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- Wire Connectors
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Wire
connectors are fasteners used to make a tight
connection between two or more electrical wires.
Made of flame-retardant materials, wire connectors prevent wires from
contacting other wires or exposed metal surfaces, which could cause a
dangerous fault or short circuit. Wire connectors are easy to use, function in
a variety of ways for different uses and in most cases don’t require any
special tools. This buying guide will explain the different types of wire connectors, so you can feel confident you’re choosing the right connectors for your project. To learn more about wires and wire gauges, read our Wire Buying Guide. |
Factors to Consider
- Design – Square-wire spring, grooved interior
- Types – Twist-on, twist-on winged, twist-on ground, crimp-on, underground, waterproof, push-in
- Colors – Orange, yellow, red, green
- Materials – Thermoplastic, ceramic
Twist-on Wire Connectors – These connectors don’t require pre-twisting wires, making them ideal for fast, easy connections that don’t slip over time.
Twist-on Winged Connector – The wings in this design provide extra twisting leverage, for easy installation and removal.
Twist-on Grounding Wire Connectors – These connectors are designed for making ground connections and bonding non-metallic sheathed cable.
Crimp-on Wire Connectors – Secured in place with a crimping tool, this type of wire connector serves as a suitable replacement for soldered connectors, although it may not be as strong or reliable as soldered connections.
Underground Wire Connectors – For use where exposure to rain, moisture, condensation, high-humidity, or a corrosive element is likely, including direct burial applications.
Waterproof Wire Connectors – This design is suited for wire splices exposed to condensation, water, vapors or dust.
Push-in Wire Connectors – An alternative to twisting wires together, this type of wire connector has the wires pushed into two to four holes sized for various wire gauges.
Because there are many different sizes of wire
connectors, you should check that the connector you are using fits the
quantity and gauge of wire you’re connecting together. Download this helpful
guide
(PDF) to match the gauge and number of wires to the appropriate wire connector.
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