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. |
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.
The following may also be helpful for you:
Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
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We are replacing an older range with a “new to us” model. The power cable/cord is too short. Can we swap the power cables between these two ranges? If yes, do you have tips, tricks, directions, or cautions for us? If no, how can we resolve this? Moving the power receptacle is not an option.
Kelly,
If both of the range cords are the same, except the original is longer, then yes you can swap the two cords. Pay close attention to the wiring configurations. There is more help for you at: Wiring a Range Cord
Happy Cooking and send me your Favorite Recipe!
Dave
I need to splice in a wire from a new motion light into the feed wire in my garage.
The feed wire is old and may be cloth, it is coming down one of the rafters and contiuing on back to my workbench. How should I splice in the new wire?
Hi Alan,
The wire splice should be done inside an electrical junction box or enclosure. If the junction box you choose is metal then insulated bushings should be used to protect the wiring as it enters the openings of the box. Be aware that open electrical wiring that is not protected in a garage should be covered with sheet rock and protected, or the wring may be installed into an electrical conduit. Wire connectors must be sized appropriately for the size wire that is used.
Dave
My wife has sewing machine from Europe, it is 220 volt with a round two prong plug. Is there anyway I use this machine?
Keith
Hi Keith,
Because this device has a motor I would suggest locating a specific voltage adapter that can be used for the specs indicated on the sewing machine.
I Hope this helps,
Dave