Is there a particular connector to use on 10AWG copper wire?
I want to extending a 240V AC single phase dryer circuit with 10/3 cable (Note: "10/3" here in BC is 4 wires total: three 10AWG insulated solid strand, plus one uninsulated solid strand bare copper).
I’d make 4 pigtails in the existing outlet box. White, Red, Black, Bare/Ground.
I was practicing with the twist connectors I have on hand (Ideal-brand "fits-all" which should accommodate 3x10awg) but they really don’t work as well as they do on 14 gauge. The connectors are bulging, and the 10awg conductors barely change shape.
(I'm Trying to bring your attention to the visible plastic stress. Please ignore: (1) the colors , I just connected pieces from the same section of cable for a test. (2) the fact that this is not a pigtail per-se, but it's holding 3 conductors, the same amount that I would need to add a pigtail...)
If hold the wires in place, and remove the connector to inspect, I get this, barely any twist:
Notes:
- The instructions on the connector packaging state that pre-twisting is unnecessary.
- My original dryer circuit is grounded to the main panel, and also 4 wires (red, white, black, bare) 10AWG.
- I only have one dryer, and only one outlet will ever be used at any time. I could condemn one of the two outlets with a blank faceplate if there's not enough room in the outlet box (about 4"x4"x1.5" deep)