How do I find the right size wire nut for joining electrical wire together?

Question

Does anyone have a link/website that shows which size/color wire nut to use for connecting different guage size wires?

What should I be looking out for when screwing on the nut to the wires. Is there anything that I will notice when I have found the correct size?

Is the color of the nut standard from one manufacture to another?

thanks

Answer 1

yellows - 2 number 12s 3 number 14s
tans - up to 3 number 12 wires, 4 number 14s
reds - up to 5 number 12s, 3 number 10s
grey - 4 number 10s, 3 number 10s 2 number 8s
blues ( big ones ) - , 3 number 8s 2 number 6

the colors go from smallest to biggest in size this line up is from Ideal , but most manufactuer's follow color/ sizing convection, they do make a smaller blue and smaller grey, but these are for low voltage work of for florescent lighting secondary connections where the voltage is high, the wires are small and the amperes low

do not use Scotchloks by 3M
they are soft bodied and do not grab well and may lead to arcing even though they are still UL listed
no good electrician that I know of uses them

Answer 2

Wire Nut Sizes

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How do I find the right size wire nut for joining electrical wire together?
Does anyone have a link/website that shows which size/color wire nut to use for connecting different guage size wires?

What should I be looking out for when screwing on the nut to the wires. Is there anything that I will notice when I have found the correct size?

Is the color of the nut...

Answer 4

You taped the stripped ends with tape - then installed the nut over the tape? That isn't a good idea - wire nuts have a spiral metal coil inside that assist in making and maintaining a good electrical connection. Electrical tape doesn't do that. I bet you were using either the cheap wire nuts that came with the new fixture, or were using improperly sized wire nuts. I suggest purchasing properly sized wire nuts and remaking the connections properly. RE Additional Details: I would question the "reputable websites". First, code does not recognize tape as a device to make eletrical connections, only as a means of insulating a splice. In the old days, taped connections were soldered first to create a good mechanical and electrical connection; the tape was for insulation only. We still use listed wire connectors today that require a tape overwrap for insulating purposes. Second, while taping over a wire nut is not prohibited, the wire nut is the connecting device and must go on the wires first, per all manufacturer's directions.

Answer 5

This may help. It show the different types and the size wire they for.
http://www.mcminone.com/category.asp?catalog_name=MCMProducts&category_name=3829718&Page=1
The colors are usually standard. When I have used these, I just hold the wires together and screw the nut on and it will twist them in the correct direction, if it the correct size. If, it too small the wires will not go in and if it too big it will not tighten.

Answer 6

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/wLezV

Use some of those little plastic tie wraps to hold the wires together before putting on the right size wire nut. Then tape over it all.

Answer 7

Dragonfly got real close and his sizes are correct. But those wing type wire nuts are junk in my opinion. Many electricians don't like them. Do it right and buy these:

http://www.idealindustries.com/products/wire_termination/twist-on/wire-nut.jsp

Made by the same company and used by thousands of real electricians everywhere. The difference is in the spring, not the wings.

Answer 8

Lots of correct answers. If you want to avoid loose wire problems, twist the wires together first (clockwise), then twist the wire nut on.

Answer 9

i do believe some companies will use different colours. however, most packages will say what gague of wire it is good for. average household wire is 14/2 or 14/3 unless its for a stove or dryer or water heater. the brand i am familiar with uses orange "marrettes" for 14/2 wire. if you are unsure of the wire size, just follow along it, it should be printed on the sheathing somewhere

Answer 10

You need to know the wire gauge. House wire is usally 14ga but will be heavier for dryer and stove. The wire nuts or mar connectors have the gauge number on the box. If in doubt of the gauge size take it to home depot and compare it