Replies

1. 
   MSA1 | Mar 25, 2008 01:59am | #1

   My sparky gets ground lugs (from panels) and breaks them into sets of two holes. This allows him to screw the connection together (kinda like binding posts). He then just wraps them.

   
   

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   Edited 3/24/2008 7:00 pm ET by MSA1

2. 
   allaround | Mar 25, 2008 02:15am | #2

   How about using a split bolt connector...

   http://tinyurl.com/32pjty

   http://www.cornerhardware.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6739_6770_7074

3. 
   maddog3 | Mar 25, 2008 05:24am | #3

   what size junction box

   .

   .

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   . . . . . . . .

1. 
   JDLee | Mar 25, 2008 06:40am | #4

   For what I'm considering, I could use just about any size of junction box.  But I'd like to know what works the best even in a smaller box.

4. 
   plumbbill | Mar 25, 2008 06:56am | #5

   This, then slide a heat shrink tube over it.

   http://www.connectorsupply.com/catalog/gauge-insulated-butt-connector-pi-289.html

   “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” —Albert Einstein
   

1. 
   JDLee | Mar 25, 2008 07:41am | #7

   I see.  I take it you crimp that thing?  I suppose that takes a special tool?

   Thanks

    

   (copper to copper)

1. 
   plumbbill | Mar 25, 2008 09:39am | #8

   Yeah a crimper, but a good pair of channel locks can work too.

   “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” —Albert Einstein

5. 
   junkhound | Mar 25, 2008 07:04am | #6

   Copper to copper?

   Al to Cu?

   Al to Al??

    

   Besides already mentioned, solder, weld, braze, barrel crimp, 'twist, tape, an hope', back to back screw lugs, hammer forge,

   and my favorite for Cu to Al, or any metal to any metal, is ion-beam welding, but ya gotta get the wires into a vacuum chamber <G>

1. 
   maddog3 | Mar 25, 2008 01:19pm | #9

   would a shop vac work for that ?:).

   .

   .. . . . . . . .

1. 
   junkhound | Mar 25, 2008 03:56pm | #10

   would a shop vac work for that

   about 10 in series may work for the roughing pump <:)>

6. 
   renosteinke | Mar 25, 2008 04:57pm | #11

   Some of the suggestions given so far scream "hack at work," and are likely unsafe as well. Such as the suggestion to use a pair of channellocks in place of a proper crimping tool.

   Regardless to how things 'used to be done," "what works," etc., here are a few points to consider ....

   First of all, you are required to have at least 6" of 'free' wire to work with in the box. The desire to use as little wire as possible, the smallest box as possible, is misguided at best. Besides the #6 wires, you're almost certainly going to need a ground wire in there, and it will need to be connected to the box as well. I'd start off considering a 4" square box.

   The large blue wire nuts ought to work.

   Split bolts, wrapped properly, will work.

   The "trick" way is to use Polaris connectors, also called "NSI's." There are set screw type connectors, encased in a heavy vinyl. They are found at electrical supply houses.

1. 
   rasconc | Mar 25, 2008 07:23pm | #12

   You must live in "conduitland" (:-).  No ground attachment req in plastic box I believe and acceptable in most of the world.  I like the idea of the wirenuts or split bolt. 

   Get your 6" with a curve and using your suggested devices you are working with two parallel items which is a bunch easier than the crimp solution with them end to end.  Would second the channel lock idea (yours).  But you would probably fish a drain rather than snake it (;-). 

   from ideal site for op:

   Blue

   600V*#14 thru #6 AWGMin. 3 #12Max. 2 #6 w/ 1 #12

   Edited 3/25/2008 12:26 pm ET by rasconc

1. 
   renosteinke | Mar 26, 2008 03:58am | #13

   Lest anyone be confused ... I have nothing but scorn for the use of Channellocks to make crimp connections. Either get the right tool, or find another way to do it. You're correct as th grounding a metal box ... but, for the life of me, I can't imagine any #6 circuit that would not also have a ground wire, in addition to the 'big' wires. I was afraid that the OP had forgot about that third wire.

1. 
   rasconc | Mar 26, 2008 04:37am | #14

   Sorry if I confused anyone, I was referring and agreeing with your previous scorn for the channel locks and drawing some ill stated humor for the original channel lock poster (plumber) with the fish/snake thing. 

   I was not saying there would not be a ground present but that if plastic it would not have to be attached to the box (bonded).

   Edited 3/25/2008 9:39 pm ET by rasconc

   Edited 3/25/2008 9:58 pm ET by rasconc

2. 
   plumbbill | Mar 26, 2008 05:18am | #15

   I have nothing but scorn for the use of Channellocks to make crimp connections.

   LOL

   An artist dosen't blame the brushes.

   “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” —Albert Einstein

7. 
   brucet9 | Mar 26, 2008 08:58am | #16

   "...I find it hard enough to get a wire nut on two 8 gauge wires."

   Maybe one of these would help:
   http://www.boltproducts.com/heyco/wire-connector-accessories.html

   There's also a wire-nut driver with an offset shaft and handle (sort of like a rapid-drive screwdriver). I got mine at Hank's electric, but there is no brand name on it, so I can't find it online.

   BruceT