What is the safest option for connecting a modern gauge stranded wire to an old, thick gauge wire in your kitchen ceiling light, considering the creative electrical work from the 60s?
Asked by Margie Barnett 
1 month ago
Last Updated: October 21, 2024
I have a question about safety. I’m switching out a kitchen ceiling light in my older house, and the person who did the electrical work way back in the 60’s was quite… innovative, to put it kindly. What’s the best way for me to connect a 14-gauge stranded wire to this super old, thick wire in the ceiling? I’m not sure if I should use a crimp, wire nut, or if there’s a special Wago that would work better. Thanks in advance for your help.
A wire nut should do the trick!
Just give them a twist and secure with a wire nut
Personally, I prefer to solder the wire, use a wire nut, and then wrap black electrical tape around the connection to secure it.
I think that might be going a bit overboard. You can safely splice stranded wires of different gauges using a wire nut.
No way
That seems like a bit much
Yeah, I agree with that approach, but personally I prefer to do it that way at home. In the past, I’ve encountered poorly done splices where the wire ends came loose and actually caused the wire nut to melt. When dealing with larger wires like 8 or 6 gauge, I opt for split bolts. And when connecting aluminum to copper, I make sure to use connectors designed for dissimilar metals.
It’s up to you. I’m sure it’ll work out.
I would do the same to maintain the length.
That makes sense, I personally never experienced any issues, but it’s better to be safe than sorry
You got it right!
If I remember correctly, soldering goes against the code.
If you were on my team, I would have to let you go after watching you splice a single room. Seriously, your work ethic is a bit of a nightmare. 🫤😂
Hey , I run my own business too.
That’s fortunate..😂
Also remember to use No Oxidation compound for dissimilar metals.
Make sure to include that with any aluminum wire connection.
Hey John, could you show me a wire nut? I believe it’s also known as a screwit or screw connector.
No content
Wire nuts actually work better if you DON’T twist the wires together first. Just ensure both wires are inserted evenly into the wire nut before twisting.
Absolutely. Or you could use a Wago connector if you want to stir things up a bit lol
They’re commonly referred to as wire nuts or marrettes.
Using stranded wire?
Just two words…
MI WELDER
Yeah, they can handle that (at least most of them)
Might use lever locks, but that sounds like a hassle to deal with if you’re stuck in a Wago.
My brand is .
I’m not a big fan of those push connectors, but I did test them out and they seem to be pretty secure. And yeah, I’m just looking for the lever locks, not those other ones.
: I know I mentioned twisting them and using a wire nut – after all, I’m an electrician, not a DIYer.
😐
First off, make sure to place it in a junction box before anything else haha, but using a wire nut should suffice as long as it’s twisted properly. Wire nuts and stranded wire don’t always cooperate well… Also, there are wagos with clips that can open and close the slot by flipping up the clip, which would work well in this case.
Make the connection
‘t overthink it. Secure those dudes with a wire nut and move on to the next project. Feel free to tape the wire nuts if you want
Do you want the simple answer or the correct one? 1) wire nut 2) crimp and insulate 3) solder and use shrink tubing 4) Ask the owner for a complete rewiring. Personally, I’d go with option one and use LEDs to reduce amperage loads
In my opinion, the safest option is to solder and use heat shrink tubing. Unsure of the location of the splice? If it’s visible, or hidden within the J-box as a mere connection, then use a wire nut and tape the exposed end.
If you can, trim and strip the ends for a clean finish with no broken strands. Then you can choose between wire nuts or a Wago Leverlock connector.
Nailed it
My buddy helped me out
Simply use a wire connector
Just twist the wires together and move on.
I think this is a Canadian thing, we refer to them as marettes up here haha, but they will get the job done. Just put them in a box if they’re not already and you’re good to go
Marrete is a brand name…
I recently learned that many people here refer to wire connectors as “wire nuts,” which surprises me. Back when I was in school, we always called them “marette,” similar to how circular saws are often called “skill saws” even though Skill is a brand.
Mentioned that at the company he worked for, they referred to wire nuts as wire nuts, but when he went to school, teachers called them marrettes. He once argued with a teacher about the name and the teacher responded with, “what do you use to blow your nose?” It’s surprising how many people don’t know what you’re referring to when you say wire nut.
Haha, I love that reference too! What do you use to blow your nose?
Kleenex is the best for wiping your nose! 😂😂
Come on, just go for it. You’re offending.
Just be confident.
Connectors for wagons
Hey , have you ever tried fitting a large wagon into a ceiling box?
Oh man, reg Doyle! This spell check is killing me. What’s a Wago?
Hey, ! 😄
Definitely don’t want a mess of wires like Ravi or spaghetti. Let’s avoid that scenario entirely. Then we’ll be resorting to a ‘hey koolaid’ situation to guide us in connecting one wire to another.
Are you seriously considering calling an electrician? 😂
I’ve been on the lookout for those. Still haven’t come across a jerk yet
Not a fun task to tackle 😂
I find myself saying that a lot when needed, but yeah, pretty much anyone can handle that
I totally get what you mean. It does make you wonder when you see a question like that. I mean, sure, anyone can twist on a wire nut, but it does raise some suspicions…😅
I bet we’ll find out soon enough with his next post haha
Oh no, he’s going to be sharing in a different group… like the time I accidentally set my house on fire 😅
If can’t figure it out, he should consider reading a book or consulting with a professional instead of seeking free advice online for elections.
I’ve also noticed that option missing since I joined this group! 😅😂😅😅
John ene, haha. I didn’t offer or ask for help, but I’m not rude enough to suggest calling an electrician just to put on a wire nut. Like, who would actually come out for that? Time to mature and seek some joy in life.
Wago is different from a wagon
Seriously, return to the training program
It might be best to just bring in a professional electrician.
The best course of action is to contact an electrician. There are too many factors to consider for a proper recommendation. If you’re unsure, it’s best to seek professional help to avoid any risks. Supporting a local electrician helps the community and keeps money circulating locally.
Et in touch with a repairman
Consider using a wire nut
Twist on nut with a locking screw
The size difference in the fixtures themselves doesn’t really matter. Manufacturers only size the wire according to the fixture’s needs. It’s perfectly fine to just twist them together and use a regular wire nut. There shouldn’t be any issues.
Wire connector
Applying PVC glue
Solder the connection and then shrink wrap it
Alternatively, you could opt for a wire nut
Make sure to keep them firmly connected to prevent the smaller wire from getting pulled into the larger one
Are you being serious right now? Whoa. I highly advise against handling that 😂
If not using a butt splice, secure the wires in a junction box or use Wagos
This has to be a joke.
Most electricians opt for a wire nut. Some may suggest soldering. rab a yellow or beige wire nut and you’re good to go.
The twister in grey color should work well
There are wagos with solid wire push-in on one side and lever stranded on the other side
Make sure to use a yellow wire nut and tug on the wires one by one to make sure they are secure. After that, wrap black tape around the connection. And don’t forget to attach a buddy tag to the end of the tape to easily locate it next time you need to identify the wires.
Use a wire nut
🤦♂️
Consider using flex tape for this repair
You should probably call an electrician for help.
Instead of using the Waco connector, I recommend using wire nuts in an approved box.
Ive the wires a twist and secure them with a wire nut
Spin them around.
He shouldn’t be part of this group. This isn’t a free advice column for amateurs. Either read a book or consult a professional
Crimping is usually used for automotive projects because of the vibrations, while wire nuts are more suitable for residential purposes.
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Seriously
This isn’t just an electrical group, it’s a safe space for hoes
Thicker because it’s a dark-colored wire. It’s also likely to be lengthier than the white wire.