Stranded wires under screws

[steelersman]

I don't measure how well a method works for someone else, just how well it works for me.

I don't believe a forked lug has the circular mill area of either a solid or a stranded wire and it certainly doesn't wrap the screw 270 deg.

It may not wrap the screw 270 degrees but at least the entire surface area contacts the metal of the receptacle that it under the screw, so IMO it actually has more contact than a solid conductor at least but maybe not as much as a stranded since it can tend to flatten and make a little more contact.

EDIT to add: GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!

 

[LarryFine]

I don't believe a forked lug has the circular mill area of either a solid or a stranded wire and it certainly doesn't wrap the screw 270 deg.

They're likely equal to the area of the conductive parts of most receptacles, and I'd say they certainly do effectively encircle a screw 270 degrees.

 

[Mule]

Totaly a bit of humor here guys, nothing serious intended at all, but dont you think its a bit funny that we have over 120 post on this topic. Wraping a #12 wire around a screw, and righty tighty..... Sorry could not resist....

I still can't imagine anyone wraping stranded around a screw as normal practice....

 

[ohm]

They're likely equal to the area of the conductive parts of most receptacles, and I'd say they certainly do effectively encircle a screw 270 degrees.

I (think) I learned more today than I ever wanted to about forked lugs. Using Stakon dimensions I CADed up the RC10-8F lug which is rated for 10-12 AWG.

Using the largest bolt head 300 deg of wrap is achieved. Using a bolthead that just covers the side of the forks provides 252 deg of wrap.

At 40A w/ #12 wire the max. acceptable drop thru a NEMA terminal is about 14mv after 500 cycles.

This tid-bit of info should really get Mule roaring

PS: go steelers...good game!

 

[iwire]

but dont you think its a bit funny that we have over 120 post on this topic. Wraping a #12 wire around a screw, and righty tighty..... Sorry could not resist....

That is how it goes, we could do 500 posts on grounds up or grounds down (Don't bother it will be deleted) but something really important is done in 6 posts.

I still can't imagine anyone wraping stranded around a screw as normal practice....

Common practice with everyone I have worked with for the past 25 years. I feel like Celtic, knowing how to do it well is part of being good at my job.

 

[LarryFine]

That is how it goes, we could do 500 posts on grounds up or grounds down ... but something really important is done in 6 posts.

That's because the really important subjects are, as Jor-el said, "Matters of mere fact."

 

[weressl]

Do any of you terminate stranded wires under screw terminals (i.e. Recepts, or ground screws)?

Another question: What about solid wires under "pressure plate" style terminals?

Just curious about opinions.

Wires - any type - will only work if they are properly 'stranded' under the terminal.

 

[BMacky]

Agreed

Agreed

Twisting the strands counter-clockwise works fairly well for keeping all the strands under the screw.

I was taught this same technique and surprisingly, it works well. IMO the contact between strands and screw terminals can be compromised if you are in a hurry and don't take the time to do it right the first time. I know my connections are good, so it's the other guys doing it that I'd be more concerned about. Have a standard method that works, and make sure everyone uses it.

 

[walB]

Technical Expert IV

Technical Expert IV

I have not, but have repaired many receptacles done by various contracted resources. I quote a wise sage who told me, "If everything was done right and nothing broke; what would they need us for?"

 

[alan111074]

I use the old technique of leaving some of the insulation on the end of the wire and making sure that none of the strands are poking out of the insulation. If you leave anough of the insulation and strands respectively it works out very well, I think.

 

[riggenbw]

I've been using stranded wire on receptacles and switches and any other
device. The best way to do it is to partically strip the end, leaving about
3/4" of bare wire. This way you still have insulation on the end, with the
same length insulation without wire inside. Wrap that around the screw
terminal and tighten. Works great.

 

[wirenut2008]

I put stranded wire under terminals alot. When I put stranded wires under terminals I usually strip the wire so there is a little piece of insulation on the end to hold the strands together.

 

[steelersman]

whenever I terminate stranded conductors onto devices after stripping the wire I solder the end to keep the strands together. Then after I wrap it around the screw I solder it in there real good.

 

[celtic]

whenever I terminate stranded conductors onto devices after stripping the wire I solder the end to keep the strands together. Then after I wrap it around the screw I solder it in there real good.

...and tape.
Lots of tape...duct tape, masking tape, teflon tape, maybe even electrical tape.
Just use plenty of it :grin:

 

[steelersman]

...and tape.
Lots of tape...duct tape, masking tape, teflon tape, maybe even electrical tape.
Just use plenty of it :grin:

No. No tape for me. However, after doing all of the soldering that I explained above, I then apply a clear epoxy coating with a brush over the screw terminals to prevent any shorts or shock hazards. I then let this cure and dry real well for an hour or so before putting the device into the electrical box ground prong up of course as this is clearly the safest method. I then install the plate and make sure that the screw slot is facing up and down.

No joke. And I'm still faster than those house ropers who backstab. I can't believe the NEC allows backstabbing!! What a crime!!

 

[byourdesky]

I can't believe the NEC allows backstabbing!! What a crime!!

Steelersman,

I thought you were a fan of backstabbing .....2009 bring about change?

When I terminate stranded wires under screws I strip back some of the insulation but dont take it off completely so that the strands dont get frayed and then terminate it....and leave the extra bit of insulation on there

 

[steelersman]

Steelersman,

I thought you were a fan of backstabbing .....2009 bring about change?

When I terminate stranded wires under screws I strip back some of the insulation but dont take it off completely so that the strands dont get frayed and then terminate it....and leave the extra bit of insulation on there

I am all about backstabbing. I was just joking. Matter of fact the previous 2 posts were a farce (I think that's how to spell it).

 

[byourdesky]

I am all about backstabbing. I was just joking. Matter of fact the previous 2 posts were a farce (I think that's how to spell it).

Gotcha...thats what I thought

 

[melanconelectric]

Twisting the strands counter-clockwise works fairly well for keeping all the strands under the screw.

If you strip back a little further on the conducter and do not completely remove the jacket, just exposing a section of wire rather than the end, it makes for an easier and neater installation

 

[ActionDave]

No. No tape for me. However, after doing all of the soldering that I explained above, I then apply a clear epoxy coating with a brush over the screw terminals to prevent any shorts or shock hazards. I then let this cure and dry real well for an hour or so before putting the device into the electrical box ground prong up of course as this is clearly the safest method. I then install the plate and make sure that the screw slot is facing up and down.

No joke. And I'm still faster than those house ropers who backstab. I can't believe the NEC allows backstabbing!! What a crime!!

This post belongs in a hall of fame of some sort. After stumbling onto it while scanning through the threads I had to sign up. I think I'm gonna like it here.