Basic electrical code/practice question

[hunttuxcat]

Very basic question, looking for some input.
obviously best practice is to wrap a wire clockwise so when you tighten the screw it tightens the connections.

however, if there are a couple instances where the wrap is counter clockwise, is that an Esa fail? Even if the connection is secure?

trying to understand if some of the defects I've seen are code violations or just examples of poor practice that are inadvisable but not violations.

 

[mike93lx]

Code questions without a location are not useful.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

no code requirement specifically for that but it could fall under the good workmanship code as thats a poor practice to wrap wire wrong direction

 

[sparky 1971]

Not a fail, but it's stupid. Not as stupid as backstabbing, but stupid none the less.

 

[Zeke]

I find that with solid wire #10 it makes no difference if your brain farts and you do this. # 12 almost. 14 might spread open most of the time. However, I do a lot of bench electrical repairs with stranded. I learned to twist the strands counter clockwise then loop them clockwise around the screw. Helps to hold the end with needle nose if you have the dexterity and room.

Bicycle cables have these little sleeves at the ends to keep from fraying. Someone ought to make mini crimps for stranded. 1/8th inch.

Nothing like having a wild wire (wild hair) able to touch something it shouldn't when you power up. When you take things apart you see everything from neater than you can do to the worst bird's nest possible. That's what's fun about electrical work. So many ways to do the same thing.

 

[SlappyWhite]

Code questions without a location are not useful.

My guess is Ontario (ESA) but OP should confirm... Not sure if other jurisdictions use the same acronym.

If nothing else it will potentially make a bad connection. It is taught that way even if it is or is not code.

And +1 on ain't nobody got time for backstabbing....

 

[RPH]

I find that with solid wire #10 it makes no difference if your brain farts and you do this. # 12 almost. 14 might spread open most of the time. However, I do a lot of bench electrical repairs with stranded. I learned to twist the strands counter clockwise then loop them clockwise around the screw. Helps to hold the end with needle nose if you have the dexterity and room.

Bicycle cables have these little sleeves at the ends to keep from fraying. Someone ought to make mini crimps for stranded. 1/8th inch.

Nothing like having a wild wire (wild hair) able to touch something it shouldn't when you power up. When you take things apart you see everything from neater than you can do to the worst bird's nest possible. That's what's fun about electrical work. So many ways to do the same thing.

Like these?

 

[Mzungu]

It used to be in the Canadian code, but regardless it's also a matter of good workmanship. As for backstabbing don't even get me started.

 

[AntonLargiader]

Like these?

Are they allowed? I have them for 5V and 12V stuff, but I practically never use stranded wire in 120V. I first saw them use in control panels. They are great.

 

[RPH]

We used them in the control panels depending on what standards the customer required. Low voltage to high voltage, 24 vdc to 480 vac.

 

[mrpizza]

It used to be in the Canadian code, but regardless it's also a matter of good workmanship. As for backstabbing don't even get me started.

What about the outlets you can wire straight from the back but have to tighten the screw plate down on?

 

[sparky 1971]

What about the outlets you can wire straight from the back but have to tighten the screw plate down on?

That isn't backstabbing, it's back wiring. It may seem the same but they are different. Backstabbing is relying on a phony little spring terminal holding the conductor in place and making contact.