Capping off a single conductor

[Jimmy7]

Have you ever capped a single #12 solid with an orange wirenut? I have, and they seemed fine. I was just told they’re not rated for it.

What wirenuts do you like to use when capping #16 or #18 stranded?

 

[infinity]

Equipment like exit signs come with orange wire nuts on the unused tap conductor from the factory. I would use the same.

 

[Jimmy7]

Did you ever use an orange wirenut to cap a #12? I can’t be the only one

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I have done it many times. Could the problem be that you didn't strip the insulation from the wire?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Most of those orange ones are only rated down to 16 or 14 gauge. If the wire nut is rated for #12 then there isn't an issue.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I used to install those orange ones to wire up fixtures. Most people didn't like them but I found them neat and compact

 

[Jimmy7]

I have done it many times. Could the problem be that you didn't strip the insulation from the wire?

I can’t remember how I did it, but I do know they were tight. Looking now the ideal Orange weren’t rated for #12.

 

[ptonsparky]

They were rated for at least two conductors. How does that compare with one 12?

This ranks right up there with GU vs GD.

 

[Jimmy7]

They were rated for at least two conductors. How does that compare with one 12?

This ranks right up there with GU vs GD.

I believe they’re 73B. How can they handle two #14, but not one #12. Is this just they were never tested for it?

 

[ptonsparky]

I believe they’re 73B. How can they handle two #14, but not one #12. Is this just they were never tested for it?View attachment 2579627

Why would they? What current would you test them at?

 

[Jimmy7]

Why would they? What current would you test them at?

How do they determine the other configurations? Isn’t the area of two #14 greater than one #12? If so, why isn’t rated for one #12? That is the question I’m asking
.

 

[ptonsparky]

I repeat, why would they?

 

[ptonsparky]

The cost of the printing exceeds the value of the information.

 

[Jimmy7]

From Ideal

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I am not arguing that this is a ridiculous call on the inspectors part esp. since there isn't an electrical connection

 

[Dennis Alwon]

The only reason that UL doesn't allow one #12 is because they never tested for it.

 

[ptonsparky]

You might have one laying on your bedside table and it be a violation because it was never tested for that situation.

 

[wwhitney]

Obviously you have to use a different wire nut to pair the #12 with a #14, and then use the orange to cap off the single #14. : - )

Cheers, Wayne

 

[Eddie702]

Never mind the listing. Put one on that holds tight. I doubt that ANY wire nut has ever been tested for a single wire. A WAGO probably has.

Is electrical tape listed for capping of a single wire?

Lets not make the code book any thicker than it is.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Is electrical tape listed for capping of a single wire?

It appears that 110.14(B) permits tape for that purpose.

110.14(B) ... free ends of conductors shall be covered with an insulation equivalent to that of the conductors or with an identified insulating device.