How to Make an Electrical Cable Splice
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How to Splice Electrical Cables: Where the cables enter into the junction box will depend on the cable orientation, however I have found that it is best to enter at the same side in order to line up the conductors evenly for the splice. © By: Dave Rongey |
Tips for Splicing Electrical Cables
Electrical Question: I need to lengthen a section of 6-6-8 XHHW copper wire for a 50 amp electric range in my kitchen which is fed overhead.
- I permanently removed the ceiling above the upper cabinets. To reroute it I drilled a hole in the 2nd story floor joist and also the top plate (using nail plates) of the stud bay where I plan to mount a flush receptacle 4 inches above the floor.
- I plan to use a 4 inch deep metal box for each, the receptacle and an accessible junction box behind the range. I cannot fit any wider boxes in that stud bay.
- My friend recommended I use 6-3 copper leaving the ground wire alone. What’s the best way to splice these in the junction box as they are very stiff.
- The box is nailed to a vertical stud and I bring either one in from any three sides, top, middle, or side.
- Should I bring them in on opposite sides or same side?
- Should I use wire nuts or some other block type gadget? If wire nuts, which size?
- Do I twist #6 before putting nuts on or not?
This electrical wire splice question came from: George, a Homeowner from Forked River, New Jersey.
Additional Comments: Great site! I picked up some great tips so far. Thanks!
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wire splice question George.
George, here are some tips for making this splice.
How to Splice Electrical Cables
Application: How to Splice Electrical Wires.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience and ability to work with electrical tools and access to the wiring.
Precaution: Identify at the panel the circuit to be spliced, turn it OFF and then Tag it with a Note before performing any wiring.
Notice: Installing or modifying electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and inspected.
Special Materials: Properly sized wire connectors, anti-corrosion inhibitor ointment, electrical tape, junction box and blank cover.
- Install the selected junction box in an accessible location.
- Due to the size of the cables the splice box may have extensions added if you are installing 4 square or 5 square or 4 – 11/16 inch metal boxes.
- Where the cables enter into the junction box will depend on the cable orientation, however I have found that it is best to enter at the same side in order to line up the conductors evenly for the splice.
- Two #6 wires can be spliced using a large blue wire nut. Each wire should be about 6 inches long.
- Splice the ground wires together and cap off the unused neutral wire.
- Use antioxidant wire ointment suitable for AL/CU wires on the splices. A slight twist is helpful to match up the wires, and trim off the splice ends evenly before applying the wire nut or wire connector.
- Be sure to pigtail the ground wire in order to bond the ground to the metal junction box using a green ground screw.
See More about Home Electrical Wiring
How to Splice Wires
Electrical Junction Box Splice
Electrical junction box splices can be made safely when you understand the method. This example will show you how its done step by step and shows how to make a junction box splice and the related electrical codes.
Electrical Wires
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
Wire a Range
Wiring a Kitchen Range Power Cord
Fully Described Electric Range Installation with a typical 220 Volt electric power cord wiring system.
You may find yourself with either a 3-wire or 4-wire electric range. Lets look at how the electric range is wired and what to do if your cord does not match the plug.
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
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