Wiring a PG71 with encoder

[billbo911]

Smaller gauge wire might help a bit.
It will allow you to bend then tighter and secure them with a zip-tie very close to the terminals.

[MrForbes]

Keep in mind that the motor wire size rules are related to the circuit breaker powering the circuit. If you use a 20 amp breaker, you can use 18 gauge wire. 30 amp breaker, you can use 14 gauge wire. If the motor is being loaded at a comfortable level, smaller wire and lower current breaker might be just fine.

[Alan Anderson]

Is that the kind of connector with a "clamp plate" that the screw pushes on in order to hold the wire? If you try to tighten the screw directly on the wire with a connector like that, it won't be secure. You need to loosen the clamp fully, put the wire in the right place, and close it down again.

[smcmahon]

This is that sort of connector Mr. Anderson. We'll double-check and make sure the wire is on the proper side of the clamping plate.