Use a Pigtail Connection to Extend Electrical Wire

Many times when working on a electrical project, a piece of wire just isn't long enough. Try to strip off some insulation and accidentally cut through the copper? Oops! Stuff happens. Don't despair though; a pigtail connection will save the day. Here's how.



You'll need 2 wire nuts and a short piece of wire to act as a splice. The National Electric Code requires that you have a minimum of six inches of wire. Also, it should be the same gauge as the 2 wires to be spliced and rated for the circuit amperage as the one you're working on.

Be sure that about 3/4" of insulation is stripped off all 4 wire ends. Next, twist the end of one wire to one end of the splice wire. Screw on one of the wire nuts. Follow the same steps with the other wire and the other end of the splice.

Done!

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