House Wiring (Romex) Push In Connectors

[MarkF48]

Back years ago when I upgraded some of the wiring in my house I used screw on connectors to join wires in junction boxes. I've got a couple circuits I've got to do some work on and happen to come across 'Push in' connectors that appear would be pretty easy to use. I'm thinking I might buy an assortment of 2,3, and 4 port connectors to give a try.

Any pros or cons I should know about?

Like this......
IDEAL 3-133 Push-In Connector, 3-Port, 12-2 AWG, Orange, Box of 1 by Ideal Industries: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

 

[/pine]

Probably at least as good as novice applied twist/wire nut connections...

 

[Roadworthy]

I won't use them. Ever!! They rely on spring tension to make contact. The contact area is pretty small. I don't know if they are even UL approved. Anyhow, over time the spring tension leaves the metal and you're left with an intermittent connection. That can cause overheating. If you're using them on aluminum wire (found in a few houses built in the seventies) the problem is multiplied as aluminum compresses over time. It becomes a fire hazard. Yes, I actually did work for about forty years in the electrical construction trades.

 

[Citydude]

I used the 4 port connectors wiring my new shop. They are so fast and easy, the twist connectors I had on hand are in the landfill.

The reason I used the 4 ports is because they are easier to handle with my 10 thumb hands.

 

[LouNY]

Probably as good as any house ropers wire nuts.
I'm intrigued by these and have considered getting some to have on hand;
XHF 5 Pcs 222-413 Lever-nuts 3 Conductor Combination Compact Wire Connectors 3 Port Fast Connection Terminal 28-12 AWG Suitable for Multiple Types of Wires - - Amazon.com

 

[/pine]

It's not like they are something new and untested...they have been around for decades in different applications (receptacles, switches, light fixtures)...
...Insurance companies are the first ones to raise red flags and to date I have not heard anything about them like you do with things like Zinsco panels etc...!

 

[RNeumann]

They work fine and are approved and rated. Skip the 2 and 3 hole ones and just get the 4 hole. For just 2 wires the wire nuts are cheaper and nearly as fast.

 

[Agvg]

Would think of using Wago, those are very nice to use.

COMPACT splicing connector (221-413) | WAGO

 

[LittleBill21]

they are not the same as the spring terminals in receptacle, these are apparently significantly better. i will say my utility trailer from 2010 is wired 100% with them, and i have 0 failures.

 

[MossRoad]

Back years ago when I upgraded some of the wiring in my house I used screw on connectors to join wires in junction boxes. I've got a couple circuits I've got to do some work on and happen to come across 'Push in' connectors that appear would be pretty easy to use. I'm thinking I might buy an assortment of 2,3, and 4 port connectors to give a try.

Any pros or cons I should know about?

Like this......
IDEAL 3-133 Push-In Connector, 3-Port, 12-2 AWG, Orange, Box of 1 by Ideal Industries: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

I've used them for over 20 years. My old employer used them. My current employer uses them. About every electrician I know uses them. They're UL approved for copper wire. Not aluminum.

Personally I think they are better than wire nuts. No guessing as to how many wires can fit in a 4 hole connector - 4!

You don't have to carry several sizes like you do with wire nuts. A 4 holer will work with 1, 2, 3 or 4 wires. No guessing if it's gonna be too small or too big.

:thumbsup::thumbsup: