Go to drinkag1.com/backyardmaine to get a one year supply of vitamin D3+K2 and 5 AG1 travel packs with your first subscription. thanks to AG1 for sponsoring today’s video!
My favorite electrical channel. Great content! I absolutely love Wagos. Here is a video idea: please show us how you efficiently and safely compress the wires into the box. Thanks again, looking forward to your next video!
Agreed! I was thinking about that at the very end of the video myself! That's always my issue, and minimum box size needed for x# of what gauge wires to be code? I live somewhere there's ZERO code inspection or permitting needed, homeowner electrical work is fully approved, but I prefer to do things RIGHT, the codes have all been written for good reasons... Remodeling my 1950's built rewired in '98 house has shown me just how much our demand for electricity has multiplied so much in just 20-30 years even. What should be 13 separate circuits was on a single run, another 8 on one other... Lots of updating to be done!
Here is a tip I think everyone needs to know. NEVER have someone else turn the power off. I had someone turn off the power to a fluorescent ballast I was working on and failed to verify the circuit was off (that one was on me). I grabbed the metal fixture, and went to cut an output wire and was electrocuted with nearly 1000 volts. I would have died if I hadn't fallen off the ladder.
I have used all of your recommended methods, only once used wago, as not enough length for wire nut. I’m old fashioned as like the contact area a wire nut or screw terminal provides. You provide good content. Originally, I subscribed because of Maine. My sis lives there, I’m west coast.
How's she goin'? These 'lever' style connectors sure are a neat solution. They take a lot less space in the box and to me that makes them the 'ideal' solution!! Thanks for posting. Take 'er easy!!
Doing well Mike.. I hope you are as well. I think they are a great option especially for people who aren't doing this for a living. Take care my friend.
I don't use tape. I fold the in so that there is no stress on the connection so I'm not worried about them opening up. The ideal connectors are much tighter and there is no risk of them opening up.
I've found Wago lever connectors a blessing in situations where the previous so called "electrician " couldn't stomach the couple extra pennies necessary to have the wires extend more than just past the face of the box, gotta love cleaning up other people's suck ups. Lol Speaking of which, in Late August 2015, (ironically the same year I discovered the farmer's aka Chicago 3 way installed in 1951-52 on a farm in Sanilac County MI which I commented on in the deadly Chicago 3 way video about 3 weeks ago), got my first Apartment in Pontiac Michigan, ran by a slumlord, whom I'll refer to as "Dick" going forward. So I move into a 1 bedroom unit on the second floor. In my unit was a window air conditioner in the living room that "was 120V, up to 15A" going by the plug and receptacle. This location also happened to be ideal for plugging in my floor lamp. When I turn the switch at dusk, the CFL bulb I was using flashed and popped loudly and caught fire. Panicking, I throw the flaming lamp out the window onto the grass. Having just finished the apprenticeship program, I pull out my wiggy, and sure enough, it was a 240V air conditioner, the factory plug on the unit was changed to fit the receptacle. So I report my findings to Dick, who refused to answer my phone calls and voicemails. Later we meet just outside the leasing office where we get into an altercation and I broke his jaw and spent some months in jail and ordered to pay restitution. Anyway long story short, whether you are moving into a new property or are a renter, at the bare minimum you should check all receptacle outlets with a 3 light tester; a receptacle that is miswired with 240V will have all three lights lit, with one light glowing brighter than the other two. Open grounds and reverse polarity also should not be ignored. In most if not all states, if a landlord or property manager fails to correct safety hazards in a rental property within a reasonable time frame, a tenant has the right to report their findings to the city code enforcement, and the landlord can then be ordered to rectify the situation. In some states, a tenant can choose to have the problem repaired at his or her own expense and deduct that from the rent. I must disclose that I'm not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice.
Electrical connections need to minimize the total resistance with the connection. Being a retired electrical engineer working with generator sets it was common to see failed (actually burned up) connections due to high resistance (indicating low surface area of contact). I think twisting the wires with the screw on connectors is superior to the “Waco” style connectors). I like your content. Just expressing my opinion in commercial and industrial applications.
I agree. EE myself and I have always believed that the greater surface are of a wire nut is superior. But I will say that in most low current residential applications the Wago or Ideal lever nut work very well.
I'm with you. Pre-twisted conductors secured with wire nuts offer far more contact area than Wago connectors. It may be old-school, but I'm sticking with wire nuts.
Great video, thank you. Quick clarification that may help a new DIYer... @6:09 when putting the white wires in the Wago you said "and [you can see that] there's no insulation showing". I am sure what you meant was- there's no 'uninsulated' wire showing.
The visual inspection that Wago's clear case allows (easier to see than the Ideal frosted case, but you can make out these inspection points if you squint hard enough with the Ideals) is you can see three important things. First, that the wire is fully inserted to the end of the cavity. Second that there isn't any insulation impinging in the middle where the electrical grip connection is made. And, third that the end of the insulation is still inside the body of the lever nut, not allowing anything from the outside to touch bare conductor. That last inspection point is moot on the uninsulated ground wire... (Unless you are in a region where it is mandatory to put an insulating sleeve over the ground wire. Not sure if there are any locations in the States that mandate that, but it appears to be common in Europe based on other youtube channels.)
Nuts are bulky. What about the butt connectors with solder in them. I have used those and they seem to work fine? I never knew butt connectors weren't approved for hard wire.
Lever nuts (either Wago or Ideal, I don't trust knock-offs) are also very useful when hard-wiring lighting and fans. Often the appliance's wires are stranded and combining stranded with solid wire in a standard twist wire nut is often beyond the skills of the generic DIYer.
I like how level nuts make it easier to stuff the wires into the boxes with decor style outlets and switches on older shallow boxes. I guess because you are not trying to get three conductors folded in one direction in a wire nut that with a level nut your are able to flatten the individual conductors easier around the device, especially if it's 12 awg.
Wagos are easy and neat but have a higher resistance (higher heat) than a wire nut. The surface area connection of a wago isn't as much as a good wire nut so they might create a bit more heat when high amp devices are connected (electric heater, counter top oven or microwave). I have no problem using them on LED light and switch circuits but I'll still use wire nuts on outlets that might get high amp devices plugged in.
I like wire nuts as well but I have been testing these and was surprised and how well they hold up. I like that they are easy for a less experienced person to get a reliable result.
Here in the States Lowes doesn't carry Wago, Ideal is the only option there. According to their webpages, both Home Depot and Menards carry both Wago and Ideal lever nuts. Both are available through Amazon. (Though you don't say where your area is... I'm assuming the US, but that isn't a safe assumption here on the web...)
Wago lever nuts are great for stranded wire, DON'T twist the strands & the compression pushes the strands flat creating excellent contact, better that with solid. Many LED fixtures use stranded wire, & when it is solder dipped just clip off the solder.
2:32 IMO, there is no need for or advantage to pre-twisting wires when wire nutting. It takes you longer to do, and the wires get chewed up by plier jaws, too.
I do it because I have seen two many failed connections where one wire gets pushed out of the twist. It happen more with 12 gauge than 14. When you pre-twist and snip off the end you have a solid connection you can see before the wire nut goes on. I know this is an often debated topic but thats the reason I like to pre-twist.
Yes, pre-twisting takes longer. But the connections are far more secure. I never, ever just shove parallel conductors into a wire nut. There's too much risk that one will pop out later.
@@BackyardMaineI’ve seen many failed connections with pre-twisted wires too, especially with multiple conductors. In the end it all boils down to installer error.
Really? Thats one of the ways we get paid for the hours of work that go into each video. It's nothing new, most creators that my size or larger do sponsored content. The creator economy is a multibillion dollar industry. You can always skip the ad..
I am eager to acquire knowledge and embark on a successful career as an electrician. Although I lack practical experience in this field, I am highly motivated and dedicated. I do not have any connections or acquaintances in the industry, so I would greatly appreciate any assistance in identifying reputable companies that offer electrician apprenticeship programs. If you are acquainted with any such companies, kindly inform me. Sacramento california
You know what? I started my career as an electrical in Sacramento CA back in 1984. I was an electrical in the USAF stationed at McClellan AFB. It was closed down in the early 90s. When I got out I joined the Electricians Union (IBEW) the international brotherhood of electrical workers. They have a five year apprenticeship program. Many contracting companies are Union Shops which means they only hire Union employees. They are always looking for new apprentices at least around here in New England. Here's the info on your local branch. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 2840 El Centro Rd · (916) 927-4239 Open ⋅ Closes 5 PM
Sorry but the ads allow me to keep making content and I only agree to promote product I really like or already use. I get over 100 offers a month and except one or maybe two.
Go to drinkag1.com/backyardmaine to get a one year supply of vitamin D3+K2 and 5 AG1 travel packs with your first subscription. thanks to AG1 for sponsoring today’s video!
My favorite electrical channel. Great content! I absolutely love Wagos. Here is a video idea: please show us how you efficiently and safely compress the wires into the box. Thanks again, looking forward to your next video!
Thanks so much and Great suggestion! I actually have that on my idea list. I will try to get that one up soon.
Agreed! I was thinking about that at the very end of the video myself! That's always my issue, and minimum box size needed for x# of what gauge wires to be code? I live somewhere there's ZERO code inspection or permitting needed, homeowner electrical work is fully approved, but I prefer to do things RIGHT, the codes have all been written for good reasons... Remodeling my 1950's built rewired in '98 house has shown me just how much our demand for electricity has multiplied so much in just 20-30 years even. What should be 13 separate circuits was on a single run, another 8 on one other... Lots of updating to be done!
I’ve become a fan of those WAGO connectors. And I just installed 15 of those Leviton outlets with the lever connections. Nice!
I think they are a great option especially for people who aren't doing electrical wiring every day. The really make it easy to get a reliable result.
Here is a tip I think everyone needs to know. NEVER have someone else turn the power off. I had someone turn off the power to a fluorescent ballast I was working on and failed to verify the circuit was off (that one was on me). I grabbed the metal fixture, and went to cut an output wire and was electrocuted with nearly 1000 volts. I would have died if I hadn't fallen off the ladder.
So, how about you just test?
He did admit that. But I agree, always have a probe in your belt and use it every time!
Ya,the Lever Connectors are Great! They're on my List for a Lowe's Run!!!
I love using The WAGO wire connectors with a good piece of Speed Wire to extend the wire. 🧑🏿🔧
I have used all of your recommended methods, only once used wago, as not enough length for wire nut. I’m old fashioned as like the contact area a wire nut or screw terminal provides. You provide good content. Originally, I subscribed because of Maine. My sis lives there, I’m west coast.
I like wire nuts as well but I think the lever nuts are a great option for most DIYers.
Thank you for all your tips John! Very helpful for guys like myself. All the best.
Much appreciated! I am happy to help. Thanks for watching my videos.
How's she goin'? These 'lever' style connectors sure are a neat solution. They take a lot less space in the box and to me that makes them the 'ideal' solution!! Thanks for posting. Take 'er easy!!
Doing well Mike.. I hope you are as well. I think they are a great option especially for people who aren't doing this for a living. Take care my friend.
Thanks!
Thank you. Much appreciated!
My biggest problem has always been how to stuff the wires into the box to leave room for the device-any hints?
I'll make a video on this. You basically want to fold the wires in like an accordion.
Question : Do you use electrical tape your wago connectors? Some say they open up over time.
I don't use tape. I fold the in so that there is no stress on the connection so I'm not worried about them opening up. The ideal connectors are much tighter and there is no risk of them opening up.
@@BackyardMaine Ahh, good idea. Thanks.
I've found Wago lever connectors a blessing in situations where the previous so called "electrician " couldn't stomach the couple extra pennies necessary to have the wires extend more than just past the face of the box, gotta love cleaning up other people's suck ups. Lol
Speaking of which, in Late August 2015, (ironically the same year I discovered the farmer's aka Chicago 3 way installed in 1951-52 on a farm in Sanilac County MI which I commented on in the deadly Chicago 3 way video about 3 weeks ago), got my first Apartment in Pontiac Michigan, ran by a slumlord, whom I'll refer to as "Dick" going forward. So I move into a 1 bedroom unit on the second floor. In my unit was a window air conditioner in the living room that "was 120V, up to 15A" going by the plug and receptacle. This location also happened to be ideal for plugging in my floor lamp. When I turn the switch at dusk, the CFL bulb I was using flashed and popped loudly and caught fire. Panicking, I throw the flaming lamp out the window onto the grass. Having just finished the apprenticeship program, I pull out my wiggy, and sure enough, it was a 240V air conditioner, the factory plug on the unit was changed to fit the receptacle. So I report my findings to Dick, who refused to answer my phone calls and voicemails. Later we meet just outside the leasing office where we get into an altercation and I broke his jaw and spent some months in jail and ordered to pay restitution.
Anyway long story short, whether you are moving into a new property or are a renter, at the bare minimum you should check all receptacle outlets with a 3 light tester; a receptacle that is miswired with 240V will have all three lights lit, with one light glowing brighter than the other two. Open grounds and reverse polarity also should not be ignored. In most if not all states, if a landlord or property manager fails to correct safety hazards in a rental property within a reasonable time frame, a tenant has the right to report their findings to the city code enforcement, and the landlord can then be ordered to rectify the situation. In some states, a tenant can choose to have the problem repaired at his or her own expense and deduct that from the rent. I must disclose that I'm not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice.
Electrical connections need to minimize the total resistance with the connection. Being a retired electrical engineer working with generator sets it was common to see failed (actually burned up) connections due to high resistance (indicating low surface area of contact). I think twisting the wires with the screw on connectors is superior to the “Waco” style connectors). I like your content. Just expressing my opinion in commercial and industrial applications.
I agree. EE myself and I have always believed that the greater surface are of a wire nut is superior. But I will say that in most low current residential applications the Wago or Ideal lever nut work very well.
I'm with you. Pre-twisted conductors secured with wire nuts offer far more contact area than Wago connectors. It may be old-school, but I'm sticking with wire nuts.
Great video, thank you.
Quick clarification that may help a new DIYer... @6:09 when putting the white wires in the Wago you said "and [you can see that] there's no insulation showing". I am sure what you meant was- there's no 'uninsulated' wire showing.
Good call! I did misspeak on that and never noticed. I guess I’m getting old. Thanks for pointing that out.
The visual inspection that Wago's clear case allows (easier to see than the Ideal frosted case, but you can make out these inspection points if you squint hard enough with the Ideals) is you can see three important things. First, that the wire is fully inserted to the end of the cavity. Second that there isn't any insulation impinging in the middle where the electrical grip connection is made. And, third that the end of the insulation is still inside the body of the lever nut, not allowing anything from the outside to touch bare conductor. That last inspection point is moot on the uninsulated ground wire... (Unless you are in a region where it is mandatory to put an insulating sleeve over the ground wire. Not sure if there are any locations in the States that mandate that, but it appears to be common in Europe based on other youtube channels.)
Nuts are bulky. What about the butt connectors with solder in them. I have used those and they seem to work fine? I never knew butt connectors weren't approved for hard wire.
Lever nuts (either Wago or Ideal, I don't trust knock-offs) are also very useful when hard-wiring lighting and fans. Often the appliance's wires are stranded and combining stranded with solid wire in a standard twist wire nut is often beyond the skills of the generic DIYer.
I like how level nuts make it easier to stuff the wires into the boxes with decor style outlets and switches on older shallow boxes. I guess because you are not trying to get three conductors folded in one direction in a wire nut that with a level nut your are able to flatten the individual conductors easier around the device, especially if it's 12 awg.
They do make things easier...
I never heard of a service loop (good idea) and have been to three trade schools. Two electronics courses and construction electricity.
Wagos are easy and neat but have a higher resistance (higher heat) than a wire nut. The surface area connection of a wago isn't as much as a good wire nut so they might create a bit more heat when high amp devices are connected (electric heater, counter top oven or microwave). I have no problem using them on LED light and switch circuits but I'll still use wire nuts on outlets that might get high amp devices plugged in.
I like wire nuts as well but I have been testing these and was surprised and how well they hold up. I like that they are easy for a less experienced person to get a reliable result.
In my area the ideal and wagos are not lever nuts. When I am traveling I will purchase the lever nut versions.
I left links if you're interested.
Here in the States Lowes doesn't carry Wago, Ideal is the only option there. According to their webpages, both Home Depot and Menards carry both Wago and Ideal lever nuts. Both are available through Amazon. (Though you don't say where your area is... I'm assuming the US, but that isn't a safe assumption here on the web...)
I just bought some Wagos at HD a couple days ago. They also had Ideals, which were less expensive but noticeably larger.
Wago lever nuts are great for stranded wire, DON'T twist the strands & the compression pushes the strands flat creating excellent contact, better that with solid. Many LED fixtures use stranded wire, & when it is solder dipped just clip off the solder.
As a former electrician we just sent the new guy to get the wire stretcher.😂
The old apprentice trick.. 🤣
Ask him to grab the
Matterdaddy
Then he will ask you "what's a matter daddy?
Hey, I was that new guy! And I couldn't find it anywhere.
2:32 IMO, there is no need for or advantage to pre-twisting wires when wire nutting. It takes you longer to do, and the wires get chewed up by plier jaws, too.
I do it because I have seen two many failed connections where one wire gets pushed out of the twist. It happen more with 12 gauge than 14. When you pre-twist and snip off the end you have a solid connection you can see before the wire nut goes on. I know this is an often debated topic but thats the reason I like to pre-twist.
Yes, pre-twisting takes longer. But the connections are far more secure. I never, ever just shove parallel conductors into a wire nut. There's too much risk that one will pop out later.
@@BackyardMaineI’ve seen many failed connections with pre-twisted wires too, especially with multiple conductors.
In the end it all boils down to installer error.
Thank you John
Its my pleasure my friend..
Can you send a link for those pliers you are using?
Sure everything I used in the video is linked in the video description but here's the link for the stripper. I love them.. amzn.to/4anTCtE
New subscriber!
Thanks for subbing! Welcome to the channel. I have a new video coming out this week.
Thanks Maniac 🇺🇸🏁
Thank you...
Is there any way to contact you directly
You will find an email by clicking the arrow at the top of my home page where I tell you about me and the channel.
Quality butt-splices, such as those from AMP and Panduit, are Listed for solid wire. They're not available at retail, though.
It would be funny if you started talking really fast halfway through the video and ended with WOW I FEEL PUMPED! THIS AG1 IS AWESOME!
That would be funny.. 😂
What about option 4? Replace the receptacle with a back-wired (NOT back-stabbed!) receptacle, and make it the next person's problem :)
Have fun with that. I have come across boxes that have wire that don't even break the plane of the wall. The wago connectors make it possible.
Those are a great option but I still like to extend the wire to a code compliant length.
I prefer Wago's!!!
Damn... 1st time seeing UA-cam video that has his own commercial built in to the video. Down vote for me!
Really? Thats one of the ways we get paid for the hours of work that go into each video. It's nothing new, most creators that my size or larger do sponsored content. The creator economy is a multibillion dollar industry. You can always skip the ad..
I hate having extra wire as it makes it so much harder to push it back into the box!
I’m going to make a video with some tips to make that a lot easier.
This dude aint drinking no AG1 😅
I am eager to acquire knowledge and embark on a successful career as an electrician. Although I lack practical experience in this field, I am highly motivated and dedicated. I do not have any connections or acquaintances in the industry, so I would greatly appreciate any assistance in identifying reputable companies that offer electrician apprenticeship programs. If you are acquainted with any such companies, kindly inform me.
Sacramento california
You know what? I started my career as an electrical in Sacramento CA back in 1984. I was an electrical in the USAF stationed at McClellan AFB. It was closed down in the early 90s. When I got out I joined the Electricians Union (IBEW) the international brotherhood of electrical workers. They have a five year apprenticeship program. Many contracting companies are Union Shops which means they only hire Union employees. They are always looking for new apprentices at least around here in New England. Here's the info on your local branch.
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
2840 El Centro Rd · (916) 927-4239
Open ⋅ Closes 5 PM
Switch and bait. Electrician selling Alfalfa drinks. Gee wiz.
Sorry but the ads allow me to keep making content and I only agree to promote product I really like or already use. I get over 100 offers a month and except one or maybe two.
Wago take up to much box fill,and you may exceed the cu inch capacity! I tried wago once in 52 years never again!