Knowing how to choose the right one will have you swapping out fixtures like a pro
Wire nut sizes are color coded.
Different wire nuts accommodate different wire gauges.
Wire nuts have a minimum and maximum capacity.
Wire nuts are colorful caps that screw onto the ends of electrical wires. They allow you to connect two or more electrical wires when installing a light fixture or other electrical feature. Wire nuts come in different color-coded sizes to accommodate different gauges of wire. Using a wire nut that’s too big or too small can cause failure, shorts, or disconnection, so it’s important to choose the size carefully. Here’s what you should know about wire nut sizes and how to recognize them.
Wire nuts come in colors like gray, blue, orange, yellow, and red. The different colors correspond to the size or gauge of wire, or AWG, that each can accommodate. Wire gauges increase as the number assigned to it decreases, making 22-gauge wire some of the thinnest and 10-gauge some of the thickest you will find in a typical house. Small gray wire nuts are used to connect two 22-gauge wires, while a larger red wire nut can connect up to four 12-gauge wires.
While most manufacturers use the same color coding, not all do, so you should always check the label to make sure you have the right size wire nut for your project. Reading the package is the simplest way to identify the size of a wire nut.
There are many types of wire nuts, each with a different use case to help make wiring your home more effective.
This common type of wire nut in your home is color-coded to help you determine the sizing you’ll need. It comes in a variety of shapes, such as twist-on, square, or winged. While they provide different grip options, all these types of wire nuts serve the same purpose. Push-in wire nuts are also similar, convenient wire nuts, as there’s no twisting involved, but they aren’t as versatile as other standard wire nuts and aren’t reusable.
A few wire nut types offer certain protections that can help you secure your connection more effectively.
Deep skirt wire nuts have an extended skirt for better coverage and added insulation—especially for exposed wires. Water-proof wire nuts made with a gel or silicone sealant are ideal for outdoors or underground.
If you need a little more grip on your wire nut, then a flexible spring connector may be your best bet. And, for those with an old home with aluminum wires, Aluminum-to-Copper (Al/Cu) wire nuts are specifically made with anti-oxidant compound to protect against corrosion or overheating.
High-temperature wire nuts are made from ceramic or thermoplastic materials, which prevent melting or degrading at high temperatures. They are best used for light fixtures or heaters. For even more protection, ceramic wire nuts can handle even the hottest of heats, but they are much more delicate, so handle with care.
Typical household electrical fixtures often use the same size wiring and, therefore, the same color wire nut. For instance, a light fixture in your home almost always has 12- or 14-gauge wiring. So, to connect two of those wires, you will need an orange wire nut. You should always double-check that your wire gauge estimation is correct to ensure a secure connection.
Wire nuts are fairly simple, as they use friction to grip the wires in place to establish their connection. Here are the steps:
Strip the wires you’re connecting, exposing their bare metal conductors.
Hold the bare conductors together so their ends meet.
Place the wire nut over the bare conductors and twist clockwise.
Once twisted together, give each wire a little tug to ensure it’s secured.
Twisting allows the internal threads to grip onto the cables, pulling them together. Once they’re together, give each wire a little tug to make sure it’s secured in place. During this process, ensure no bare wire is exposed beneath the nut and that the connection is tight.
Pro Tip: Before adding the wire nut, twist the wires together for added security.
Wire nuts hold your electrical connections together and cover any exposed metal. This can encompass a wide variety of use cases, including:
Connecting wires inside outlets, switches, and light fixtures
As a temporary connection during an electrical test or temporary connection
Splicing wires together in a junction box
Wiring low-voltage circuits like doorbells and thermostats
Connecting wires from a new electrical appliance to an existing electrical system
If you’re connecting high-voltage appliances, have a specialized circuit, or need a more permanent solution to a wiring problem, consult an electrician rather than rely on wire nuts.
It’s important to ask an electrician a few questions before you commit to hiring them so you can make an informed decision as a consumer. If you’re getting estimates or considering hiring an electrician, ask them these questions:
Are you a full-time electrician?
Are you bonded, licensed, and insured?
What level of experience do you have as an electrician?
Can you please share three references?
Do you do residential or commercial electrical work?
What kinds of electrical work are you most familiar with?
Will any subcontractors be performing the work?
Are permits and inspections required?
Who is responsible for obtaining permits and inspections?
What is your schedule?
Do you offer a guarantee or warranty on your work?
Will you sign a do-not-exceed clause to keep the job within the budget?
Tipping an electrician is not a requirement nor is it expected, as they build a fair wage into the price of the job. It’s up to your discretion. There are no set rules for tipping electricians, but if they did a great job and you’re so inclined to tip 10% to 15%, it will likely be received with thanks.
Yes, you should get a quote or an estimate from an electrician. Most electricians offer free estimates or quotes. When getting quotes, do your research and verify each electrician’s license. Get quotes from three different electricians to compare. If the prices or items listed appear different on the quotes, ask the electrician to clarify. Learning as much as you can about the electrical work you want done will help you get the most accurate estimate.
Yes, although there are different types of electricians, they must be licensed, certified, and in most cases insured. States have different requirements for electrician licensing and certifications. In some cases, there may be licensing requirements at the local level, but not the state level. It’s always a good practice to confirm requirements with your local municipality. If licensing is not required in your area, you may pay more for a licensed electrician with experience than one who is not licensed or certified, but you’re likely to get a better end result for your project.
As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Certified” badge. Angi Certified businesses meet our standards for certification, which include:
The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check
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Paying to advertise their services
Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi
Qualified, licensed electricians will charge from $50 to $100 per hour. The cost to hire an electrician for emergency visits may range from $100 to $200 per hour because this urgent service usually takes place during off hours and may require an electrician to leave or reschedule jobs they’re currently working on. Scheduling work on holidays or during periods of high customer demand, like after a major storm, will also lead to higher rates or extra fees.
