a wiring question

[IanC]

I wired my trailer with 12 gauge wire - now I'm putting in the switch for the water pump, but the switch I ordered has 1/4" terminals and the female  (crimp type )plugs I got for 1/4 terminals are too small to accept the 12 gauge wire. So is there a downside to clipping off half the copper strands to make the wire fit into the plugs?

I know this is convoluted but perhaps someone can decifer what the heck I'm talking about.

Alternately I could try and find a switch that will accept the thicker wire, but I have already cut the drop in hole in the wall , and what's the chances the new switch will fit.

 

[SternWake]

You could destrand the wire certainly to allow it to fit in the 1/4 inch terminal you have. Does it have red or blue insulation?

Or you could get a yellow 10-12 awg terminal and not have to destrand the wire:

https://www.google.com/search?q=10-...X&ved=0ahUKEwix2o2ppvjMAhVDwGMKHeC2CB0QsAQIQQ

 

[Mobilesport]

What guage wire does your water pump call for? 
Really probably wouldn't hurt nothing as the water pump is normally not used for more then 5 minutes at a time but I would go get a connector that fits

 

[IanC]

You could destrand the wire certainly to allow it to fit in the 1/4 inch terminal you have.  Does it have red or blue insulation?

Or you could get a  yellow 10-12 awg terminal and not have to destrand the wire:

https://www.google.com/search?q=10-...X&ved=0ahUKEwix2o2ppvjMAhVDwGMKHeC2CB0QsAQIQQ

Bingo - why didn't I think of that. I guess I thought the size of the blade had something to do with the gauge of the wire. evidently not . Thanks

 

[highdesertranger]

yes get the right terminals for your wire size. highdesertranger