The connection of the 6 gauge wire in the junction box requires some detailed steps. And not doing it the best way would be a big problem. As with all electrical connections, you must know how to connect wires that go with each other in a junction box so as to avoid any fire or electrocution hazard. You’ll understand step-by-step instructions on how to connect 6 gauge wire in junction box in this write-up. In addition, we’ll discuss related electrical matters and expert tips on the topic. Before the article is summarized, we’ll also answer some frequently asked questions so that you can have complete information and know-how about the topic. Let us get down to business. Shall we?
How to connect 6 gauge wire in junction box
Knowing how to connect 6 gauge wire in junction box is critical for a homeowner who loves doing repairs. That is why it’s a joy to always ensure that you get detailed step-by-step instructions on any given topic relating to electricity. As experts, we know the effects of not getting it right and the resulting implications. Therefore, we’ve come up with these step-by-step instructions on how to connect 6 gauge wire in junction box.
Kindly note that you can only connect the same type of wires to each other. If you connect wires that do not match, you may cause a power trip-off or sparks. Romex wire is reputed to be the ideal wire in connection of electricity in junction box as stated by several electricians. Therefore, always ensure that you go for quality and well-known products that are durable.
Connecting a 6 gauge wire is not a process that can be done off-mindedly or with distraction. Thus, you are advised to gather up all the tools you’ll be needing for the connection before you get started.
Step 1: Choose the perfect junction box
You must choose the right junction box to connect the 6 gauge wire. There are various sizes of the junction box, the 2 x 4 x 1 ½ inch are only able to splice 2 wires noted The Spruce. While a 4 x 4 x 2 1/8 junction box can contain more than 4 to 6 cable wires. It is best to go for the largest junction box for your 6 gauge wire connection. If your installation would be outdoors, you should get a waterproof junction box to prevent rain or other moisture from getting into the junction box. There is a junction box for the 6-gauge wire you can buy on the market.
Step 2: Prepare your junction box
You must prepare your junction box before connecting your 6 gauge wire. With a plier, you will need to create a container of sparks in your junction box by removing two of its knockouts. This is important so that when there is any spark or fire hazard in the junction box, it does not escape to the open.
Step 3: Install the junction box
After you have prepared the junction box. You need to mount the box on the wall.
Step 4: Secure the connector to your junction box
The connector should be attached to the junction box to help secure the 6-gauge wires when you finally connect it to the junction box.
Step 5: Connect your 6-gauge wire
Once the knockout thread is in place, connect your 6-gauge wire to any other wire you are joining in the junction box.
Step 6: Tighten the screws
In this step, you will need to tighten the screws that will hold your 6-gauge wire inside the junction box. There are specific screws designed for this purpose. Thus, you must use those screws if you want the 6-gauge wire to be held tightly in place.
Step 7: Wrap the wire with a cap or nut
After you must have pressed the connecting 3 6-gauge wires together, use a cap or nut to protect the naked wire from exposure. Secure the wire back into the junction box. Cover the junction box and screw the covering in place recommended Home Guides Info.
How to splice big 8-6 AWG wire
Splicing big 8-6 AWG wires together is quite tricky, but it is something that you can do yourself without the need to call in an electrician. For the splicing, you will need,
- Pliers
- Black wire tape
- Wire strippers
- Wire nut
Step 1
Cut out the cables to peel the 8-6 AWG wire naked to about 2 inches in length. Once this is done, the coppers should be visible at this point.
Step 2
Align the two big 8-6 AWG wires – 6 AWG splice connectors – together and ensure they are on the same wavelength. None of the wires should be longer or shorter than the other.
Step 3
Tightly hold the two wires together and tape the edges where the cut peels start. This is to ensure that the wires do not start dancing and loosening when the splice starts.
Step 4
Now that the two wires are together, use the pliers to start to braid the two wires in a light-pressure manner together. Remember, you are not looking to twist out the wires, but to braid them together. You should painstakingly braid from the inner to the outer until they look as though they were a single wire from the start.
Step 5
Once you notice that the wires are braided tightly together in an even manner to connect 6 gauge wire to a breaker, cut the edges with your pliers.
Step 6
Use a wire stripper to further trim the wires into a fine, and blended end.
Step 7
Finish the splice off with a right-size wire nut on the 8-6 AWG.
Tips
- Switch off the circuit breaker before you connect 6-gauge wire connectors
- Wear protective gloves and rubber shoes
- Follow the step-by-step guide for a seamless process
- Be careful when you are working with electrical wires
- Call the expert when you cannot do the connection yourself
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you connect a 6-gauge wire to a 12-gauge wire?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to connect a 6-gauge wire to a 12-gauge wire. However, you have to ensure that the 2 wires are cut to the size that will fit each other. This is the only way they can go into the circuit breaker.
What size wire nut for 2 6-gauge wire?
Wire nuts are color coded to sizes. Therefore, to determine the right size for your 2–6-gauge wire, you have to go for the right color code size. For 2 6-gauge wire connectors, the recommended size is the blue wire nuts. Other color codes for your knowledge are the white, yellow, and red nuts. But these are for different sizes.
How do you splice a thick wire?
You can use a wire stripper or a knife to splice a thick wire. But you have to do it step by step because it can really get tedious, but it is something that can be done.
What will cut through thick wire?
There are various tools that you can use to cut through thick wires. But the reputed tool often used by electricians for this purpose is the cutting pliers. This plier can cut through nails, screws, and very thick wires.
How to connect 6 gauge wire to 8 gauge wire?
To connect 6 gauge wire to 8 gauge wire, you need to first tape the wires separately. Then use a wire splicer to peel off up to 2 inches from the wire until the copper is visible. Ensure you do this with extreme care so as to prevent cutting through the coppers. Afterward, put the stripped 6 gauge wire and 8 gauge wire side by size and twist them together. Then using a plier, smoothen out the twist until the wires look as though they were never spliced. Trim off the edges to give the wires a clean look, and use the blue wire nut to finish the connection.
Conclusion
This article discussed how to connect 6 gauge wire in a junction box in a step-by-step easy-to-follow guide. The information needed to get the process completed in a seamless manner was also carefully analyzed. to the junction box before making your purchase. Note that choosing the right wire for the connection is as important as the process of getting it all set up. Therefore, you should check properly for the wires that can fit into the junction box.
Then the write-up delved into the step-by-step guide on how to splice big 6-8 AWG wire. Furthermore, tips for successfully getting through the procedures in the right way, and without getting hurt, were given. You are enjoined to follow through with this process in order to ensure that your wires are properly connected and that you do not encounter any electrical hazard when you action the guides.
References
- https://homeguideinfo.com/splice-6-gauge-wires/
- https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-install-junction-boxes-1152327
- https://www.practicalmachinist.com/forum/threads/best-way-to-connect-6-guage-wire-in-junction-box.298699/
- https://www.finehomebuilding.com/forum/joining-6-gauge-wire
- https://www.house-improvements.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10374
