how do i wire thick stiff wire to outlet?

Question

Dont worry i am not going to zap myself. Right off the bat i will say that because all of you will say GET A PRO!!! Dont need one!
Need to know easy way to wire a thick wire to outlet. Dont have much room outlet used to be 220. So they are thick. How can i get the wire aroung outlet screw?

Answer 1

Sounds like some fork terminals would be in order. You'll need to know the wire gauge and screw size prior to buying them, though. Then you'll have to make sure it's properly crimped or soldered.... otherwise, you could end up with a fire hazard (which you probably will anyway).

Answer 2

you did not mention what AMPERAGE the previous 240 outlet was, but if it was anything other than 20 amps, you CAN'T
as for 30 amps
it's number 10 wire
for 40 amps number 8
for 50 amps number 6
in nay case the above guages are too big to side wire to the outlet
even if you do get a scrap of wire ( number 12 solid ) pigtailed out to the receptacle, you still MUST change the breaker to 15 or 20 amp single pole and disconnect one of the hots and cap off inside the main panel...
hence why it NEVER adviseable to swap out a 240v receptacle for a 120 volt one

Answer 3

If it must be done without replacing the wire, I agree with the idea of pig-tailing the wire with a wire nut and 12 gauge wire for a 20 amp circuit or 14 gauge for a 15 amp circuit. also, make sure to cut the wire down to 110 volts at the breaker panel!

Answer 4

Common electricians practice is to put a thinner wire pigtail onto the heavy wire twisting or soldering the two together and cover with a twist-on , then the thinner wire is easily wrapped around the screw of the outlet or switch.