving time and effort on-site.
• 🔩 For continuity, Wago 221s are applied directly to the wires at the box rather than the outlet or switch.
• 📦 Box preparation is simplified, requiring only wire and jacket strippers, avoiding Shepherd's hooks, screws, and screwdrivers.
• 🏗️ After box prep, drywall team and painters can proceed, with electricians returning later to finish the electrical work.
• 📈 The presenter aims to reach 1 million subscribers on YouTube and encourages viewers to subscribe for more DIY content.
• 💡 Provides additional tips for even faster and safer wiring, including not lifting the levers on Wago connectors for solid wires and addressing concerns about lever handles snagging with partial electrical tape wrapping.

Q & A

What is the main trick shared by Jay Fletcher in the video?

The main trick shared by Jay Fletcher is a method for wiring up new work electrical boxes that makes the process faster and more comfortable. This involves pre-wiring outlets and switches with pigtails at a comfortable location like a workbench before installing them quickly at each box.

What are the benefits of using Wago connectors as mentioned in the video?

Wago connectors allow for quick and easy connections without the need for tools. They can be used to pre-wire outlets and switches with pigtails in a comfortable and well-lit environment, which speeds up the installation process at the box.

What is the advantage of pre-wiring at a workbench?

Pre-wiring at a workbench allows for better control over lighting and more comfortable working conditions. It ensures that every wire is properly fastened to the terminal screws, and the screws are properly tightened, leading to a higher quality job.

What type of wire is it possible to connect without lifting the levers of Wago connectors?

Solid wires can be connected without lifting the levers of Wago connectors, saving time for every connection.

What is the concern raised about Wago and Ideal lever nuts, and how is it addressed in the video?

The concern is about the possibility of the lever handles coming up and getting snagged while being pushed into the box or during servicing. The video suggests wrapping only the bottom portion of the lever nut with electrical tape to secure it while still allowing visibility of the connections and the ability to quickly unlatch the terminals.

What tool does the video recommend for stripping 12 or 14 gauge wires?

The video recommends using Southwire box jaw wire strippers for stripping 12 or 14 gauge wires, as they allow for easy stripping right inside the box.

What is the purpose of the transparent housing in Wago connectors?

The transparent housing in Wago connectors allows users to visibly inspect and ensure that the wires are set properly within the connector.

How does the video suggest using Leviton Decora Edge Outlets to simplify the process?

The video suggests that Leviton Decora Edge Outlets simplify the process because they do not require screws or a screwdriver, making the wiring process even easier and quicker.

What is the significance of the video creator's 13th year of making DIY videos?

The significance is that it marks a milestone in the creator's career, and one of their goals for the year is to reach 1 million subscribers, which they view as a measure of success and engagement with their audience.

What is the video creator's stance on the return of cream-colored outlets?

The video creator is not a fan of the cream-colored outlets making a comeback, but acknowledges that trends in colors and styles are cyclical and inevitable.

What is the additional resource mentioned for homeowners to learn more about various home improvement skills?

The additional resource mentioned is PowerHomeOwner.com, where homeowners can enter their email to get updates and early access to new content related to basic electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and drywall skills.

Outlines

00:00

🛠️ Discovering a Genius Wiring Technique

The speaker shares a newfound technique for wiring electrical boxes, as discussed by Jay Fletcher on Mike Holtz's electrical forum. This method is applicable to both new and old work, such as swapping out outlets or light switches, and aims to make the process faster and more comfortable. The speaker emphasizes the importance of comfort in work and introduces the idea of pre-wiring outlets and switches with pigtails at a comfortable location like a well-lit workbench. This approach avoids the discomfort and inconvenience of working at the actual receptacle and leverages the ease of connecting Wago terminals. The speaker also mentions using Southwire box jaw wire strippers for convenience and recommends applying Wago 221s directly to the wires at the box for continuity.

05:01

🏗️ Finishing Electrical Work Efficiently

The speaker details the process of finishing electrical work by wiring up outlets and switches, which becomes easier with the pre-wiring technique. They can now comfortably wire up all outlets at a workbench with controlled lighting, ensuring each wire is properly fastened and tightened. The use of side wire outlets and Leviton Decora Edge Outlets, which require no screws or screwdrivers, is highlighted for further efficiency. Links to products mentioned are provided in the video description. The speaker also discusses the ease of applying pre-wired outlets in the field, connecting pigtails to pre-wired Wago connectors and securing them with screws and cover plates. Additional tips include saving time by not lifting levers on Wago connectors for solid wires and addressing concerns about lever handles snagging by partially wrapping them with electrical tape. The video concludes with a teaser about a new project related to basic home maintenance skills and an invitation to join for early access.

Keywords

💡Wiring

Wiring refers to the process of connecting electrical components, such as outlets and switches, to a power source. In the video, the host discusses a more efficient and comfortable method of wiring up new work electrical boxes, which is central to the theme of improving DIY electrical work.

💡Electrical Box

An electrical box is a container that houses electrical connections and provides protection from external factors. The video script mentions both single and multi-gang boxes, emphasizing the technique's applicability to different types of electrical installations.

💡Pigtails

Pigtails are short lengths of wire used to connect electrical devices to the main wiring. The video describes pre-wiring outlets and switches with pigtails at a comfortable location like a workbench, which simplifies the installation process at the box.

💡Wago Connectors

Wago connectors are spring-clamp terminals that provide a quick and tool-free method of connecting wires. The host credits Wago connectors for their ease of use, which allows for pre-wiring and faster installation of electrical components.

💡Wire Strippers

Wire strippers are tools used to remove the insulation from the end of a wire to expose the conductive core. The script highlights the use of Southwire box jaw wire strippers and Knipex wire strippers to facilitate the wiring process.

💡Lever Nuts

Lever nuts, also known as push-in connectors, are a type of wire connector that can be easily attached without tools. The video mentions using lever nuts for solid wires and discusses a tip for faster connections by not lifting the levers.

💡Safety

Safety is a key concern when working with electricity. The host introduces a technique to ensure the lever handles of connectors do not get snagged, which could pose a safety risk. This shows the video's emphasis on safe electrical work practices.

💡DIY (Do It Yourself)

DIY refers to the act of individuals performing tasks and projects without the assistance of professionals. The video is aimed at empowering DIY enthusiasts with knowledge and techniques to improve their electrical work, as evidenced by the host's goal to help viewers feel more confident in tackling electrical projects.

💡Outlets and Switches

Outlets and switches are common electrical components found in homes and buildings. The video focuses on the process of wiring these components efficiently and comfortably, which is relevant to both new installations and upgrades in existing structures.

💡Pre-wiring

Pre-wiring involves preparing electrical components off-site before installation. The host demonstrates pre-wiring outlets and switches with pigtails at a workbench, which streamlines the on-site installation process and improves working conditions.

💡Electrical Tape

Electrical tape is a type of insulating tape used to cover and protect electrical connections. The script suggests using electrical tape as a potential solution to secure lever nuts and prevent snagging, while still allowing for visibility of the connections.

Highlights

Discovered a genius trick for wiring up new work electrical boxes that also applies to old work.

The process will make the whole wiring process faster and more comfortable.

Jay Fletcher shared his process on Mike Holtz electrical forum.

Pre-wiring outlets and switches with pigtails at a comfortable location like a workbench.

Using Wago connectors simplifies the connection process.

Box jaw wire strippers from Southwire make stripping wires inside the box easier.

Wago 221s can be applied directly to the wires at the box for continuity.

Finish electrical work can be done more comfortably at a workbench.

Leviton Decora Edge Outlets require no screws or screwdriver for installation.

Pre-wired outlets can be quickly and easily installed at each box.

The method is useful for both new installations and upgrading old outlets.

Time-saving tip: For solid wires, you don't need to lift the Wago levers when connecting.

Safety tip: Partially wrapping the bottom of lever nuts with electrical tape can prevent snagging.

The presenter is in his 13th year of making DIY videos and aims to reach 1 million subscribers.

Powerhomeowner.com is offering early access to a new project related to home improvement basics.

The presenter emphasizes the importance of doing quality work in a comfortable and well-lit environment.

Wrapping levers with electrical tape can secure them but may reduce the benefits of Wago connectors.

Many DIYers are not fully aware of all the features of their wire strippers.

Transcripts

not long ago I discovered this really cool  trick and as soon as I read it I thought this is  

absolutely genius I've got to try this out and if  it works I've got to share it so that's what I'm  

doing here today I was on Mike Holtz electrical  forum and this user by the name of Jay Fletcher  

talked about his process for how he wires up  new work electrical boxes and this applies to  

Old work as well if you're just swapping out  maybe a an outlet or a light switch it works  

for any of those sorts of things what it's going  to do is it's going to make the whole process  

quite a bit faster for you and more importantly  it's going to make it so much more comfortable  

and this will make more sense as we go along and  I'm one of these guys I'm all about Comfort I want  

to be a little bit lazy sometimes if that doesn't  affect the quality of something and if you have  

one of those Wall-E floating you know lounge chair  things W I'm down with that sign me up for one of  

those so this will help you quite a bit to do  the process a lot faster the other thing I want  

to share with you is at the end I'm going to show  you that this already fast process I've got two  

tips one that's going to make it even faster still  and the second one that is I've never seen anybody  

do this before and it's just a way to be a little  bit safer a little technique that I came up with  

that I think will work wonderfully inside your  electrical box so again credit to Jay Fletcher  

for sharing this idea with us on the Forum and  I'll put a link to that discussion if you want  

to check that out in the description below when  you're doing finish electrical on new construction  

like this or even on older construction 2 you're  typically going to have an open box with either  

one or two wire sets coming out of each Single  Gang Box like this one of course if you have  

multi- gang boxes you're going to have more wires  now this technique I'm about to show you works for  

both electrical receptacles and light switches  like I mentioned and normally at this point when  

I've got these wires here what I'm going to do  is I'm going to put on my tool belt I'm going  

to go to each box I'll pull the wires I'm going  to cut them to the right length I'll strip the RX  

jacket off I'll strip the appropriate amount of  insulation on each wire on your neutral your hot  

in your ground and then I'm going to begin the  process of either pigtailing the wires together  

for each outlet or if the occasion requires it  I might wire them directly to the outlet or the  

light switch depending on the circumstance now  at that point I would then stand or often times  

honestly squat at 1T off the ground working on  these little 12in off the ground receptacles and  

I would add a hook to every wire fasten it to the  terminals on the outlet and fasten all the wires  

to each other using wagos ideal lever nuts or just  good oldfashioned wire nuts I highly recommend  

avoiding those backstab connectors on the back  but that's a topic for another day now all of this  

would need to be done at the receptacle itself  which by itself is pretty uncomfortable it's  

timeconsuming the lighting is typically not going  to be ideal and the angles you have to work at are  

almost never going to be ideal or sufficient for  being comfortable on the job while you're getting  

all these things wired up so that little trick  that Jay Fletcher shows us takes care of this  

in this post I learned that because of how quickly  and easily wagos can be connected they make it so  

that we can actually pre-wire all of our outlets  and switches with pigtails somewhere comfortable  

like at a well-lit workbench for example like  this one and then you can install them quickly  

and easily at each box in just a matter of seconds  it's pretty beautiful so I decided to give this  

a try and just to be clear there's really no  avoiding doing some level of work here at the  

box that's just inevitable so you're going to have  to still find ways to do that I will say though if  

you have 122 or 142 RX I discover these little  beauty here these are from Southwire and they're  

box jaw wire strippers and they actually allow  you to grab the 122 or 142 right up inside the box  

and get it stripped there really easily they work  really well they get just enough so you can grab  

right up near the Knockouts and it just makes that  whole thing a lot easier than trying to strip all  

the way up or tear it and cut it and all that kind  of thing they actually also have 12 and 14 gauge  

wire strippers built right into them here but I  still prefer to use my Kip and yes that's how they  

actually say it in their own videos knipex these  knipex wire strippers and they make it really easy  

now at this point J Fletcher actually recommends  that in order to keep continuity between your  

different boxes in case one gets missed or  drywalled over which is not usually an issue  

but it could be he applies the Wago 221s directly  to the wires at the box as opposed to applying  

them to the wires on the outlet or the switch so  if you have two of each wire plus the pigtail to  

connect these little three port connectors work  just great and if you only have one wire plus a  

pigtail you can get away with a two Port connector  as well notice that we haven't actually had to  

deal with Shepherd's hooks screws screwdrivers or  anything but wire and jacket strippers while at  

the box that is pretty slick we're not really  having to do much here it's pretty simple and  

straightforward now with that your box prep is all  done with the prep here all done this is typically  

the part on new construction where your drywall  team and the painters come in and then you come  

back after the fact and obviously if you're doing  existing work then it's just a matter of moving  

on to the next step from there you might be  surprised that I'm actually in my 13th year  

of making DIY videos here on YouTube and I have  been having a blast the whole time and one of my  

goals this year is to actually hit that 1 million  subscriber Mark I typically don't care that much  

about subscribers it's kind of a vanity metric  in some ways but I'm just like all right it's  

time I'm ready I want to get this so if you want  to help me out by hitting that subscribe button  

down below it would make all the difference to  me and I think we're going to hit it with your  

help we can definitely get there so if you don't  that's totally fine what I really want is for you  

to get some value out of this video and for this  to be something that teaches you and helps you to  

feel a little bit more empowered and emboldened to  go do something that you might not otherwise have  

done or to do it a little bit better so thanks so  much for subscribing if you are have and for new  

subscribers as well totally appreciate that and  uh anyway I guess I'll get back to the video now  

so back here we're ready to get to the Finish  electrical the actual wiring up of the outlets  

and switches and their cover plates really doesn't  get much easier I can now sit down at my workbench  

in my shop or at the kitchen table wherever you  want and wire up all of those Outlets because of  

that comfortable setup and having control over the  lighting it's way easier for me to make sure every  

wire is appropriately fastened to the terminal  screws that the screws are properly tightened  

and that those Outlets are ready to go I'm not  going to do a shoddy quick job just to get it  

done because I'm uncomfortable right I'm running  a simple pigtail wire for the hot the neutral and  

the ground of each one everything is stripped to  the ideal length and you're ready to go now if  

you're using side wire outlets like these where  you can just insert the stripped wire into the  

plate on the back that's even easier you don't  even have to bend those Shepherd's hooks in the  

wires easier still is using the Leviton Decora  Edge Outlets that don't even require screws or  

screwdriver I mean it doesn't get much easier than  this and as always I'll put links to everything  

you see in the video in the description below and  and you can also check out that little shopping  

bag icon down in the lower left corner of your  screen now if you're watching this on a TV I'll  

also add this QR code that you can see on screen  to learn more about where these products are  

available for you now for the fun part as I head  out to the job site whether that's in your house  

or on a job site at a customer site all you have  to do is grab your pre-wired Outlets one at a time  

connect the exposed pigtails for the hots neutrals  and grounds to the pre-wired wagos and the wiring  

is done from there I just fold the wiring into  the box Drive the two screws of the outlet into  

the box put on a cover plate and dunzo don't be  a barbarian straighten up those screw heads are  

you team vertical or team horizontal let us know  in the comments this method isn't just useful for  

new installs either let's say you're upgrading  a house from an old cream colored Outlet to the  

newer white ones all you have to do is a bit of  prep of each box as you remove the old ones and  

then you can use your already prepped new Outlets  or switches to make quick work of the Swap and by  

the way I'm noticing that sometimes we're seeing  the cream come back into color and I'm not a big  

fan of that but I suppose it's inevitable it all  goes in a cycle I don't know if you're seeing that  

let me know if you guys are a fan of those creamy  kind of yellowish colored outlets and switches  

or not I'm not but that's here and or there that  process I showed it's both way easier than doing  

all of this work here at the box and it allows  me to make sure I'm doing a quality job with each  

outlet in a comfortable and well lit environment  I love it now Earl in the video I promised you two  

extra tips and tricks to do things faster and  safer you may have actually noticed that I've  

been doing one of these all along the first is  that you can save even more time with wagos or  

ideal lever nuts by never lifting the levers they  really don't need that for solid wires stranded  

wires a whole different story you got to lift up  that lever but for solid wires you can literally  

just push that wire right in it saves just a few  seconds for every connection but that adds up over  

time this is of course ideal for 12 and 14 gauge  wires but that's the most common use for these  

sorts of connectors anyway hey I've been working  on something really cool behind the scenes and it  

has to do with just what you're watching right now  knowing how to do the basics of electrical around  

the house if you're a homeowner you should know a  little bit about Plumbing a little bit about HVAC  

electrical your drywall all that good stuff if you  want to learn a little bit more about what I've  

been working on and get early access to that head  on over to powerhome owner.com enter your email  

and I'll keep you posted and in the loop thanks so  much the other tip has to do with a concern a lot  

of people have raised about the possibility of the  lever handles coming up and them getting snagged  

while being pushed into the box or perhaps while  being serviced and this applies to both wagos and  

ideal lever nuts just different directions while  this is absolutely a possibility to me it honestly  

feels so incredibly unlikely that I'm not sure how  much anyone really needs to worry about that that  

said if you are concerned or there's a situation  where it makes more sense some have suggested that  

you can wrap some levers with electrical tape now  this will certainly secure the levers but I also  

think it takes away two of the main benefits of  wagos which is one having a transparent housing  

where you can see that the wires are set properly  and then number two being able to quickly unlatch  

the terminals and remove the wires so while  there's not much you can do about the second issue  

I do think it makes sense to only wrap the bottom  portion of the lever nut so that you can still see  

the connections inside and you can also add a bit  of strain Rel Le to the wires at the same time by  

no means a perfect solution to this issue but if  you've got a very full box or the circumstance  

requires it then this could provide some peace of  mind for you now when it comes to using your wire  

strippers for this process I found that a lot of  diyers aren't actually familiar with all of the  

features built into their wire strippers there's  quite a bit going on here so my question is are  

you you can click on this video right here to find  out I'm Nils with learn to DIY thanks for watching