The Best Wire Connectors for Connecting a Solid & Stranded Wire

If you still use a wire nut to splice your power cables, then it’s high time you learned about the lever wire connector. This is a new and easy way of splicing cables, where the wire connectors will let you safely and securely combine electrical wires in two easy steps.

You’ll also learn how to find the best wire connectors that will fit your needs. The twelve items below are the best electrical connectors I’ve previously used. You’ll also get to see the pros and cons of each wire connector under each review.

But before that, here are the three main things you should consider when looking at wire connectors.

Now, to help you look for the right connectors, here are the twelve best brands and models I’ve used in my projects. You should also check out the buying guide after the reviews.

Best Wire Connector Reviews

1. HTCELLE Lever Wire Connectors

The HTCELLE Lever Wire Connectors is a great choice to use for anyone new to DIY projects. It’s easy to use and install and doesn’t require any tools. It allows you to connect two or more wires with a push. It’s also highly reusable, perfect for making temporary wire connections.

The high-quality spring clips and copper conductor connectors provide a firm grip, ensuring a reliable electrical connection. You could also see if the connector properly connects with your wire because of its transparent cover.

But best of all, this connector accepts almost any kind of wire. We can use solid core electrical wires and fine-stranded cables, as long as they’re 12 to 24 AWG. That means one can use this for almost any kind of wiring application.

Plus, the connector can resist corrosion and aging, ensuring its long lifespan in operation. I used this pack to connect wires a year ago, and I’ve seen no problems so far.

2. ELECFUN Splice Crimp Connector

Whenever I need to connect cables in tight spaces, I think of this crimp connector. It’s perfect for use in vehicular applications, like when I used it for my automotive wire terminal. It features high-quality brass and PVC tubing, ensuring that our connected wire won’t get disconnected, even if subjected to a vehicle’s constant vibration.

The ELECFUN Splice Crimp Connector comes in three bright colors. This allows us to use the connector colors to identify different wires quickly. It also has a wire stop design so everyone could insert a wire at just the right length. With the help of this stopper, I won’t have to worry about my wire splice being unbalanced.

This crimp connector has a wide range of applications. We can use it in our home, in our car, and even on our boat! It complies with RoHS and UL-Standards, giving me peace of mind. I’m assured that this crimp connector has passed multiple product safety tests.

3. TICONN T Tap Wire Connectors

For tapping into wires without cutting, stripping, and soldering cables, buyers can use the TICONN T Tap Wire Connectors. This connector allows us to have accessible wire taps to quickly and effortlessly install electrical lines.

All we need is to locate a suitable cable for tapping into, and that’s it! Anyone can install this with one click. Once done, users now have a wire tap connection they can quickly and easily connect and disconnect to.

The premium quality flexible copper barrel inside the connector provides an excellent wire contact when tapped. In addition, it has a high-temperature resistant plastic body, which can withstand up to 221 degrees Fahrenheit. This means one can install this in electronic systems that require high-temperature resistance.

One big thing I like about this product is its wide range of options. I can choose between one, 120, 360, and even 480 electrical connectors kits, each with three different sizes. That means everyone can order what they only require, thus lessening waste and excess. Furthermore, the seller offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 24-month warranty.

4. Kuject Solder Seal Wire Connectors

The Kuject Solder Seal Wire Connectors has always been an excellent marine-grade product. It has a solder ring that provides a reliable connection once melted. Simultaneously, the hot melt adhesive will give a waterproof finish and is the reason for its marine-grade rating.

This connector is transparent, allowing me a clear sight of the connected wire. I can also see the solder ring, so I’m sure that the solder ring is wholly melted when I’m installing the wire connector. Its transparency also allows me to have a clean look among my spliced wires.

Buyers will find various sizes inside the package, making it usable for wire gauges ranging from 10 to 26 AWG. Furthermore, each size comes with its own color code. This allows us to identify the tube we need just by looking at the color, thus saving time during installation.

5. Amlits Waterproof Wire Connector

For people who have many electrical wiring jobs, especially those requiring connecting and splicing wires, the Amlits Waterproof Connector is worth considering. It comes in at 200 pieces, with options for more, making it enough for multiple wire connection projects.

This package contains butt connectors. But if I need more, I also have the option to use ring, spade, and quick male and female disconnect terminals. The manufacturer also includes differently-sized terminals and connectors. This gives me the freedom to mix and match connectors and terminals as I need.

Furthermore, this item comes with a reliable storage box. It allows me to stay organized every time I use it with my project or store extra connectors.

What I like best about this item is that the terminal and connector are made of premium copper. It ensures excellent conductivity, allowing me to have an efficient electrical circuit.

6. Qibaok Heat Shrink Wire Connectors

This Qibaok heat shrink wire connector kit has a 3:1 shrink ratio, providing a secure connection with high-quality sealing. Furthermore, you can activate the tube using a low-temperature heat gun or even a lighter after crimping the wire in your application.

The copper barrel provides a firm grip after crimping correctly to the wire. At the same time, the flexible finish offers a steady and excellent connection performance. It means I can bend my connected wire without worrying that it will loosen, especially in some narrow electrical wiring systems.

One further advantage this item offers is its compliance with international electrical product safety standards. It conforms to RoHS, ISO9001:2008, SGS, and CE standards, giving me peace of mind that this translucent heat shrink tubing is safe for residential and commercial use.

It also uses different color codes for its wire range, with the suitable AWG imprinted on the body. This ensures that I can quickly check the proper tubing size when installing. Once owners are familiar with the color codes, they’ll no longer have to check the imprints manually to see if they have the correct one.

7. Sopoby Heat Shrink Solder Connectors

The Sopoby heat shrink tube connector is an excellent choice when I work with high voltage electrical systems. It’s perfect for both low voltage and high voltage applications, with a maximum rating of up to 600 volts.

The dual wall design provides a corrosion-resistant finish and improves water resistant performance. It also allows me to use this device indoors or outdoors, even if the wire is exposed to the elements.

Its 2:1 shrink ratio ensures our cable remains flexible after application. The package also comes in different sizes: 10 pcs for 10 to 12 AWG, 40 pcs for 14 to 16 AWG, 40 pcs for 18 to 22 AWG, and 30 pcs for 24 to 26 AWG.

Furthermore, the tips and guidelines attached to the box’s lid are a tremendous help, especially for first-time users of the solder connector. It is also convenient to install since we only need a heat gun to apply it.

8. TICONN Heat Shrink Wire Connectors

The TICONN Heat Shrink Connectors are perfect for outdoor wiring. Its double-walled design, 3:1 shrink ratio, and heat-activated seal make it ideal for any application. This connector is suitable for marine-type vehicles and even for underground applications.

I can do many things with this package as it includes four different terminal studs and five connectors in one kit. More than that, it has an operating temperature of -65 up to 255 degrees Fahrenheit. This means I can install it in places exposed to temperature extremes, like a car’s engine bay.

This wire connector has thick copper barrels that ensure a firm grip and provide less heat with a high current flow of electricity. Meanwhile, its translucent heat shrink tubing shrinks quickly using a mini heat gun. It starts to melt at around 176 degrees Fahrenheit. With these great features, I can do many jobs in a small amount of time with less fatigue in my hands.

9. Nilight Quick Splice Wire Terminals

As their name suggests, the Nilight Quick Splice Wire Terminals allow users to wire splice terminals in an instant. One can even install this safely without having to cut a source cable. This is due to its self-stripping capability, where you don’t need to remove the wire insulation before installing this T-tap Connector.

The connector has a thick tinned copper core that ensures proper grip and locks on the source wire. It also provides maximum electrical conductivity, ensuring I don’t get a short circuit in the future. Furthermore, its high-quality locking mechanism offers a secure lock, no matter what our application is.

Just like any other connector, this T-tap wire terminal comes with color-coded features. I can quickly identify my needed pair just by looking at its color. Moreover, the package is equally divided into the same quantity of 20 pieces for each cable gauge. One box is enough for my numerous projects that come in different wire sizes.

10. Brightfour Wire Connectors

If I need a heavy-duty way of connecting wires, the Brightfour Wire Connectors will be my go-to. This wire connector uses high-quality plastic with thicker walls and offers a permanent connection. It provides a solid and reliable splice while remaining effortless for the installer.

This connector is small and compact, allowing me to place it practically anywhere. It’s perfect for projects that only require a low voltage — like LED electrical work, and a clean look. The small form factor of this connector will help users hide their wires. At the same time, its transparent surface will help me with the visual inspection of my wire.

Furthermore, customers have the option to choose between I-type and T-type electrical connectors. Everyone can choose between one or the other, or a mix of both connectors, depending on their need. This way, we could purchase what we need only. We don’t have to end up with unused connectors if we don’t need a T-type or I-type connector.

11. HELPLEX Compact Splicing Connectors

I was finding wiring nut tools for my home electrical wiring project when my friend recommended this Helplex splicing connector. I can use this connector in my lighting, electrical, or even in-home outlet wiring as long as it is in the size of 24 up to 12 AWG.

Users don’t have to worry about the ideal length to strip their wire with this option. This connector comes with a measurement on its side, so we know exactly how much to strip.

It also has two accessible test slots—one in front and the other under its lock. You can use this slot to check the current wire rating without having to disassemble the electrical connectors.

Its transparent cover has an excellent build quality and gives a clear view of its conductor. It also gives me a high level of protection, knowing my wire is connected correctly with this connector.

In addition to this handy design, this connector can be operated at up to a 185-degree Fahrenheit ambient temperature. This makes it ideal for use in our home’s electrical junction box.

12. AIRIC Heat Shrink Wire Butt Connectors

This electronic connector is best for use in auto wiring terminals, especially in an RV. These weatherproof car wire connectors allow me to use them at temperatures from -49 to 257 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, the heat-activated lining inside helps it become waterproof after melting.

The tubing is made from polyolefin material, making these wire butt connectors highly shrinkable. It also allows me to use a lighter or even a low-temperature heat blow to activate the heat shrink tubing. Nevertheless, it’s still better to use a hot heat gun to set this connector.

AIRIC also uses a premium copper core as a connector inside. This core provides a great flow of electricity while reducing heat generation. It also features a wire stop structure inside, helping us insert our cables at just the proper distance.

What to Look for When Buying Wire Connectors

Whenever I am looking to buy any tool, I usually look at the brand first. However, when it comes to the best wire connector, the brand is not that important. As long as a connector meets all the criteria you need, it would do.

Here are the things to consider when purchasing wire connectors:

Because wire connectors deal with electricity, it’s essential to have safe and durable products. The only way to know this is to check if it complies with standards from various certifying bodies, like NEC and UL.

There are numerous connectors available on the market. That’s why you should know what you need first before making a choice. There are butt connectors, wire tap connectors, T-tap connectors, splice connectors, and heat shrink connectors.

You can look at your current system to determine your needs. Is it for automotive applications? Or for your home? Do you need to install it permanently? Does it have to be waterproof? If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult a licensed electrician to get the best advice.

Some connectors require a crimper to install, while some use a heat gun. Some connectors require both tools to ensure a proper connection, while some don’t need tools at all. That’s why it’s essential that you first determine what you need before embarking on an installation project.

If you have complete tools as a DIY professional, you might not need to consider this. But if you are a beginner who lacks tools, you should check the required tools of a product. Some connectors even required specialized tools for proper installation.

This refers to the core material the connector uses to conduct electricity. Is it made from copper or premium brass? Is there a solder ring that provides a good connection once set? It is crucial you know this material to ensure an excellent electrical flow in your system.

You should know this because not all packages provide the same number of connectors. Some items come with a limited number of connectors for thicker wires, limiting their usability for projects that require large AWG cables.

Furthermore, if you’re working on multiple projects at a time, it’s great to have more connectors so you don’t run out while you’re in the middle of an installation.

How Do You Connect Three Wires Together

In the usual way of connecting two or more wires, you could use wire nuts. However, it is much easier to use a three-wire connector.

You can use a three-conductor splice connector, where you just need to strip the wire end and insert it into the connector. Alternatively, you can use a T-tap wire connector where you simply put the wire in and lock its cover.

Are Push-in Wire Connectors Better than Wire Nuts

Both the push-in wire connector and the wire nut provide an excellent connection. These connect the wire by ensuring a good connection between the two separate cables. However, these differ in application.

Wire nuts require proper wire stripping and splicing technique to ensure a good connection. On the other hand, push-in wire connectors are easier to install.

Push-in wire connector types require no tools at all. Some other wire crimp connectors need a heat gun, a crimper, or both. Nevertheless, the primary advantage of wire connectors over wire nuts is their ease of installation. But as long as appropriately installed, both would provide a safe and reliable connection.

Are All Wire Connectors Insulated

No, not all connectors are insulated. There is also a non-insulated wire connector and terminal type, mainly used for wiring lines not in danger of short circuits when touching.

These non-insulated connectors and terminals are also less expensive if you compare them to the insulated terminal. However, using an insulated wire connector is much safer than a non-insulated wire connector. It has tubing covering the barrel opening, which makes it safer even though it touches some other wires.

Do All Types of Wire Work With Every Connector

Most wire connectors can support any wire, but some wire connectors are not recommended for use with fine-stranded wires. Some crimp-type connectors can connect this type of wire, but it may loosen its hold over time, especially if the wire moves or vibrates.

Conclusion

Using insulated wire connectors is the easier and faster way of connecting a wire nowadays. There is an appropriate wire connector for connecting a solid wire, a stranded wire, or both.

If you want to find the best wire connectors for your application, you should look at your system. If you’re unsure, you can look at the criteria I have or ask a licensed electrician about your specific plan.

Edwin Jones

I am Edwin Jones, in charge of designing content for Galvinpower. I aspire to use my experiences in marketing to create reliable and necessary information to help our readers. It has been fun to work with Andrew and apply his incredible knowledge to our content.