Stranded wire in a 66 block

PaulD

Active Member
In my new house, I am running all wire to several connection points that will be permanent and then running the wire to the right connection point in my system. As I was punching down my security wire (22/2) into a 66 block, I discovered that it was all stranded. As far as I know, a 66 block was designed as an insulation displacement type of connection using solid wire. I went ahead and finished the punch down but I am concerned about the long term reliability of using stranded wire in a 66 block.
What kind of problems can I expect and should I change my termination approach to someting more suitable for stranded wire?
 
I used stranded (20-gauge I believe) extensively with 66 blocks without problems. As always, it's critical to get a good mechanical and electrical connection initially, and then protect the connections from disruption.
 
I used stranded 22ga in my 66 blocks. I did not have any problem punching down the wire, and have not had any reliability issues either.
 
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