Follow These Steps

Steps 1 - 4 of 4Print Project SheetEmail a Friend

• Step One

  

  STRIP WIRES WITH A COMBINATION STRIPPER
  To use a combination stripper, slip the wire into the correct size hole, squeeze, twist, and pull off the insulation. Yellow-handled strippers are for solid wire. Red-handled strippers are for stranded wire, like that found in lamp cords.

• Step Two

  

  TWIST WIRES TOGETHER
  Hold the stripped wires side by side. Grab both with lineman’s pliers. Twist clockwise, making sure that both wires turn. Twist them together like a candy cane to form a neat-looking spiral; don’t over twist or the wires may break.
  Splicing three or four wires:
  When twisting three or four wires together, hold them parallel and twist them all at once with lineman’s pliers.

• Step Three

  

  CUT THE END
  Using the lineman’s pliers or side-cutting pliers, snip off the end of the twist. Leave enough exposed metal so that the wire nut will just cover it. About ½” usually does it.

• Step Four

  

  CAP WITH A WIRE NUT
  Select a wire nut designed for the number and size of wires you have spliced (ask a store associate at The Home Depot near you to help you choose the correct wire nut). Slip the nut on as far as it will go, then twist clockwise until tight. Test the connection by tugging on the nut; it should hold securely for dependable protection. Wrap electrician’s tape around the bottom of the cap.
  FOR YOUR SAFETY:
  • Shut off power to the circuit on which you’re working.
  • Test all the wires in an open box, not just the ones on which you’ll be working.
  • Post signs warning others not to turn on the power until you’re finished working.
  • Use protective tools and clothing.
  • Avoid connecting copper to aluminum wires. It’s dangerous and against code, unless you use special connectors.