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What is a "wire-nut"/"marrette"/"marr connector"? How are they used?



	A twist-on wire connector is a cone shaped threaded plastic
	thingummy that's used to connect wires together.  "Marrette",
	"Marr connector", "IDEAL Wire-nut(R)" are trade names.  You'll
	usually use a lot of them in DIY wiring.

	In essence, you strip the end of the wires about an inch, twist them
	together, then twist the connector on.

	While some connectors advertise that you don't need to twist the
	wire, do it anyways - it's more mechanically and electrically
	secure.  Unless the instructions specifically state otherwise...

	There are many different sizes of wire connector.  You should check
	that the connector you're using is the correct size for the
	quantity and sizes of wire you're connecting together.

	Don't just gimble the wires together with a pair of pliers or
	your fingers.  Use a pair of blunt nose ("linesman") pliers,
	and carefully twist the wires tightly and neatly.  Sometimes
	it's a good idea to trim the resulting end to make sure it
	goes in the connector properly.

	After twisting the connector on, give each wire a tug, and
	make sure that nothing is loose.

	Some people wrap the "open" end of the connector with electrical
	tape.  This is probably not a good idea - the inspector may
	tear it off during an inspection.  It's usually done because
	a bit of bare wire is exposed outside the connector - instead
	of taping it, the connection should be redone.



Top Document: Electrical Wiring FAQ (Part 1 of 2)
Previous Document: What does "14-2" mean?
Next Document: What is a GFI/GFCI?

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Send corrections/additions to the FAQ Maintainer:
clewis@ferret.ocunix.on.ca (Chris Lewis)

Last Update May 13 2007 @ 00:22 AM