Can we talk about people using the wrong size wire nuts on 12-gauge circuits?

I keep finding #14 wire nuts on 12-gauge splices in junction boxes, and it's a fire hazard because they don't grip properly and can overheat.

3 comments

3 Comments

the_faith2d ago

What about the people who just twist wires together and skip the nut entirely? I've opened boxes where the splices were just taped over with electrical tape (which dries out and cracks over time). That's even scarier than the wrong size nut because there's zero mechanical grip, just hoping the tape holds forever. It's pure luck that keeps those connections from arcing.

jordan9032d ago

Honestly, I've seen taped splices hold up for decades without any issues.

mark_hayes2d ago

My old neighbor's garage fire started from a taped wire splice in the attic. The insurance report said the tape had dried out and the wires arced. That's why I'll only use wire nuts now, even for small jobs.