Short answer: Practice terminations in your program’s lab or on a training board your instructor has set up de-energized, never on energized equipment. A good termination uses the right device for the wire, follows the instructions that come with the device, including any torque value, and leaves no nicked conductor and no bare conductor where it should be covered. OSHA 1926.403(b)(2) says listed, labeled or certified equipment must be installed and used according to the instructions in its listing, labeling or certification.
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Tsai Electro is an independent learning site. Not affiliated with TDLR, OSHA, the Department of Labor or any apprenticeship program.
Where you can practice
Here is what some Texas programs publish about their classes:
- IEC Fort Worth says many lessons include hands-on lab work, and lists wiring methods and installation practices among classroom topics.
- CenTex IEC lists at least 144 hours of classroom training per year with lectures, demonstrations, labs and homework.
- South Texas JATC says classroom instruction includes hands-on training with online lessons that reinforce concepts.
- Houston JATC lists electrical theory, print reading, grounding and controls among its class topics.
Federal rules back this up. Under 29 CFR 29.5(b)(9), registered program standards must address adequate and safe equipment and facilities for training and supervision, and safety training on the job and in related instruction. So ask your instructor when lab time is, whether you can repeat a termination you got wrong, and who checks your work.
The rule that keeps practice safe
Practice only on training boards your instructor has set up and confirmed are de-energized. Your instructor and program are responsible for the training setup and required safety instruction. For this practice exercise, use only a de-energized training board set up and confirmed by your instructor. Do not connect it to power. Follow your program’s required safety training and your instructor’s directions.
On a job, OSHA 1926.416(a)(1) says an employee may not work where they could contact an electric power circuit unless protected by de-energizing and grounding it or by guarding it. How a circuit is shut off, locked out and proven dead is its own skill; see lockout/tagout for apprentices. Until you are trained, authorized and directed for that task, it is not your job to decide a circuit is safe.
What a good termination looks like
Ask your instructor to check your work using the device instructions and your program’s training requirements. These are the things to check before you call it done:
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Right device | A connector or terminal made for that wire size, material and number of wires. OSHA 1926.403(e) says conductors must be spliced or joined with splicing devices designed for the use, or by brazing, welding or soldering |
| Instructions followed | Strip length, how the wire goes under the screw or into the terminal, and the torque value, as the device instructions say (OSHA 1926.403(b)(2)) |
| Clean conductor | No nicks or cut strands from stripping. If you nick it, cut it back and strip again |
| Insulation | OSHA 1926.403(e) says splices, joints and free ends of conductors must be covered with insulation equivalent to that of the conductors, or with an insulating device designed for the purpose |
| Right terminal | OSHA 1926.404(a)(1) says a grounded conductor must be identifiable and distinguishable from all other conductors, and 1926.404(a)(2) says no grounded conductor may be attached to any terminal or lead so as to reverse designated polarity |
| Neat dressing | Conductors folded into the box without strain on the termination, the way your instructor shows |
Ask your instructor which code-book provisions your program uses when teaching terminations.
How to practice so it sticks
- Read first. Before you strip anything, read the device instructions and markings. Point out the strip length and torque value to your instructor.
- Do one, get it checked. Have your instructor look at the first termination before you do ten the same way.
- Use the right tool. If the instructions give a torque value, use the torque tool your program provides and ask how to set it.
- Repeat with a change. Switch wire size, device type or number of conductors so you learn to read each new set of instructions.
- Write it down. Note the device, the wire, the torque value and what your instructor corrected. Review your notes with your instructor to see which mistakes you still need to work on.
Your employer and program are responsible for required training. This page is a study aid, not a substitute for it.
Self-check on a practice board
Termination self-check
Use this checklist with your instructor on a de-energized practice board. Check each item only after confirming it. Your answers stay in your browser. The checklist does not replace instructor review.
- My instructor confirmed this board or device is not connected to power
- I read the device instructions and markings
- The device is made for this wire size, material and number of wires
- I stripped to the length the instructions show
- The conductor has no nicks or cut strands
- The wire goes under the screw or into the terminal the way the instructions show
- I followed the device’s torque instructions, using my program’s torque tool when a torque value is specified
- The grounded conductor is on the right terminal
- No bare conductor shows where it should be covered
- The conductors are folded in without strain on the termination
- My instructor checked this termination
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Can I practice terminations at home on a live outlet?
No. Do not use a live home outlet for this exercise. Practice only on a de-energized board set up and confirmed by your instructor. Electrical work on energized equipment is not part of this practice exercise.
Where do I find the right torque for a terminal?
In the instructions or markings that come with the device. Ask your instructor if you cannot find it, and use the torque tool your program provides.
What does OSHA say about splices?
OSHA 1926.403(e) says conductors must be joined with splicing devices designed for the use, or by brazing, welding or soldering, and the splice must be covered with equivalent insulation.
Who checks my terminations?
In lab, ask your instructor to check your work. On the job, follow your employer’s supervision and inspection requirements. Have the person assigned to supervise your work check your first termination before you repeat it.
