If you do an inspection of your light switch, you may see that the wires that run inside the board can be messy and maybe even short-circuiting. However, most houses nowadays contain push-in wire connectors that help you avoid these risks.
Push-in wire connections give you the best and safest connection between your main line and the switch. It also gives you everything you need to make easy connections with low insertion force.
But before you get started installing these connections, it’s worth knowing how to remove push-in wire connectors too. You can do this by cutting the wires with pliers, or maybe even with sharp scissors.
In this article we’ll be taking a look at how to remove wires from push-in connectors, as well as answer some frequently asked questions. But first, let’s further define what push-in wire connectors are.
What Are Push-In Wire Connectors?
Push-in connectors are the most popular kind of electrical connector that you will find in modern houses, and is a kind of insulated wire connector.
You can easily install these connectors and use them in many locations, from your home, to your workplace, and even in industrial buildings.
Push-in wire connects can permanently connect multiple conductors. The connector is made from two parts. One part keeps the wire together, while the other part keeps them secure.
While these connectors are fairly simple to install, they do not have a lot of mechanical stability following installation.
Still, do they offer resistance against chemicals, moisture, temperature, and vibration. This makes push-in connectors suitable for making connections outdoors.
Push-in connectors also come in a range of sizes, so they are appropriate for all kinds of outlets.
Due to this, they are becoming increasingly popular and favored other than wire nuts or twist-on connectors. Plus, the fact that they are so easy to use also works in their favor!
How To Remove Push-In Wire Connectors
If you’re not a huge DIY-er, removing push-in wire connectors may be difficult, and the built-in locking mechanisms can be particularly challenging.
To remove push-in wire connectors, you need to start by deactivating the locking mechanism. You can do this by pulling the wires and holding down the locking mechanism simultaneously.
Now let’s take a look at how to easily remove push-in wire connectors step by step.
Step 1: Cut The Wires
Cut the wire right under the connector before stripping it to remove the connector. Properly stripping the wire is crucial as it will remove the insulator from the wire.
To make a stronger and cleaner joint, you can fold or twist some of the copper strands together. Then, re-insulate the wires with heat shrink tubing or electrical insulation tape, whatever you would prefer.
If you’re replacing a push-fit wire, firmly crimp the tubing or insulation tape on the wire. Make sure to crimp it near the end of the wire, so you can effortlessly cut and disconnect the wire if necessary.
If this method doesn’t work, then you can clamp the insulated parts of the wire manually with a long-nosed plier. This will keep them in place while you pull on them with a second plier.
Step 2: Use Crimping Pliers
Crimping pliers tend to be used when the wires have wire nuts or are stranded. It stops any loose strands from meeting with other objects, and are most often used alongside insulated wiretaps.
Before you twist off the connector, make sure the bare wire stands are totally pushed into their terminals. Otherwise, there may not be a cable connection inside them.
Before you begin the process, make sure you carefully plan how to remove the connectors and work out where you need to cut them.
This will allow you to decide how long each cable should be, and you will have a wire of the proper size once you remove the connector.
Final Thoughts
We hope our article has told you all you need to know about removing wire from push-in connectors!
If you have some trouble totally removing push-in wire connectors, then we would recommend you no longer attempt to remove the connectors and get in touch with an expert to do this.
The most important thing is safety, so as soon as this is carried out safely, you can do all the cutting, joining, departing, and anything else you may want to do with the wires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can reuse push-in wire connectors very easily, as long as it has been correctly removed.
However, the connectors will work only for larger gauges or same-sized gauges. It won’t work for gauges that are smaller than the connectors. You just need to cut and re-strip the conductors.
In modern times, wires are used for practically everything, from household appliances to cars. Therefore, it’s recommended you use wires again rather than disposing of them.
To use wires from a crimp connector again, you will first need to release the wires from the connector. If there is any kind of terminal, then you need to remove it from the end of the wire.
Cut the edges of the wire and strip the insulator. You need to be careful when doing this, as it is very easy to hurt yourself while doing this. This is possible with pliers, a wire stripper, or sharp objects.
After correctly removing the insulator, the wire inside will be exposed. Cut and adjust the amount of wire that is exposed with a wire cutter, and you should be able to reuse the wires.
The latest versions of push-in wire connectors are a lot more reliable than the wrap-around-the-screw method. It is rare that they short neighboring wires and they are not a fire hazard.
Still, they are not totally reliable in comparison to screw connectors. They also do not offer any mechanical stability after installation. However, if they are correctly installed, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about them.
