Ferrules might present an equally interesting topic for discussion. Kaz Gawrzyjal
-----Original Message----- From: emc-p...@ieee.org [mailto:emc-p...@ieee.org] On Behalf Of Ted Eckert Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2012 11:07 AM To: EMC-PSTC@LISTSERV.IEEE.ORG Subject: RE: What's the deal with Wire Nuts? I know I'm wading into a sea of troubles by commenting, but here is my opinion. (And yes, it is just an opinion.) Twist-on wire connectors have become ubiquitous in North America. (I believe that "Wire Nut" is a registered trademark of one of the suppliers.) They end up in everybody's toolbox and they are seen as an easy way to splice wires together. The problem is that they are so easy to use that they are often misused. UL 486C covers these types of connectors and UL Recognized connectors can be reliable and durable if used correctly. However, that means reading the instructions and following the local electrical code. There are many easy ways to misuse the products. * Using the wrong connector for the size wires you have. * Stuffing too many wires into one connector. * Tightly twisting the wires before applying the connectors. (Many types specify that the only twisting of the stripped wire ends is done by the application of the connector itself. The wire ends are placed into the connector running parallel and not pre-twisted.) * Overstuffing a junction box placing excessive external force on the connectors. * Overstuffing a junction box resulting in temperatures above the rating of the connector. * Using the connector in environments above their rated temperature. * Using the connectors where subject to excessive vibration. * Using connectors designed only for solid conductors on stranded conductors. Ted Eckert Compliance Engineer Microsoft Corporation ted.eck...@microsoft.com The opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer. -----Original Message----- From: John Woodgate [mailto:j...@jmwa.demon.co.uk] Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 11:34 AM To: EMC-PSTC@LISTSERV.IEEE.ORG Subject: Re: What's the deal with Wire Nuts? In message <945417426-1349830649-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-548732016- @b13.c21.bise6.blackberry>, dated Wed, 10 Oct 2012, doug...@gmail.com writes: > And I really dislike the 100% non-metallic types. > The original British product was called 'Scruit' and was ceramic. Extremely strong, too. Would resist a hammer. -- OOO - Own Opinions Only. See www.jmwa.demon.co.uk The longer it takes to make a point, the more obtuse it proves to be. John Woodgate, J M Woodgate and Associates, Rayleigh, Essex UK - ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. 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