testing loose connections and thread follow-up

[mjmike]

just stumbled upon this "glowing wire nut thread" that is closed:

http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=142595&page=13&highlight=glowing+wire+nut

2 questions I have. The first, there has to be some way to do continuity tests to locate loose connections? Possibly even a wired circuit. How about turning of the breaker, could make some receptacle jumpers using a plug end, flourescent lights could be tricky, but then check the continuity from the breaker load side to the neutral. This would be for a simple residential circuit. Any thoughts on this?

Next, in the thread, somebody keeps referring to lineman pliers. Are they saying twist the wires then twist the wire nut or use pliers to twist the wire nut? Always thought the wires go into the wire nut straight then twist the nut only. The wire nuts with a hex head are great for this purpose, and remember stranded wire always sticks above the solid wire. Also, putting electrical tape over the connection is a good idea.

 

[Stevareno]

When working with solid wires, I was taught to pre-twist the wires with lineman's pliers before putting on the wire nut. It's the only way to be sure of a proper connection.

Problems I've encountered with installations where pre-twisting of the wires was not done include:

• Wire nut not twisted tight enough.

Most of the time I come across a wirenut that is just snug with no apparant twisting of the wires.
You need to crank down on that wirenut until you start twisting the wires.
If your wires come out the end of the wirenut, then you need to buy better wirenuts.

• Multiple (three or more) wires under the wirenut.

There have been times where I have opened a J-box to access the wires and when I pull them out of the box, there's that one wire that comes out from under the wire nut. :slaphead:
I feel bad If a customer loses productivity due to lost power somewhere, but at the same time, I gotta do what I gotta do.

Which brings me to another point. People need to make up a J-box like they might need to access it later. I hate having to undo a connection just to access the other connections beneath it. :rant: