Protecting NM Cables, Electrician Wiring Mistakes: Electrician Training for Secure Installations
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ต.ค. 2024
- --ABR Electric in McKinney TX
In this video, we dive into a common issue I’ve been seeing on jobs-installing non-metallic sheath cable (NM) without using proper connectors. It's a simple fix, but it's often overlooked, leading to dangerous situations where cables are exposed to metal edges, risking damage and creating fire hazards. I'll show you how to properly secure your cables using two-screw clamp connectors, Pinchy connectors, and explain why even a grommet is better than nothing.
214-690-1941
abrelectric.com
ABR Electric in McKinney TX has been providing to notch electrical repair services and superior workmanship, all at fair and affordable prices in the Collin County area. Whether your residential property is in need of a Single pole 20 amp breaker Installs or a residential or commercial Pool Electrician in Collin County TX. Call our staff today 214-690-1941
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Remember, protect and secure-don’t let this simple mistake slide!
ABR Electric
University Drive Mckinney TX
I live just south of Fort Worth in a new housing community and was cleaning the ac coils on the ac condenser after living in the house for a year and a half. Well I had to pull the panel that hides all the wiring on said condenser and NON of the sharp metal where the wires run through had a connector. I was not happy. Brand new ac brand new home. Now I wonder how many other houses in this community are like mine. Where can I find those connectors and how do I know what size to get. I measured the hole and came up with 1 1/4 inch so I assume I need to get a 1 1/4. Unfortunately I only had time to slip some duck tape in the hole to band aid the situation but its all I had.
Thank you for this video very helpful!
There you go!
Two screw is the way I typically go. Just had an experience with a two screw 6/3 for a 14-50R Hubbell NEMA.
I tightened the two screw 3/4 but the dimple for the strain relief penetrated the red wire while working the cable in the panel. 6/3 is not easy to work with as those who have done so know.
The sheathing on NM-B 6/3 is not substantial enough and there is a nice burn mark on my 200 amp panel to prove it. Although the 50 amp breaker did its job. For those that have experience this moment know what I’m talking about.
It will put the fear of god in you.
I will be going plastic grommet with the strain relief and staples to a mounting board.
I should be wearing one of those stickers on my shirt or find a vintage tee with that image.
Wow! I've been wiring stuff since I was 14 and I have never seen where romex connectors were not used. That's crazy!
Just had a 4 point inspection and this was one of the issues. What do you suggest using on an existing box. I’d add a picture but not an option.
This is one of the reasons why I, as a home owner, hate doing simple electrical work on my house. Replace an outlet. Metal box with nothing protecting the wires! So, now I have to fix that. It's my house I don't want it to burn down.
You're living the dream :)
First home and the first thing we did was replace a bathroom light fixture. It was connected with speaker wire…
@@blandflatland8915 you're doing right, making it right
In Australia, we have to rely on electricians to do everything...needless to say they still don't always get it right but hey...still required.
@@zappy7393 sounds about right
“Don’t kill kids…use connectors”. Love it!
Thanks for sharing.
on the lip of the he black plastic connectors that you recommended, it says to put the lip side on the inside of the metal box. My understanding is that they are designed to provide strain relief from pulling from inside of the box, not from outside.
I agree 👍
I use two screw connectors exclusively! I don't Like the "pinchies! They allow the wire to be pulled into the box or panel and are difficult to take out if the need arises. Two screw connectors hold the wire firmly in place and the wires won't move in either direction. Plus, if you need to add or remove a wire is a lot easier to do.
oh wow, I just did a 200-amp upgrade and my electrician, did that to ever romex and did not hook up the water or ground rod grounds either. I ended up taking the time and doing it myself. now I need to fix the meter box, he put a squeeze connector in the top feeding the SEC and the light co went crazy, i need to change to a waterproof. Very sad these days you pay good money and get crap work,
Always a good reason to get it inspected and add accountability
That dude wasn’t an electrician. What was my first clue ?
Great video! this really answers my question however what type of connector do you use if you don’t have access to the outside of the panel?
Was wondering if you could do a video on various wire staples , their lengths etc.
OK, can I use the plastic black pinches as you call them versus the metal threaded Romax connectors on the connection box on the front of a dishwasher ? Thank you very much.
Yes, you can.
If you got existing wire installed,how about a two piece topic connectors?
They make snap in connectors, that can be snapped in from inside the panel out. Pretty sharp. Worst case you could take a grommet, cut it, slide it around the cable, push it in. Taking it apart, cutting drywall to add the 2 piece, best of all.
I’ve used the 2 piece with little wings on the back that hold them in place. The plastic inside-out snap ins are nice, but unfortunately they don’t make them for the larger knockouts.
I have seen it in old sheds and barns and sometimes on a wire or two in residential. I would never do this
I have used two screw connectors on every can light I ever installed
You are a rock star!
Right on! Not using a connector is due to myriad reasons, IMO, e.g. not knowing any better, being in over one's head, being cheap, being lazy, disregarding instructions, poor instructions, blatant disregard, etc. Any nicked or loose connection can spark/heat-up and while it's one thing to see it at an individual outlet or j-box, WTF with that panel or sub-panel??? OMG, that is criminal. I'm an avid DIYer and to me that looks like the work of a homeowner or renter or squatter who didn't want to get an electrician or inspected.
Metal 2 screw connectors are what should be used! The rest if the plastic type ate junk! Not using connectors are like running plumbing without couplings!
This is what happens when someone says “I’ve got a friend who can do it lots cheaper!” Hire a professional!!!! Get it inspected!!!
Yep!
I’ve been in the business for many many years. Romax is just too damn flimsy and thin these days. Corner of the days where the jacket had water in between it and the conductors. The conductors also had much thicker - I’ll be at lower temperature - insulation covering them. Those two additional Romax connectors with a clamp With that little gripper protrusion on said clamp a prescription for an eventual Lambo if you attempt to tighten the connector enough to keep the cable from coming out whatever it’s connected to. These days I prefer those black pop in ones that are known as “hit - lock connectors“ . In summary, new Romax is dangerous with those old style clamps unless you’re going to just leave them loose “just for looks”.
The lightbulb cartoon character is known as Reddy kilowatt. It was originally a mascot of Alabama Power in the 20’s. It’s use spread to other US utilities and in other countries. If you find any memorabilia such as old lamps of Reddy kilowatt, they are highly collectible.
Have installed thousands of NM two screw connectors and last time I shorted out a cable was over 60 years ago while in grade school helping my sparky dad on a job. Just have to know just needs a firm tension but never took tight. By the way when I went to continuing education classes to renew my electrical license one of the instructors always said that there is no such thing called Romex or BX in any NEC books.
Are waterproof connectors available for ROMEX? Thank you.
Nope
Thank you. But here is why I asked…..
If have to install an equipment disconnect for my new mini-split. My home has vinyl siding over sheathing and the box will mount to it. Can I use a regular Romex connector on the back of the box or is that not code compliant? I will make sure the box and hole in the sheathing is sealed using duct seal. Hope you can help.
Hi Iam trying to install a Nema 14-50 in my garage with 6/3.but Iam facing a roadblock here not sure what to do. I have my panel outside of the garage, and I just want to install the outlet on opposite side of the wall( inside the garage). When I try to drill a hole through from the panel side where I have the knockout removed, I find out there is a 2inch of wood behind the panel. This case I really can’t use the integral metal clamp because there is a 2 inch of wood.. any recommendation for clamping the wire without violating the code
No, not without seeing it. You may need to enlist the help of a local electrician.
Would this include wiring up and electrical outlet ?
Off subject but can zip ties be used to secure romex and if so in what fashion. I know nec 2017 shows the following text : cable ties listed and identified for securement and support.
Listed and identified, in the installation standards of article 334
Great vid, personally I hate the "pinchys". nothing worse than taking a cover off to begin changing a panel and seeing 20 of them with 2-3 cables jammed in and spending an hour tearing them out
I personally miss the 2" PVC connector with every branch circuit jammed thru it in the top, with all the grounds twisted together in one bundle :)
Lol I put that sticker on my electric panel.
I love it. Super retro-dark. Put it on one of our new commercial panels. Makes me happy
I don't get why you have metal boxes for your electrical stuff in the US anyway
To connect to metal pipe, to protect conductors from physical damage. What kind do you use?
In residential, plastic boxes are the default from what I've seen. Metal boxes are used in custom homes but only if the customer requests it.
Rubber grommets and or brass Bush and locknut are other ways
As long as it's listed for that purpose
It’s a black wire thingy
Yep
Don't know of any electricians or helpers that are that stupid. It must be a handyman or laborer doing it.
I have seen so many people do it wrong. A lot of DIY people trying to burn down their houses.
A lot of so called pro’s also.
What Romex connector to use in Plastic Junction Box, like old work, if u want to use the KO.
If an old work box, it should have clamps or clips built into it to hold the romex
@@abrelectric for 8/2?
@@Genesislights If you're putting a range plug in there, you need to look at your fill volume. Yes, you should be able to get an 8/2 thru the clamp on a 2 gang old work boxI. Or, I've drilled out a 1/2" hole and use a regular 2 screw romex connector
@@abrelectric 8/2 for 220V 40A welder circuit. I was thinking of the Arlington or Southwire old box style with screws that fastened to the stud, seems like this new old box is stronger than regular blue box. Thanks
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I'm not a professional but I follow the same guidelines . It's intolerable to see such trash ...
Definitely adds a layer of concern lol
intro music loud vocal track quiet, mind the levels in future videos