Need a bigger wire nut or ??? Any thoughts?

[Gary_in_Indiana]

In my never ending quest to be wiring forever, I'm running some 10/2 per Hobart's instructions for my new welder and have decided to have some extra outlets so I can use it in different parts of my barn. I won't ever have anything else plugged in to any of the outlets beside the one welder so it'll still effectively be a dedicated line.

My problem is that in wiring for the extra outlets I ran one line to a junction box then ran from it to three outlet locations. The problem I have is the largest wire nut I have is the gray (assuming there's a standard color to size situation) and it will only accomodate two 10 gauge wires and I need to accomodate four together. Is there a wire nut for something this large or another way those in the know do this? Thanks.

 

[Thomas]

You could use a gray or black wire nut and be all set,but I would use spice connector than wrap cap{rubber boot} plus black elctric tape which will give a solid connection.

 

[chim]

Check the link below. The page is for blue scotchloks (frequently called "wirenuts" much like "puffs" are called "kleenex"). These differ in construction from real (Ideal Manuf. Co.) wirenuts, but are similar in application.

Another approach is a split-bolt connector (aka "bug" in some areas) or variation of same by a number of manufacturers.

The scotchloks will take up less room than some other methods. A common error made even by people who work with things like this regularly is not installing a box that is large enough to make up the splices, and cutting the wires so short they are difficult to work with.

Helpful hint - when you go to splice the wires, train them into a group inside the box and bring them out together, parallel with each other. (This is opposed to bringing them from the four corners of the box and together at a point 4" or 6" outside the box.) After twisting the connector on it will be a lot easier to fold them back into the box in an orderly fashion.

I've seen installations where the sparky used a small box and bad technique. The last operation he does before installing the cover is to add a box extension or pack the wires in with the butt of his hammer......................chim

http://multimedia.mmm.com/mws/mediawebserver.dyn?llllll7sDx_lF5MlZ5Mlllp5RXhLLLLj-

 

[Wingnut]

Can't remember what the name is, Gary, but I've had occassion to use splices that are designed for stoves and dryers and such devices that need serious juice.
They have a copper connector that has a set screw to tightly "jam" the wires and then a plastic screw cap that fits over the connector. I'm not sure how big they get, but I'm pretty sure I used to stock them up north for the 1/0 cables - and even bigger.

 

[BB_TX]

I would recommend you get a 3 pole high amp terminal block. You would be able to insert 2 wires into one side of one pole of the terminal block and 2 wires into the other side of that pole of the terminal block. Do the same for the other 2 poles. That would give you a good tight secure termination with minimum resistance. An electrical supply house should have what you need.

 

[Inspector507]

Gary,
Ideal Industires makes at least 3 styles that would fit your needs. I have no idea if any are available locally to you. Visit their site to see what styles of "Screw-on Connectors" might fit your needs.
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.idealindustries.com/wt/TwistOnWireConnectors.nsf>Ideal Screw-on Connectors</A>

 

[DocHeb]

Maybe Inspector 507 can give the specifics, but unless you used an enormous junction box, this configuration isn't sized for 9 - #10 conductors (two in, six out, and one for the grounds). If you're doing this for code it won't fly - there either needs to be a huge junction box, or serial wiring (i.e.: box to box to box).

 

[Inspector507]

A 4"sqX 2 1/8" will allow up to 12 #10's
A 4 11/16"sq X 1 1/4" will allow up to 10 #10's.
Of course someone will find fault with the above even though it came straight out of the 2002 NEC pg 166. That's why I no longer give out electrical advice /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif.

 

[Mark_in_NH]

You could use some Split Bolts connectors
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.thomasregister.com/olc/southport/south7.htm>http://www.thomasregister.com/olc/southport/south7.htm</A> Then wrap the splice with black rubber and / or black electrical tape.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

<font color=blue>"Helpful hint - when you go to splice the wires, train them into a group inside the box and bring them out together, parallel with each other. (This is opposed to bringing them from the four corners of the box and together at a point 4" or 6" outside the box.) After twisting the connector on it will be a lot easier to fold them back into the box in an orderly fashion"</font color=blue>

Great advice I got years ago and it's made wiring so much easier since then. Thanks for posting it. I'm sure it'll save someone else the trouble it's saved me.

I ended up finding blue wire nuts at Home Depot that came in a bag indicating they would handle up to 5 pieces of 10 gauge wire so I think I'm all set. I'm not sure of the brand and it's too late to get up and go look but I'm sure they'll work fine.

Thanks to everyone for all the advice. Here I was wondering if there was any way to make the connections I needed only to find many ways to do it here from the TBN brain trust. You guys are great. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif