Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Wire Nutting #12 and Light Braided Wire

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Robert Nathan
08-15-08, 07:12 PM
I'm wireing new contruction recessed lighting with #12 Romex. Is there a reliable, and preferred, method to wire nut the #12 and relatively light gage braided wire from the light fixture. I have been just lining them up, twisting with pliers and screwing on the red wire nut. The braided wire seems to take a beating, loosing strands, and I would like to avoid future maintenance on the junction boxes if possible.
Many Thanks
Bob

chandler
08-15-08, 07:54 PM
To get a good connection, use the proper sized Bcaps for the number of wires you are connecting, place your wires side by side, and let the stranded wire extend slightly (1/8") past the end of the romex. Then twist the bcap onto it until it won't turn any more.
pcboss
08-15-08, 07:55 PM
You may be knicking the strands when stripping them. This causes a weak spot and they will break off. You may also be twisting too much.

Most wire nuts do not require pre twisting. If you have 2 #12's I might twist those first and then lay the stranded along side and then cap.