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Spade connectors from Romex to outlet?


Has anyone used spade connectors on the end of their Romex to connect the Romex to the screw down terminal of the outlet? I am switching from 12 gauge to 10 gauge and am having a hard time getting the bigger 10 gauge under the screw. I finally got the wires in there but in this process I started to think - why not use spade connectors on the end of the Romex. Seems like it would be a much better connection. Has any one done this? Which spades did you use? I'm more partial to the spades with screw down (mechanical) connector for the wire. As apposed to the crimp style.

Any input from folks that have been down this road would be appreciate
128x128keithmundy
hifiharv
351 posts
 
Remember that the wire is solid, not stranded. Spades rely on the compression of the stranded wire to crimp or screw down. Connection may loosen over time with solid wire. It would be a shame to burn down the house because of your stupid Stereo. (your wife talking)
rodman99999
6,170 posts
 
Then again: There's nothing stopping you from soldering that spade to that solid wire. Personally, if it were me doing it: the termination would be crimped and soldered.
keithmundy's avatar
keithmundy OP
106 posts
 
That's true, the screw down would work better on the stranded wire I suppose. Well, maybe then the crimp and soldering is the way to go. What kind of solder would use suggest I use Rodman?

Thanks to both of you for your comments.
Post removed 
dill
2,542 posts
 
Do not use spades on an A/C outlet, they are not designed for A/C. Spades will stick out too far and might not fit back in the box without breaking. Bob_reynolds is correct about finding better outlets that have flanges that crimp down on the bare wire. Get a hospital grade duplex receptacle like a Hubbell 8200-I, it works fine with 10 ga. Romex.
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