What is the Underwriter's Knot used for?

Relieving strain on the terminals of hand-wired plugs and outlets; Wiring light fixtures, lamps, and pendant lights; Securing the cord inside a lamp socket body; Refurbishing and rewiring plugs on household appliances; Teaching basic electrical skills and safe wire assembly.

How do you tie the Underwriter's Knot?

The Underwriter's Knot, or Electrician's Knot, is a strain-relief knot tied with the two conductors of a cord before connecting them to the terminals of a plug or socket. Its job is to absorb any tugging on the cord so the force never reaches the electrical connections, protecting the wiring and preventing shorts and poor contact. Follow the illustrated step-by-step, with a photo for every stage, on Desbravai.

Is the Underwriter's Knot hard to tie?

The Underwriter's Knot is rated medium, in the Basic Knots category and is taught with a photo at every stage on Desbravai.

What precautions apply when using the Underwriter's Knot?

It doesn't replace the mechanical strain relief required in modern professional and industrial plugs; It must stay inside the plug body, never leaving bare wire exposed; Always cut the power before wiring or rewiring any connection.

Underwriter's Knot

Q: What other names does the Underwriter's Knot have?

It is also known as Underwriter's Knot, Electrician's Knot, UL Knot, Nudo del electricista, Nó de alívio de tração, Nœud d'électricien.

Relieves strain on the terminals of an electrical cord or plug

Also called: Underwriter's Knot, Electrician's Knot, UL Knot, Nudo del electricista, Nó de alívio de tração, Nœud d'électricien

What it is for

Relieving strain on the terminals of hand-wired plugs and outlets
Wiring light fixtures, lamps, and pendant lights
Securing the cord inside a lamp socket body
Refurbishing and rewiring plugs on household appliances
Teaching basic electrical skills and safe wire assembly