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paulz
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# Posted: 18 Jul 2025 08:45am
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Redoing the external speaker on the cabin TV yesterday was a good reminder of how much I use these electrical wire nuts. Primarily on low voltage DC stuff, LEDs, usb stuff, but if I checked I’m sure I’d find some off the genny, inverter. Not that that’s bad, they certainly are simple and work. Haven’t used a crimp on barrel connector in a while. Downside, they fall off if disturbed, maybe not the best current passer..
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gcrank1
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# Posted: 18 Jul 2025 09:28am
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Mighty handy, especially for things I think I might have to get back into shortly. They dont fall off If Done Properly! And I admit to having done some improperly as Ive used them for decades but learned a few things about that online the last couple years; take a look 
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travellerw
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# Posted: 18 Jul 2025 12:06pm
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I discovered these about 5 years ago and they have been a game changer. Rock solid and water resistant (I wouldn't use them under water).
I use a little butane torch to activate and shrink them.
https://www.amazon.ca/Solder-Connectors-Shrink-Tubing-Assortment/dp/B08G574SJD?source =ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A2MFM0BY9U0BL2&gQT=1
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MtnDon
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# Posted: 18 Jul 2025 01:14pm
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If your wire nuts fall off if bumped or lightly pulled they have not been installed correctly or have too few or too many wires or wires of the wrong size. They should be a little difficult to begin to untwist or remove them.
There are some that do not have the conical shaped metal insert. Those can be damaged internally and may not work well. They are meant for only low voltage. I don't like them for anything.
Those solder seal couplers are very nice if you want permanent and don't have an electrical inspector dropping by.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 18 Jul 2025 03:14pm
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There really only for solid wire and to protect the conductor. Your suposto use lineman pliers and twist up the wire then cap with a wire nut.
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 18 Jul 2025 04:17pm
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And always point wire nuts upward otherwise, they will hold moisture like a cup and corrode the wire they are connecting together.
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travellerw
Member
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# Posted: 18 Jul 2025 05:19pm
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Quoting: MtnDon Those solder seal couplers are very nice if you want permanent and don't have an electrical inspector dropping by.
If its something that must be to code, then I use WAGO these days. Work on a variety of solid and stranded wire gauges and are code compliant. Yup, they cost WAY more than wire nuts, but worth it for the convenience. They also make a flatter overall connection that is easier to jam back in the box.
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paulz
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# Posted: 18 Jul 2025 07:46pm
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These look nice
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travellerw
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# Posted: 18 Jul 2025 08:27pm
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Quoting: paulz These look nice
Those are great for hobby stuff (or things like 12V in an RV, speaker wire, ect ect). I use those for tons of stuff, I even extended a thermostat wire in my garage with one of those. .
Unfortunately, those are not certified and don't pass code. If it needs to be inspected, WAGO is king. If it needs to be inspected, spend the money on WAGO to avoid any issues!
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MtnDon
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# Posted: 18 Jul 2025 08:55pm - Edited by: MtnDon
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Wirenut connections are good, even great, but are highly dependent upon being installed correctly.
There was a comment that stranded and solid should not be combined. Another comment mentioned pretwisting as a must. Neither are entirely accurate.
Stranded can be connected with solid. Cut/strip the stranded 1/8" longer than the solid. Align the insulation so the stranded wire end protrudes. Twist on the wirenut. (That is done with darn near every light fixture)
Pretwisting or not. The NEC does not staye how this should be done. They refer the installer to follow the connector manufacturers directions. That may vary, but the Ideal brand wirenuts I use state pretwisting is optional.
Ideal info sheet pdf is attached. Use the directions for the brand you use.
In any case, test tug on the wires after completing. A good wirenut job can suspend 15 lbs without coming apart.
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