What Is a Pigtail?
Pigtail is a term that is used to describe short lengths of wire that connect at one end to a screw terminal on an electrical device and at the other to circuit wires that are connected together with a wire connector (wire nut).
A pigtail is a good choice for wiring up outlets because it makes it easier to work with a lot of wires. It also means that if an outlet or device has a fault power will still flow to the rest of the circuit.
What is a pigtail?
A pigtail is a section of hair tied at the back or sides of a person’s head so that it sticks out a little and hangs down. It may also be braided, and is most often worn by children.
It’s not clear why the term pigtail was first used, but it could have something to do with a twisted piece of chewing tobacco that was thought to resemble a pig’s tail. The word is believed to have been introduced in the United States around 1600, but it’s been used to describe this hairstyle since at least the 1700s.
There are many different reasons that people use a pigtail to connect circuit wires. One of the most common uses is to connect two switches together.
Another application is to extend a circuit wire that might be too short. For example, if a light fixture has only two hot wires that lead to it, a pigtail extension can make those wires longer enough to connect the device.
The National Electric Code requires that all pigtail wires be at least 6 inches long for safety purposes. They can be cut from scrap wire that electricians have on hand or purchased in lengths for specific applications.
When using a pigtail to connect a switch to an outlet receptacle, it’s important to do the connection correctly. The pigtail method is safer than the alternative feed-through connection, which requires you to insert the circuit wires under one screw terminal.
It’s essential to strip a sufficient amount of insulation from the end of each bare wire, using a wire stripper. Some devices, such as outlets and switches, will have a strip gauge embossed on the side to show exactly how much insulation to remove from each wire.
Once you have the wires stripped and ready, loop the bare end of the pigtail wire over the screw terminal on the device in a clockwise direction. This loop should fit tightly around the screw shaft, with no copper wire exposed.
Then, twist the pigtail wires together with a pair of lineman pliers. If you’re unsure how to do this, you can Pigtail ask an electrical professional for help.
How to make a pigtail
Pigtails are an easy and oh-so-tasty way to add some flair to your hair. They’re also a classic style, so you can wear them with confidence no matter your age! We’ve rounded up five pretty pigtail hairstyles to inspire you to sport this trend.
For a sexy, chic look, try a curly half-braided pigtail. This style will keep your curls out of the way, but it still gives you the voluminous, bouncy ‘do you love.
You can achieve this look by Dutch braiding the underside of your top sections and then teasing the top portion to create one pretty pigtail on each side of your head. Use a hair-colored elastic to tie your Dutch braided undersides together and then pin the teased top section of each pigtail in place for a polished, stylish finish!
This is a great look for anyone who has short hair and wants to keep their curls in tact. Just make sure to use a detangling tonic and dry shampoo to ensure that your strands stay healthy, clean, and frizz-free!
A pigtail is also the perfect way to dress up your hair for a night out. You can wear this chic ‘do with or without a headband, depending on your personal preference.
The trick to a successful pigtail is making sure that you have a smooth center part. In this tutorial, Sabrina Porsche shows you how to do just that.
To get Shay Mitchell’s super straight-line center part, Sabrina uses a rat tail comb to part Shay’s hair and clip those face-framing tendrils in place before she begins styling. This is a very simple process that can be replicated at home with just a few clips and some styling products.
This scrumptious recipe for pigtail stew is a quick and easy dish that’s full of flavor! It’s made with a mix of salted pork tails, carrots, and onions. It’s simmered on the stovetop for hours until the meat is fork-tender.
The spiciness of this stew is thanks to the addition of scotch bonnet pepper and black pepper, both of which are packed with heat. It’s a perfect meal on its own or served with rice and other vegetables for a complete dinner.
Safety tips
A pigtail is a short length of wire that connects at one end to a screw terminal on an electrical device and the other end to circuit wires using a wire connector (wire nut). The best part is that you can reuse the wires many times. The pigtail of the pigtail has a long life span when properly maintained, but it is still a good idea to replace or at least swap out your pigtails on a regular basis.
Taking the time to do it right will pay dividends in the form of increased safety and efficiency. Having a pigtail or two at your disposal is a safe and smart move that will save you from costly mistakes and keep your family and employees out of harms way.
Examples
A pigtail is a type of electrical connection that uses a short length of wire to connect several circuit wires. It is often used to extend a wire that has been cut too short to reach the circuit. It is also commonly used to join two switches together.
The term pigtail originates from the twisted tobacco leaves that were common in military uniforms during the 1700s. The twisted leaves resembled the curly tails of a pig and so they were called pigtails.
Another common example of a pigtail is a length of wire that is joined to two switches with a wire connector cap. This is commonly done for the purpose of connecting a switch to a main wire in an outlet box.
This method makes a safer and more secure connection than the alternative feed-through connection, which involves connecting the hot and neutral wires from the box to each switch and then back into the box to feed the current to the circuit. This can create a more hazardous situation, since there is Pigtail more chance that the wires from each switch will come into contact with one another.
Alternatively, there is the alternative pigtail connection that is similar to the feed-through connection but moves the hot and neutral wires from each switch to a single pigtail wire each. This allows for a less crowded outlet box, which can reduce the chances of something coming loose from crowding or pushes and also makes it easier to keep the receptacle screwed in tight, which is crucial for safety.
Pigtailing can be an invaluable skill to have if you are a DIY fan or just need to make a more secure connection for some reason. It can also help you save time and money, especially if you are working on a home renovation or electrical repair project that requires multiple outlets in different rooms. It can also help you buy you some extra time if you have a fault in one of the outlets in your circuit. This can save you from having to take your entire house off the electricity and wait for someone to come to your home to make repairs.