Crimping ground wires in an outlet box

Dorothy

Dorothy

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I just passed my rough-electrical inspection on the house I'm building but the inspector made me promise to crimp together the ground wires in each electrical outlet box (where there are 2 or more ground wires). It was the only thing I didn't know I was supposed to do before he came out. I bought the crimper tool and the little barrel crimpers, but would like to see or have described EXACTLY how it's done, ie, how long should the wires be in front of the crimp and how much wire behind the crimp in the back of the box. I know I have to leave ONE wire LONG to fasten to the ground screw. Do I twist the bundle of wires tightly, or NOT twist them before I crimp them? Is there a video of this procedure anywhere? I want to do a perfect job. Thanks, Dorothy
 
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Twist your groundg together for approx 3" (best to go past face of box), slide crimp on , crimp , leave about 3" out of crimp to attach to your devices.
 
I use a green grounding cap with a hole for the long wire
I then just twist them together, no crimping

l_SCW_023_04.jpg
 
Either method above is acceptable. I prefere crimps. Takes up less space and you can see the actual connection point.
 
I like to twist the grounds together and cap the group with a merit. I have never heard of an inspector around here asking for a crimped connection.

We twist all the grounds together with an extra 8" piece and twist the lot nice and tight. Cut a clean end and cap. These ground wires are pushed back into the box nice and tight and don't take up much room.

If we have many wires coming in and the box looks tight we would add a 4"x4" box with a single gang mud ring so we have more room.

I'm not an electrician and your codes may differ from mine. Your local inspector will have a preference for which way he/she wants it done and experience has taught me to conform to their tastes as it makes life so much easier. Inspectors have access to more information and have seen huge mistakes and fine tune there requirements based on the latest and most current standards.
 
A merit?

johnfrwhipple said:
I like to twist the grounds together and cap the group with a merit. I have never heard of an inspector around here asking for a crimped connection.

We twist all the grounds together with an extra 8" piece and twist the lot nice and tight. Cut a clean end and cap. These ground wires are pushed back into the box nice and tight and don't take up much room.

If we have many wires coming in and the box looks tight we would add a 4"x4" box with a single gang mud ring so we have more room.

I'm not an electrician and your codes may differ from mine. Your local inspector will have a preference for which way he/she wants it done and experience has taught me to conform to their tastes as it makes life so much easier. Inspectors have access to more information and have seen huge mistakes and fine tune there requirements based on the latest and most current standards.
Click to expand...

Pls. forgive my ignorance, but what's a merit? (The plot thickens. )I DO appreciate your detailed answer to my previous question.
Thanks, Dorothy
 
Help! Help!

Scuba_Dave said:
I use a green grounding cap with a hole for the long wire
I then just twist them together, no crimping

l_SCW_023_04.jpg
Click to expand...

Just kidding. Thanks for your answer though. I bought some caps and will give that a try. It sounds better than twisting and crimping and cutting--something I can't UN-do if it's off a little. If you wanna see why I said HELP in jest, but it WOULD be nice to have some help, click on www.dorothyainsworth.com. It has been a 30-year project!
Dorothy
 
Makes sense.

jar546 said:
Either method above is acceptable. I prefere crimps. Takes up less space and you can see the actual connection point.
Click to expand...

It does sound like simplicity wins again. Space IS a problem in standard sized boxes. I used some deep boxes and some double boxes with single faceplate to accommodate more wires. I may use crimps in some and caps on others, depending on space. Thanks for your answer!
Dorothy
 
Thanks!

Speedy Petey said:
I like crimps as well since you can leave out as many tails as there are devices.
Click to expand...

"Licensed electrical contractor" caught my eye. Thanks for your input; it means a lot coming from a professional. It's a miracle I passed my rough-electrical inspection, and will be another if I pass the final! Haha. I just keep on keepin' on. Thanks again, Dorothy www.dorothyainsworth.com.
 
The "merit" that was mentioned is what Canadiens call a wirenut. I normally see it called a Marette, which might be a brand name.
 
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