What is the primary purpose of wire nuts in electrical wiring?

Wire nuts serve a crucial role in electrical wiring by securing connections between multiple wires. When joining several wires together—such as connecting the wires from a fixture to the branch circuit—wire nuts provide a reliable and safe means of facilitating that connection.

They are designed with a conical shape that allows the installer to twist the wires together securely before the wire nut is applied. This twisting action creates a mechanical connection that helps maintain good conductivity while also ensuring that the wires do not pull apart under tension or movement.

In addition to providing a secure connection, wire nuts also help to insulate the joined wires from each other, preventing accidental short circuits. This dual function of connection and insulation is critical for both safety and functionality in any wiring setup.

While insulation, moisture protection, and stabilization of connections are important elements of electrical work, they do not directly describe the primary purpose of wire nuts, which is specifically to connect multiple wires securely.