Wire nuts vs. screw terminals

The Pub
1

So I was talking about DIY the other day with a (somewhat of a) know-it-all colleague. He proceeded to tell me that wire nuts were incredibly dangerous because of ‘microvibrations’ that can cause fires.

The only available option here are these screw terminals:

Leuchterklemme_75dpi.jpg

They’re used for everything. In my mind they’re super bulky and much less safe because they’re so hard to screw down properly (jewler’s flathead, for the most part).

I am pretty sure that it’s just standard ‘my dad told me it was bad 50 years ago, so it must still be the case,’ but I’d like some ammo for the discussion.

2

I’m an Electrician. I would say wire nuts work just fine when using solid wire. If you are using stranded wire wire nuts will also work but soldering or those terminals would be better especially if there is vibrations in your project.

3

I’ve found wearing a tinfoil hat shields you from microvibrations.

Proof?  My head has never caught on fire!

4

I’m no electrician, but I’ve used wire nuts for many years.  I tend to slob them up with electricians tape, too, though.

5

This ^^^^^^  You can mix solid with stranded with wire nuts in a static installation, but if there is any movement, soldering is your best bet.

6

On my last renovation I kinda fell in love with the push in type. I would get a variety of 2s, 3s, and 4s for the wire size I had.
http://www.idealindustries.com/prodDetail.do?prodId=in-sure&div=0
http://www.amazon.com/Ideal-Multi-Colored-18-12-Connectors/dp/B00FKAJACY/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1380918034&sr=8-15&keywords=ideal+push+in+wire+connectors
http://www.lowes.com/pd_27895-12704-30-291L_0__?productId=3363860

7

I should specify, this is for an overhead pendant lamp’s junction box. There will be no real vibration as the ceiling beams are 16 inches thick.

8

I am also an electrician. I see no problem with wire nuts. Particularly in the situation you are describing. I think wrapping up in electrical tape is a really good precaution.