Twisted conductors in screw terminals

[TinnyB]

Hello.
When inserting two or three conductors in a screw terminal (in a socket) is it best practice to twist the ends together or not to do so?

 

[Timbo]

Not.
Not enough words yet.

 

[TinnyB]

Not.
Not enough words yet.

Thanks very much. I can see pros and cons each way. Is there one factor which dominates?

 

[DPG]

Thanks very much. I can see pros and cons each way. Is there one factor which dominates?

Are you talking stranded wires? Or standard T&E? And into what - the back of a 13A socket?

 

[TinnyB]

Standard T&E into the back of a 13A socket

 

[James]

do not twist.

in my humble opinion.

 

[TinnyB]

Thanks for that. What is the thinking which leads to that opinion?

 

[James]

terminals in fittings are designed to accommodate a certain amount of conductors.
i have never seen a manufacturers instruction for terminating that includes a recommendation to twist conductors together.

 

[brianmoooore]

For 2.5 mm2 T&E, strip twice the amount of sheath off the wires than the depth of the terminal, then bend the end over with pliers.
Assuming two cables to the socket (RFC or daisy chained spur), place both folded over wire ends into the terminal, with the folded over end of the wires against the screw. When you screw down into the wire, some damage will occur, but this will be on the bits nearer the end, protecting the other half of the wire from damage.
The main problem with twisted wires is that if they are untwisted in any way, they become loose.

 

[TinnyB]

Compelling arguments. Thank you. The recommendation to fold over the end of the wire seems sensible to me