Stranded wire

[CCopper]

Hi all. I am installing a new, garage-dedicated 20 amp circuit with a total of 6 20 amp outlets. I have placed the boxes and will be pulling the wire through 1/2" conduit.

My uncertainty is this: I have experience only using 12-2 solid wire but a friend stopped by the other day and literally gave me three spools (red, white and green coated) of 12g stranded wire. Now I was preparing to buy the individual spools of the solid stuff to pull through the conduit because I have experience making the panel box, switch and outlet connections using only solid wire.

The cost savings are obvious if I go with the stranded (free!) but saving $$ is not my main goal...doing the job correctly is. So can I get some guidance on how to make proper connections with stranded wire? What are the main differences and concerns that I need to be aware of in wiring outlets, the panel breaker as well as wire-to-wire?

Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[pattenp]

Just use quality outlets/devices with compression connections.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Is this garage detached?

As pattenp said, u want the better quality outlets with the pressure plates. These outlets cost a few bucks each and are called spec grade.

 

[justsam]

Just what kind of wire was given to you? Is it electrical wire marked THHN or THWN?

If it is for example automotive primary wire you may NOT use it.

 

[Mustang51js]

There's multiple ways to connect the outlets. You can get the outlets like stated above,wrap the wires around the screws,or wire nut a tail of solid from each outlet.

 

[theoldwizard1]

There's multiple ways to connect the outlets. You can get the outlets like stated above,wrap the wires around the screws,or wire nut a tail of solid from each outlet.

Listen to pattenp and wyliesdiesels. The kind with "compression plates" are MUCH better especially for stranded wire !

If you have multiple wire coming into an outlet box, it is sometimes easier to join them with a wire nut adding a 6" pig tail going to the actual receptacle. You can fold the big bunch into the back of the box and then easily fold in the outlet.

 

[damienga15de]

Bootlace ferrule for every stranded wire connection.

 

[DNK]

Stranded is easier

 

[plow]

You owe your friend dinner.

 

[rlitman]

Stranded is easier

Yep, it pulls much better.

You owe your friend dinner.

Agreed.

+1 to the compression plates. Spec grade may not be necessary, but you'll want outlets that have rear wire clamping (NOT push-in rear wiring, which isn't an option for 12 gauge anyway). They're better with stranded. Stranded ***** at being wrapped under the screw (where solid is just fine).

If you happen to be using GFI outlets, they almost all come with screw down back wire clamps anyway.

 

[Norcal]

Even if 12 AWG was a option for a back wired receptacle, the push and pray terminals are solid wire only.

 

[CCopper]

Just what kind of wire was given to you? Is it electrical wire marked THHN or THWN?

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=472091&stc=1&d=1440504856

This is what I have. THHN, 500 ft ea...green, white and red.

If I end up using all 500' of each, I'm gonna venture I've probably done something wrong!

Thanks everyone. I think I've got what I need. I installed a Square D GFCI breaker...I know - cheaper to go with 1 GFCI outlet, etc. But I like it this way.

Also, the 20 amp outlets in the metal 4 sq boxes seem to have such a more solid feel plugging in and removing plug.

 

[CCopper]

Listen to pattenp and wyliesdiesels. The kind with "compression plates" are MUCH better especially for stranded wire !

If you have multiple wire coming into an outlet box, it is sometimes easier to join them with a wire nut adding a 6" pig tail going to the actual receptacle. You can fold the big bunch into the back of the box and then easily fold in the outlet.

Thank you. Is it a no-no to use solid core as pigtail from stranded to metal box ground screw?

 

[CCopper]

Listen to pattenp and wyliesdiesels. The kind with "compression plates" are MUCH better especially for stranded wire !

If you have multiple wire coming into an outlet box, it is sometimes easier to join them with a wire nut adding a 6" pig tail going to the actual receptacle. You can fold the big bunch into the back of the box and then easily fold in the outlet.

Yes, it will be 1/2" conduit to 4"metal box...one outlet. So 3 stranded coming in and leaving. Pig-tailing stranded grounds to green ground screw and to outlet.

 

[Aceman]

Thank you. Is it a no-no to use solid core as pigtail from stranded to metal box ground screw?

It's ok to pigtail solid to stranded.

 

[CCopper]

It's ok to pigtail solid to stranded.

Thank you sir. I am, as they say, now good to go!

 

[CCopper]

Is this garage detached?

As pattenp said, u want the better quality outlets with the pressure plates. These outlets cost a few bucks each and are called spec grade.

No, it is not a detached garage. I bought Leviton 20 amp outlets that are spec grade. So twist the stranded 12 ga THHN first and then run it under the plate and tighten?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

No, it is not a detached garage. I bought Leviton 20 amp outlets that are spec grade. So twist the stranded 12 ga THHN first and then run it under the plate and tighten?

Yup, though the wire should already be twisted enough after stripping the insulation.

 

[CCopper]

Stranded is easier

Sorry I just saw this. You're right - when I saw the price of this wire...I owe him a few dinners!