The Tool Every Electrician’s Been Waiting For: An Interview with Wire Waffle’s Inventor
It’s not every day that an invention comes along and completely blows the electrical industry wide open. Wire Waffle is here to do exactly that. It’s the first and only way to deal with a common electrical task in a way that meets code. We talked with Wire Waffle inventor Hunter Franssen at NECA 2024 in San Diego to find out more.
What Makes Wire Waffle So Revolutionary
Rack-A-Tiers: It seems like Wire Waffle is the new must-have tool. How did you come up with the idea for the Wire Waffle?
Hunter Franssen: We came up with it because of the common situation where everybody on outdoor panels is bringing all the wires through a two-inch nipple, which doesn’t meet code, fire code or NEC 334, which requires it to clamp the cables properly. If it’s not meeting those, then it’s not a listed fitting. That’s where we came up with this: Wire Waffle clamps the cables and seals them off to create a fire barrier.
Wire Waffle Instantly Improves Electrical Panels
Rack-A-Tiers: Sounds like something pretty much every electrician would want in their truck. When do you find yourself reaching for a Wire Waffle the most?
Hunter: So, one of the problems the Wire Waffle fixes here is that there are a lot of panels now that are dual rated 30/60s, 40/80s, or 60/120s. You don’t have enough KOs in the top and the bottom of the panel to bring all the wires in.
The Wire Waffle is going to take that factory punch 2.5-inch KO and open 16 more spots for cables to come through for new circuits.
Inventing the Best NM Cable Connector
Rack-A-Tiers: So, what’s it been like working with your dad on this invention together?
Hunter: So, my dad and I are second and third generation electricians, we’re problem solvers, we try to come up with solutions for a lot of common problems in the industry. Working with him has been the best. He’s the best partner to have, and so supportive. It’s been a really cool process to go through with him.
Rack-A-Tiers: What’s been the best thing about inventing this tool, and what’s been the trickiest thing about it?
Hunter: The best thing about it has been the problem-solving and all the great feedback we’ve gotten from people. The hardest thing has been getting the listing. It’s been years in the process, many materials and many different variations and iterations. The listing has been the toughest part without question.
Rack-A-Tiers: Yeah, but you got it in the bag now.
Hunter: Thank God.
Check out the Wire Waffle Connector
Why Working in the Electrical Industry Is So Rewarding
Rack-A-Tiers: What made you want to get involved in the electrical industry?
Hunter: So, I went to culinary school when I was younger, and I was a chef for quite a while. 2008 hit, and the economy changed. I realized that not everybody needs someone to cook for them, but everybody needs electricity. So it’s not affected very much by the economy and recessions. You’re always valuable, and you’re never without friends when you have a trade and a truck.
Rack-A-Tiers: What’s the most fun or interesting part about being an electrician?
Hunter: I love troubleshooting because everything is different, and you’re always trying to solve problems that other people have set up for you or things that you can’t find. A lot of our stuff is invisible. We’re trying to find it.
Don’t Open Another KO Without It
The next time you’re working in a panel, make sure you have a Wire Waffle with you to make sure you can secure as many cables as you need while still meeting code. Reduce the number of KO’s you have to open and keep your panels tidy and professional with Wire Waffle.
