I'm looking for the best practices to connect four hot wires in a junction box to a single hot wire going to an outlet using a 5-hole Wago wire nut. Specifically, I have a couple of questions: 1. Should I connect the four hot wires from the wall into the Wago nut first, then add in my tail wire and push everything back into the box before attaching the outlet, or is there a better method? 2. Is there a common practice on which hole to use for the tail wire that goes to the outlet? I was considering using either the center or the end hole. I appreciate any advice! (And just so you know, I've already got four neutrals and one ground.)
3 Answers
Absolutely, 14 AWG solid copper is the way to go for consistency. If you've got solid copper in the wall, stick with it for the tail too!
You’ve got it right! Use a 5-slot Wago, put the four hots in one side and then add a pigtail for the outlet. Don't forget to connect your neutrals and grounds just the same. A tip: I like to tape the Wago levers to keep everything extra secure when pushing it into the box.
1. Yeah, connecting the four hots first and then adding your tail wire sounds like a good plan! Keeping things tidy will definitely help if you ever need to go back in there. 2. For the tail wire, it doesn't really matter which hole you use, so pick whichever feels right for you. Just make sure it's secure!
By the way, are you using 14 AWG solid copper for the tail wire too?
Thanks for the reassurance! I usually worry too much when it comes to wiring.