Crimp Connector Options

[duttonbrown]

Hello, new to the forum, but looking forward to hearing from you all and contributing.

I'm looking for most compact way to connect 12 wires for wiring multiple sockets. As an example, I'd like to wire a 12 socket Sputnik style fixture, but I want to do so without using several wire nuts/tape. I've found several crimp style connectors that will hold up to four 18 gauge wires, but is there a connector that can be used to connect so many wires without the need for so many connectors? Something that is also UL compliant. I really appreciate help with a good resource or advice. Thank you!

Thomas Brown

 

[iwire]

Do you relize electrians can not install fixtures that are not listed even if made with listed components?

 

[mgookin]

Well if you want those 12 lights to illuminate, you'll need a 13th wire!
And that 13th wire may need to be larger than the 18's.

Find out what you need to connect and come back with that information please.
FYI you can find connector specs on any manufacturer's website.

If you're making listed product for installation in the US, you'll need listed connectors and likely also a listed tool to make the crimp.

Welcome to the forums!

 

[mgookin]

Do you realize electricians can not install fixtures that are not listed even if made with listed components?

Looks like we were typing at the same time.

I took his post (and his profile) to indicate this is in design stage.

 

[petersonra]

Hello, new to the forum, but looking forward to hearing from you all and contributing.

I'm looking for most compact way to connect 12 wires for wiring multiple sockets. As an example, I'd like to wire a 12 socket Sputnik style fixture, but I want to do so without using several wire nuts/tape. I've found several crimp style connectors that will hold up to four 18 gauge wires, but is there a connector that can be used to connect so many wires without the need for so many connectors? Something that is also UL compliant. I really appreciate help with a good resource or advice. Thank you!

Thomas Brown

have you considered some kind of terminal strip?

 

[user 100]

Hello, new to the forum, but looking forward to hearing from you all and contributing.

I'm looking for most compact way to connect 12 wires for wiring multiple sockets. As an example, I'd like to wire a 12 socket Sputnik style fixture, but I want to do so without using several wire nuts/tape. I've found several crimp style connectors that will hold up to four 18 gauge wires, but is there a connector that can be used to connect so many wires without the need for so many connectors? Something that is also UL compliant. I really appreciate help with a good resource or advice. Thank you!

Thomas Brown

If you really are wanting to go thru w/ this crimping plan, a buchanan 2006s splice cap can hold up to 10 or so #18's iirc (and the larger 2011 cap would cover you for but idr if that larger connector was listed for use w/ those very small conductors, seemed like a few 14's was the absolute smallest allowed) but you still need the special tool -( its around $80-$100 and not a bad investment if your going to do quite a bit of crimping but to buy it just for this one job-:thumbsdown or at least the cheaper 2 or 3 other tools listed by ideal for those crimps and then you would have to purchase the separately sold insulating covers or end up wrapping the bare crimps in a few layers of tape ......Quite a bit of expense and hassle:happyno:


Why exactly are you not able to use a couple or 3 big wirenuts (tan twisters, baby blues etc) and just run a jumper between them? And btw, while it doesn't hurt anything, I see no practical benefit to taping wire nuts. Ever.

 

[Fulthrotl]

Hello, new to the forum, but looking forward to hearing from you all and contributing.

I'm looking for most compact way to connect 12 wires for wiring multiple sockets. As an example, I'd like to wire a 12 socket Sputnik style fixture, but I want to do so without using several wire nuts/tape. I've found several crimp style connectors that will hold up to four 18 gauge wires, but is there a connector that can be used to connect so many wires without the need for so many connectors? Something that is also UL compliant. I really appreciate help with a good resource or advice. Thank you!

Thomas Brown

most compact? strip them, twist them, dip them in a solder pot,
trim them to 3/8" long, and put a wire nut on them for insulation.
tape is more compact than that.

solder and tape is about the smallest connection you're likely to find.

 

[duttonbrown]

Well if you want those 12 lights to illuminate, you'll need a 13th wire!
And that 13th wire may need to be larger than the 18's.

Find out what you need to connect and come back with that information please.
FYI you can find connector specs on any manufacturer's website.

If you're making listed product for installation in the US, you'll need listed connectors and likely also a listed tool to make the crimp.

Welcome to the forums!

Thank you all so much for taking time to respond and for your patience. A bit more information. I'm working to prepare designs I'm working on to be compliant under the UL General Coverage program. I've familiarized myself with UL1598, and I'm aware of several different UL compliant connectors, but I'm self taught in many ways. I want to be sure I design the fixtures safely and correctly.

That said, I'm wiring 12 sockets on arms on the exterior of a metal core. All of the sockets are prewired with black and white 18 gauge wire. I intend to suggest usage of 25W (or less) bulbs for each socket. I do understand a 13th wire is necessary. For the concept, I have been running 6 neutral wires to a wire nut along with a jumper to another wire nut with 6 more neutral wires including the supply wire. I've done the same for the hot side.

I believe I should be able to use the splice cap crimp connectors/insulation in lieu of wire nuts to make the connections pass during an inspection, right? Is there a better way to do this? As I understand it, wire nuts and/or soldering with wire nuts are not an acceptable means of securing wiring inside a luminaire. Or am I wrong? Thank you all again so much for your time.

 

[mgookin]

Thank you all so much for taking time to respond and for your patience. A bit more information. I'm working to prepare designs I'm working on to be compliant under the UL General Coverage program. I've familiarized myself with UL1598, and I'm aware of several different UL compliant connectors, but I'm self taught in many ways. I want to be sure I design the fixtures safely and correctly.

That said, I'm wiring 12 sockets on arms on the exterior of a metal core. All of the sockets are prewired with black and white 18 gauge wire. I intend to suggest usage of 25W (or less) bulbs for each socket. I do understand a 13th wire is necessary. For the concept, I have been running 6 neutral wires to a wire nut along with a jumper to another wire nut with 6 more neutral wires including the supply wire. I've done the same for the hot side.

I believe I should be able to use the splice cap crimp connectors/insulation in lieu of wire nuts to make the connections pass during an inspection, right? Is there a better way to do this? As I understand it, wire nuts and/or soldering with wire nuts are not an acceptable means of securing wiring inside a luminaire. Or am I wrong? Thank you all again so much for your time.

I believe the NEC will not let you rely wholly on solder for a wire connection but I can't speak for whatever UL standard you are using.

When you start with your NRTL you will be limited to communications through a salesman who can relay a question to an engineer and reply with an answer. Once you have a contract and make a submittal, you have direct access to the engineers.

I don't see any problem with how you did your concept. I think NRTL would accept that, but I'm not them. Only they can tell you whether that's acceptable.

Hope this helps.