Hi All: I like wire nuts too. On the subject of soldering: Where absolute reliability and low connection resistance is mandated, we will crimp the wire into a contact, and then add solder to the crimp area. THEN add physical reinforcement to the wire coming out of the back of the crimp to keep it from bending. I've used a lot of crimp terminals and contacts over the years, and have had good luck--provided I matched the terminal to the wire and insulation diameters--AND used the recommended crimping tools (sometimes >$300 for special contacts). There are even special crimp-on's designed to fit the "stick the wire in the hole" type of terminals and provide a solid piece for the screw to clamp down on. Solder forms a rigid joint, and as the solder wicks back up the wire a bit--often under the insulation too--it forms an interface between the rigid part filled with solder, and the wires. IF there is any vibration or bending, it will fail at this point. There is also metallurgical stuff going on that can make the joint more brittle as well. I think electricians (as opposed to electronic types) have never been trained to solder, don't have the equipment, use acid core solder, and general y screw things up--mostly out of ignorance--and occasionally stupidity. Electrical Codes are intended to supplant thinking on the part of the installers, and so become somewhat dogmatic--but hard to create a hazardous situation when followed. Main emphasis is on FIRE safety--not shock hazard. Bad joints can get HOT. Enjoy Kelly William K. Borsum, P.E. -- OEM Dataloggers and Instrumentation Systems &