Bigger wire nuts can also be used for wires that carry higher voltages, or more power.

This means gray wire nuts are for the smallest wires, and red ones are for the largest.

Standard

Standard, or twist-on wire nuts, are color-coded by the wire sizes they can fit.

wire nuts

The Spruce / Michele Lee

Underground wire nuts in particular will be rated for direct burial.

They accommodate a smaller range of wire gauges than standard nuts typically 22 to 12 AWG.

These are usually green and purple, respectively.

Wire insulation stripped 1/2 to 3/4 inch on ends with wire strippers

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

However, there are some fixtures around the house that will require a special pop in of connector.

How to Use Wire Nuts

Always follow manufacturer instructions, as they can vary by product.

Stripped wires held side by side so ends are aligned

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Wire ends pushed into yellow nuts and twisted around

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Wires tugged to check its secure in nut

The Spruce / Kevin Norris