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I'm planning on installing a smart dimmer switch but I'm not sure of the best way to connect the neutral wire. The outlet has 3 neutral wires bundled in a push in wire connector. What's the correct way to use neutral wire in this case?

Should I pigtail a new wire into the existing push-in connector or replace it with a wire nut?

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  • Is there a fourth hole on the push-in connector? Also, what make and model of smart dimmer are you planning to install?
    – ThreePhaseEel
    Commented Jul 20, 2017 at 1:53
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    Twist out the wires, throw the push connector in the trash, and get a wire nut.
    – Harper - Reinstate Monica
    Commented Jul 20, 2017 at 2:59
  • I think there is a fourth hole but I’m not sure about push connectors in general. I’ve always used a wire nut. I’m planning on buying the Leviton smart dimmer.
    – Rachid
    Commented Jul 21, 2017 at 6:46
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    @Harper -- since the connector has a hole spare, there's no need to throw it out (if it was full, I'd agree with replacing it with something that can handle more wires)
    – ThreePhaseEel
    Commented Jul 21, 2017 at 11:33
  • @ThreePhaseEel Push connectors usually have a narrow range of wire size and strandedness which they will permit. Smart switches often use 16AWG wire or even smaller.
    – Harper - Reinstate Monica
    Commented Jul 21, 2017 at 13:28

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That type of connector has a fourth hole. I'd use it.

enter image description here

If it didn't, I'd twist out the wires and replace the connector with one of these lever operated connectors:

enter image description here

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  • Provided that it's listed for the size of wire he is adding (and strandedness).
    – Harper - Reinstate Monica
    Commented Jul 21, 2017 at 13:25
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    @Harper. Yes, good point. The one I show is rated pretty much the same as the yellow wire-nut and orange push-in connectors shown already in use in the OP's pic. UL listed for up to 12 AWG solid, stranded or flexible.
    – RedGrittyBrick
    Commented Jul 21, 2017 at 20:35

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