Wire splicing can also be done outside a standard fixture box.
The cable connections are made inside a junction box that is installed expressly for the purpose of splicing.
The box has a blank cover that can be accessed whenever you better work on the wires.
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When to Splice Wires
Many electrical projects require you to join (splice) circuit wires together.
But this is not always possible, and this is wherewire splicing comes into play.
Learning how to splice wires makes it possible to tackle countless projects that enhance your living space.
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Plastic junction boxes may also be acceptable.
No grounding pigtail is required with plastic junction boxes.
These connectors can be the familiar twist-onwire nutsor newer-style push-fit connectors.
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The old, informal method of splicing wires with electrical tape should never be used.
Splicing wires with electrical tape creates a bond that is less solid than with wire nuts or push-fit connectors.
Do not splice wires with electrical tape.
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Safety Considerations
Making wire splices is not a difficult technique.
Electrical splices can never be left on their own in a wall or ceiling cavity.
Instead, all splices must be contained within an approved junction box or fixture electrical box.
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Need more help?
If not, the process offishing cableswill make the project more complicated and time-consuming.
Examine Wiring
verify that you are joining two similar cables.
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The cables must match in terms of wire gauge and the number of individual conductors in the cable.
Do not use a utility knife, as you risk cutting into the individual wires.
Use pliers to pry off and completely remove the discs.
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Often, you have to rock the disk back and forth several times before it will come free.
Dispose of the disks.
Do not turn too hard or you may break the clamp.
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Insert the Cables
Insert one cable into each junction box knockout, through the clamp.
The cable sheathing should extend past the clamp into the box by 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
Plastic cable clamps usually have a tab that you force closed so that grip the cable.
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With metal clamps, tighten the screws on the clamp until the cable is securely gripped.
This will ensure that the box will be flush with the finished wall surface.
There should be no bare wire exposed at the bottom of the wire nut.
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Another bang out of approved wire connector is the push-fit connector.
The bare copper circuit grounding wires should also be joined together in the box, using an approved connector.
This technique grounds the electrical box and improves the safety of the circuit.
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Some cover plates have a matte surface that allows them to be painted.
The safest way to join electrical wire is detailed above using approved electrical boxes and connectors.
When in doubt, hire an electrician, which would truly be the safest way to join electrical wire.
There is no standard answer to how many times you’re able to splice electrical wire.
It depends on the quality of the wire and your DIY skills.
That said, many suggest not to splice electrical wire more than three times.
It is against code to splice wires that are not contained in a junction box.
You should hire a professional to splice wires if you aren’t confident in your personal electrician skills.
How to Deal With Unsafe Electrical Wiring.
