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
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.
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
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
