Romex splice kit how to#

How to make a Pigtail Splice in Electrical Wire Using a Twist-on Connector

When we see exposed electrical work like this we know that someone un-trained has been doing electrical work on the building and we need to be alert for other faulty electrical wiring practices. Exposed electrical connections like this are a fire and shock hazard.įurther, this is an un-approved use of lamp cord or 'zip cord' to replace what should have been approved electrical wire, a junction box, etc. Our photo shows an improper, unsafe, and certainly not code-compliant splice in lamp cord used to wire a wall-mounted light fixture. Photo courtesy of Tim Hemm.Įlectrical wires that connect appliances, lamps, stereo equipment, etc to wall outlets should never be spliced for permanent use, but occasionally, it may be necessary to splice these wires when repairing or modifying appliances or for emergency repairs. Our photo above shows an improper and certainly not code-compliant mess of pigtail splices in electrical wires. In addition, the NEC and other electrical codes specify lots of precise details describing the number of wires of various sizes that can be enclosed in junction boxes of various sizes, where these boxes must be located, how they can be covered, etc. Splices in electrical wire that carries electrical current in a building (such as for lights or electrical outlets) must be completed using an approved mechanical connector and must be enclosed in an approved junction box which itself is secured to the structure. Before doing any work on the switch, the power source must be turned off by setting a circuit breaker to OFF or removing a fuse. Electrical components in a building can easily cause an electrical shock, burn, or even death.Įven when a hot line switch is off, one terminal on the switch is still connected to the power source. Watch Out: Do not attempt to work on your electrical wiring, switches, or outlets unless you are properly trained and equipped to do so. As this is tricky work, a continuous run of new wire is always better than any splice. The proper way of making safe, secure splices is to make a good mechanical and electrical joint-that is, strong enough not to pull apart and tight enough so there is no loss of voltage. This photo shows how electrical connections can burn up if you use the wrong device or do not make the connection properly. We introduce the proper connectors used for aluminum wire below. Splicing electrical wires - that is, the electrical connection or joining of two or more wires that conduct electricity in a building - is a task that can be learned easily, but if the splice is not made correctly, the electrical system will be unreliable and unsafe, risking fire or shock hazards. PIGTAIL SPLICES USING TWIST-ON CONNECTORSĮlectrical Wire Splice Basics & Definitions.Electrical Wire Splicing Guide for Homeowners & DIY Repairs We also provide an ARTICLE INDEX for this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need. Sketch at page top courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates. We describe different types of connectors used to join two or more electrical wires, and we include installation details inclucing use of electrical tape. We also discuss the use of electrical splices or wiring connectors outside of electrical boxes. This article answers basic questions about how splices (connections between two or more electrical wires) are made to connect & secure electrical wires together in residential or commercial building electrical wiring systems. How to make proper & safe electrical wiring splices & connections: We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest.

Romex splice kit