How safe is your wire connections?
Electricity is a safe and convenient source of energy for heat, light and power in your home provided it is distributed in properly conducted and correctly sized conductors. Having a good wiring system in your home is essential as it is safe and energy-efficient.
One of the most critical aspects of ensuring a safe wiring job is making tight electrical connections. If the wires come loose, it could lead to overheating and even electrical fires. But thanks to reliable terminals and conductors, having a safe, strong electrical connection is fairly easy. By paying attention to the below details, you can now stop worrying if your wiring job is as safe as it can possibly be.
Choose the right conductor
Wire connectors are available in many different sizes. They are specifically made to join a certain minimum and maximum number of wires and before purchasing, you must always check the approved list on the packaging to ensure the connector is the right one for the desired wire combination. It is advisable to keep a range of small to large connectors and their respective packaging handy to eliminate the chances of using a wrong connector size.
Wire connectors are available in many different sizes. They are specifically made to join a certain minimum and maximum number of wires and before purchasing, you must always check the approved list on the packaging to ensure the connector is the right one for the desired wire combination. It is advisable to keep a range of small to large connectors and their respective packaging handy to eliminate the chances of using a wrong connector size.
Before tightening, line up the wire ends
It is important to line up the ends of all wires before twisting on the conductor. If not done correctly, all wires will not be clamped evenly in the connector, increasing the chance of one or more wires slipping out.
It is important to line up the ends of all wires before twisting on the conductor. If not done correctly, all wires will not be clamped evenly in the connector, increasing the chance of one or more wires slipping out.
Buy a wire-stripping tool
A faster and cleaner way to remove the plastic coating of a wire is to use a wire-stripper. There are several brands of wire-strippers available in the market, so make sure you buy the one that best suits your requirement.
A faster and cleaner way to remove the plastic coating of a wire is to use a wire-stripper. There are several brands of wire-strippers available in the market, so make sure you buy the one that best suits your requirement.
Cut off bent or twisted ends
When wires get bent or twisted, they get weaker and don’t nest together easily in the wire connector. Before reconnecting wires to a switch or outlet, or rejoin several wires to a connector, it is advisable to cut off the bent wire ends and use a wire-stripper to strip the wire’s insulation to expose a clean, straight wire. This step may take a few extra seconds but it ensures your wire connection is better and safe.
When wires get bent or twisted, they get weaker and don’t nest together easily in the wire connector. Before reconnecting wires to a switch or outlet, or rejoin several wires to a connector, it is advisable to cut off the bent wire ends and use a wire-stripper to strip the wire’s insulation to expose a clean, straight wire. This step may take a few extra seconds but it ensures your wire connection is better and safe.
Buy top quality wires for the best output
At most hardware and electrical centers, there are several wire brands available and choosing the right one can get difficult. Also, the prices are different and it can be tempting to buy a cheaper brand. But remember, you get what you pay for. Premium wire brands are stronger, make better contact with connectors and work smoothly. Cheap wire brands can literally wear out in a short time and malfunction leading to calamities such as short circuits and even electrical fires.
At most hardware and electrical centers, there are several wire brands available and choosing the right one can get difficult. Also, the prices are different and it can be tempting to buy a cheaper brand. But remember, you get what you pay for. Premium wire brands are stronger, make better contact with connectors and work smoothly. Cheap wire brands can literally wear out in a short time and malfunction leading to calamities such as short circuits and even electrical fires.