ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Taping Wirenuts

Just curious, how many of you guys and gals use electrical tape on a wirenut? In my opinion I never use it. My theroy is if the wirenut is correctly installed it will not have a need for tape. If there are bare wires exposed then you have the wrong wirenut. If you don't want the wirenut to come off in the box then you did not install it correctly. Maybe it is just me but I dispise going into a box to troubleshoot and find all the connections taped. URGH!
Maybe I'm wrong, it won't be the first time.

Blessings,
Mark

I tape all my wirenuts. However I also make sure that I've used the proper splice-cap before wrapping.

I double-check that no loose strands are poking out the bottom, that there's no exposed conductor and then give the nut a slight tug to see if the nut is gripping or if it will slip off.

Then I apply tape. The reason for the tape is just that it's THAT little bit more extra security and also keeps dust and dirt from getting into the connection.

Oh...and I'm a pre-twister!!

IMO taping wirenuts is a hold-over from the old Knob & Tube days when all splices were twisted, soldered and taped. The old-timers would tell the young pups they had to tape to do a good job. Us young pups became the old-timers, and the idea is still there. Wirenuts today will do the job just as fine, with or without tape. If you're worried about vibration, dirt, or something, go ahead and tape for your peace of mind. But maybe, your enclosure or termination device is not really appropriate for the purpose or conditions of use. Maybe????

Do it right and no need for tape.

I've never taped a wire nut, as I don't see the logic in doing so. I have, however, troubleshot or added to circuits with taped wire nuts, and it is miserable getting the sticky black goo all over your hands.

Poor Ryan, got his hands dirty.

If you've ever worked with that very old BX cable - the one with the tar-impregnated cloth & rubber insulation over the conductors, you get used to that black goo getting all over your hands.

What's a little adhesive to add to the concoction?

Sven,
You brought up a good point, on when you might use tape. If you are working on an older system that used rubber or cloth covered insulation, then use all the tape required to make it a safe repair. As noted most of the old timers would say "Don't forget to tape it up good", and with good reason.

Sven, LK,
Agreed. Use tape where necessary, of course. In the case of old BX and K&T a sleeve is almost a must. In the case of regual NMC I have seen poor splices using a wirenut AND tape and the wirenut still falls off. Connecting stranded and solid also requires a bit of re-assurance. But I've talked to electricians all the time that always do it and I can't get a good explaination as to why other than that is what I was taught. Thanks for the feedback.

Blessings, Mark

I tell guys working under me under me "Tape is for Homeowners"

Meaning if you are an electrician you better not need tape hold the wire nut on or to cover loose strands of conductor.

When I was in trade school the instructor, after checking the work on our project board would grab the wire nuts with lineman pliers and try to rip them off or at least get a conductor to pull out.

You learn quick to make a good splice.