
The maximum rating is there because anything larger and the metal inside the wire nut will not be able to properly twist the big group of wires to cause a solid connection.
The minimum rating is there because any combination of wires smaller than 2 #14 AWG wires will simply fall out of the wire nut. Size of wire Nut – The most common RED wire nut by ideal can hold a MINIMUM of 2 #14 AWG wires and a MAXIMUM of 4 #12 AWG wires.In the worst case scenario it will cause a fire.
This can at the very least cause nuisance tripping of breakers. Under twisted wires will not form a solid connection and arc in the wire nut.
Don’t under twist – Over twisting is simply a hassle to work on for the next person who needs to add or remove a wire from that circuit. Just twist the wire nut enough to be sure the insulated portion below the wire nut twisted 1 or 2 rotations and you are good to go. Over twisting will be a pain for you as well if you ever have to go back to that box and add a wire. You want to be sure your connection is tight but if the insulated portion of your wire is twisted all the way back to the connector, you may want to consider how much you twist. Don’t over twist – Over twisting is simply a pain for the next guy. Other Things To Consider When Installing Wire Nuts If you twist the wire nut tight enough so that you see the insulation of the wires below the wire nut twisting, then you can be sure that the stripped portion twisted inside the wire nut twisted as well. Pre twisting is a method many electricians prefer but it is technically not necessary. Some manufacturers of wire nuts specifically state NOT to pre twist. You do not have to pre twist when using wire nuts. So should you pre twist when using wire nuts? Wire nuts make a very solid mechanical connection but if done improperly they can fail as any other piece of equipment that is installed incorrectly. Before that people making electrical connections had to solder and then tape the connection. Wire nuts are the most common way to splice wire since their invention in 1933.