12g 3 way wire connection

Liberty44140

Added an outlet for my cockpit tv and an outlet for my cockpit fridge. They are all on the same 20a breaker (factory labeled ice maker/cockp fridge/cockp outlet). Trying to do things right I added a junction box behind the ice maker rather than try to connect it all behind outlets. I need to connect 3 12g braided wires together in the junction box and am struggling with what is right. I know that twist connectors like I’d use for this at the house is not right. How do I bring 3 12g wires together in a box on the boat? All crimps seem to be too small.

Aqua_Aura

This is what comes to mind for me, much less prone to vibration like twist connectors. I would think there is a specific marine style though. 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-33-Orange-In-Sure-3-Port-Connectors-100-Pack-30-1033P/202894310

Liberty44140

Thanks! Looks like a great idea, but is that ABYC? I played with twist connectors today to make the connection and frankly I think that if you crimp the twist connector after twisting it firm and tape it, that is more than fine, but this is not abyc and I’d like to do this right. 

Liberty44140

Along those lines what about this?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/AlumiConn-3-Port-Al-Cu-Wire-Connectors-2-Pack-95104/202889890?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&mtc=Shopping-B-F_D27E-G-D27E-27_11_TOOLS_And_ACCESSORIES-NA-NA-Feed-LIA-NA-NA-TOOLS_ACCESSORIES_OG2021&cm_mmc=Shopping-B-F_D27E-G-D27E-27_11_TOOLS_And_ACCESSORIES-NA-NA-Feed-LIA-NA-NA-TOOLS_ACCESSORIES_OG2021-71700000080343949-58700006748620839-92700061189584119&gclid=Cj0KCQjwutaCBhDfARIsAJHWnHvGviezaOa-HNtxl4NmILC-mT5Z__h-Z_kFqJM6c7Rh28uUDBEF2MwaAr9aEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Aqua_Aura

Now that I like, kinda like the ones I shared but stronger with that screw in. I don't even trust wire nuts in my house so I wouldn't use them on the boat. I feel like the link I shared I have seen something like it on my boat from the factory. 

Liberty44140

Yea they look like a good option. Wondering if using this bus bar in the box is the better way. This is 110v on a 20amp line:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0000AZ6Y3/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Aqua_Aura

I did read that aluminum is not allowed and those screw connectors look to be aluminum. That last link might be getting somewhere. 

Here is some of the abyc standards but even on this website I don't see the connectors. 

http://www.ancorproducts.com/en/resources/abyc-standards

These also keep popping up when I search for marine wiring

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CN59ZX3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_ZEYD0C78DM8N16R1TDJX

Liberty44140

Thanks, those WAGO things could be a great option! I don’t think the bus bar will work the more I think about it. I have 9 total wires so I’d have to double up one side to connect 3 12/3 wires together. 

Liberty44140

This guy works for ABYC and he seems to like the wago for boats 

https://www.proboat.com/2016/09/terminal-connector-compliance/

LaRea

The connectors in the first four posts are a definite no.  They are for solid wire, which should never be used on boats ... stranded wire only.  Ditto with twist-on connectors.  

I don't have hands-on experience with those Wago connectors, but I'll check them out.

YYZRC

Those WAGO are really cool. 

Liberty44140

Thanks LR..... really leaning toward the wago. They have a nice multi pack:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07NKT2P2F/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_1?smid=AO9N0B7PPXTIQ&psc=1

Aqua_Aura

I wasn't thinking about it being stranded wire as I searched. In that case the Wago lever connectors seem like the best option. 

aero3113

Here you go @Liberty44140 ! Just add some liquid electrical tape and your good! LoL!!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CMqq09alPTy/?igshid=1lutss88aoy6o

Liberty44140

Ha, lol is right. The more I read the more the clear (newer version) wago looks to be the best option. I plan to go with them. Thanks! 

LaRea

I haven't found anything saying those Wago connectors are okay for 120VAC power.  Are they approved for anything other than low-voltage wiring?

Liberty44140

Their info says they are ok to 32 amps. I took that as ok for 120, no? 

TonyG13

Image on Amazon shows 20A/300V...

Aqua_Aura

It's not the type of power that really matters it's more the voltage and amps. There is a few varieties but I see up to 10awg,30 amp, 300V


https://www.wago.com/us/lp-221

Liberty44140

Good catch Tony I didn’t see it’s printed right on the unit. 

Liberty44140

Ordered a 10 pack of the 5 conductors. 

TonyG13

Let us know how they work out. I think I might give them a try if they are Lib approved. :-)

LaRea

Just make sure the junction box is securely mounted, and the wires are firmly clamped where they enter the box.  You should be able to pull firmly on each of the wires without affecting anything inside the box.  Also seal the box to keep moisture out.  

Liberty44140

Thanks 

skennelly

Wago are being pretty widely used in the electrician boards that I read...so yeah they are definitely 120v rated.

Liberty44140

Used the Wago today, worked awesome, all good. Overall easy but you need to strip off a good inch and twist it for it to get far enough in to catch and have a strong hold. I really pulled on each of them to be sure it had a strong hold.