How much straight cable should extend beyond each end of the splice?

The recommendation for how much straight cable should extend beyond each end of the splice is at least 6 inches. This length is important because it provides adequate room for making proper connections and ensures that there is enough cable to work with during installation or future modifications. It also helps to minimize strain on the connections, which can lead to reliability issues if the cables are pulled or moved frequently.

Having at least 6 inches of cable extending beyond the splice allows for easy handling and is considered a best practice in many wiring scenarios. This guideline is particularly relevant in maintaining good quality and reliability in electrical installations, highlighting the importance of proper cable management and connection integrity.