Tip of The Week

March 17, 2007

This week’s tip comes from our “Don’t be shocked by shorts” file.

It is not uncommon, when doing remodeling or when changing out a switch for one to encounter wires in an electrical box that are too short to work with. Instead of running the risk of loose or improper connections take advantage of easy to install “push in” wire connectors.  These devices work on the same principle as the push in connections on the back of switches and duplex receptacles.  You can get them in varieties that will accommodate multiple wires if needed.

Using them is simple.  Cut a new piece of wire that is 5 or 6 inches long.  Add it to the short wire by inserting the short wire into a push in wire connector and then inserting the new 5 to 6 inch wire extension into the other opening on the push in connector.  Now you have wires long enough to make the proper connections.

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