
Twist-on connectors typically consist of a sharp-edged, conical metal spring set into a molded cap of insulating material. However, they’re now widely distrusted in many places internationally, due to issues with early porcelain versions outside North America cracking and failing, resulting in short circuits and fires. They have become near ubiquitous, particularly in Canada and the United States. Twist-on connectors have a long history of use in North America and parts of Europe going back to their invention in the early 20th century. Marr, is widely used in Canada as a genericized trademark to refer to twist-on connectors from any manufacturer. Marrette, a brand of connector named for their inventor William P. Twist-on connectors go by many different names: wire nuts, cone connectors, and thimble connectors. Twist-On Connectors (Wire Nuts): Good History: Rather watch than read? Check out this 14 minute video.ĭISCLAIMER: This blog contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. WAGO 221 Lever-Nuts (assortment pack, 2-wire only also available).Ideal Push-In Connectors (assortment pack).Wire Connectors Examined and Compared in this Article: That way, you can make your own decisions about what’s best for you. We’ll rank them from “Good” to “Best” with a brief history + pros and cons. In this blog, we’ll review three of the most common wire connector designs. With so many types and varieties, how do you know which one is best for you? Fortunately, today there are various reliable and easy-to-use wire connectors available for both professionals and DIYers.


This was a time-consuming, labor-intensive, and often dangerous process that involved dipping connections into a vessel of molten solder. And electricians followed up to strip, clean, twist, solder, and wrap the connections. Mechanical workers installed the physical wires. In the early days of residential and commercial electrical service, the most common method of installing and joining wires involved many different skills and trades.
