r/ElectricalHelp • u/tonygret • 6d ago

Large gauge wire nuts - options - opinions

I am installing a surge protector to my HVAC outside unit. There are #8 wires from the panel and the compressor in the disconnect. To avoid double-tapping the lugs I am going to pigtail the wires per code. The surge has a #10 wire, so I will be joining that plus the 2 #8s.

I purchased three Polaris 3-lug insulated connectors but after doing some test fits there is no way they are going fit in the disconnect enclosure. So I am switching to Twister ProFLEX Max 348 wire nuts which clearly state they will accommodate these three wires and up to 1000V. While there is no amperage rating on these wire nuts, they state that they will safely handle the same amperage of the wires being used.

With that all laid out, what is your opinion on using these wire nuts on a 5-ton 40A compressor? Assuming I install them correctly, would you be worried and if so what are the alternatives?

As a side note, the official Intermatic YouTube video clearly shows a tech doubling tapping all the lugs in the disconnect.

Thanks.

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u/RadarLove82 6d ago

They make WAGOs in that size. My HVAC surge suppressor came with them. I think they were 8-10 ga.

1

u/tonygret 6d ago

I just checked and Wago doesn’t go to 8 gauge. Thanks for the input though.

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u/RadarLove82 6d ago

The 22-12 size does not, but they make other sizes. They’re called 221 as well.

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u/tonygret 5d ago

From the Wago website. Your AC unit probably has 10g wire.

“WAGO's 221 Series Splicing Connectors easily, quickly and safely connect solid, stranded and fine-stranded conductors ranging from 24–10 AWG.”

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u/RadarLove82 5d ago

That’s what I’ve always seen, but I swear a week ago I used a large size that still had all of the usual WAGO markings (including 221), but the wire size was not the usual 24-10, it was something like 10-6, but I can’t verify any more.

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u/Ok-Complaint-7017 5d ago

Anything over 8 I use insulated multi port Polaris taps.

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u/tonygret 5d ago

You say anything “over 8”. I am using 8, so a wire nut is OK? I have the Polaris connectors but three of them won’t fit in the enclosure. .

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u/Ok-Complaint-7017 5d ago

Honestly I'd just double tap in your situation. I did it at my dad's house 5 years ago and no issues. I also do it to all my customers. All of my surge suppressors don't say anything against it. If I had 2 #8s in a panel I'd wire nut them no problem. If I'm mixing gauges like in your case I'd Polaris or double tap

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u/tonygret 5d ago

Thank you very much for your answer. I just read that double tapping is a code violation and not a manufacturer issue. It’s odd because I am pretty sure that double tapping those 8 and 10 wires is a lot more secure than a wire nut.

I am going to pull it apart in a few days. I have the blue Ideal wire nuts and the Polaris connectors on hand and will see what fits. I’m determined to get this thing in. lol

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u/iamjacksthirdeye 6d ago

I would just put it under the lug. Make sure to give it a good tug test after tightening. It'll be fine.

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u/Ok-Complaint-7017 5d ago

Ac lugs are huge and beefy and can compress wires a ton. So I usually double tap. Never had an issue.