When installing a conductor on a side-wired device, in which direction should the stripped lead be looped?

When installing a conductor on a side-wired device, the stripped lead should be looped in a clockwise direction. This is important for a few reasons. First, when looping the wire clockwise, as you tighten the terminal screw, it pulls the wire tighter against the screw rather than loosening it. This ensures a secure and stable connection, preventing the wire from coming loose over time due to vibration or thermal expansion.

In addition, a clockwise loop maintains the integrity of the wire's physical structure, minimizing stress points and ensuring proper electrical conductivity. The conductor is generally positioned in a way that allows the spiraling of the wire to follow the natural path of the tightening motion of the screw. This practice fosters safety and reliability in electrical connections, which is essential for preventing electrical faults or hazards.

Other options, such as looping the wire counterclockwise, vertically upward, or diagonally, would not provide the same level of security and could lead to improper connections, where the wire might unwind or shift away from the terminal as it is tightened. This emphasizes the importance of following proper installation practices when working with electrical devices.