A wire splice connector is an effective way to join the ends of two electrical wires without the need to solder. Soldering is time consuming and requires high levels of heat, which introduces safety hazards. Wire splice connectors are much quicker, easier and safer to use. They also make for a more reliable connection than twisted or soldered splices. They are used in commercial and residential electrical installations and are a popular alternative to pigtail splices and other types of mechanical splices.
Splice connectors are available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate all common domestic and commercial wiring gauges. They can be used to connect stranded and solid wires. The most basic model consists of a metal body with an insulation jacket. The end of the body has a compression slot that can be squeezed with a tool to crimp the wires together. It can be attached to the end of a pigtail or used on its own to connect the ends of two separate cables.
Many models of splice connectors are available in different insulating materials, such as vinyl and nylon. These are a cost-effective solution for most home and light commercial electrical wiring projects. Some are made of tin plated copper, which is highly conductive, easily crimped and anti-corrosive. Others have a nickel-plated steel conductor, which is more resistant to temperature and more suitable for higher voltage applications.
Some types of splice connectors can also be used on multi-stranded or solid aluminum wire. These are suitable for connections such as a twisted copper-wire light fixture to a solid aluminum branch circuit wire. The company that makes the CoolSplice connectors, for example, has a model that can handle both copper and aluminum.
When working with any type of splice connector, it is important to ensure that the power source is turned off and that no current is flowing. This can be done by setting the breaker in a circuit box to the off position or removing a fuse. In addition, the individual wires must be properly insulated before splicing them. Any exposed splice should be taped to prevent it from being pulled apart or damaged.
While soldering is the quickest and most accurate way to splice copper conductors, it is not the only option. A number of mistakes can be made when soldering, such as not getting the heat high enough or applying it too liberally, which will result in a brittle, unreliable connection. A more reliable connection is possible with a mechanical splice, such as a butt connector or IDC crimp connector.
A butt splice connector is one of the most commonly used types of splice connectors, particularly in automotive electrical wiring applications. These are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate the majority of auto wires. They are easy to install and require no additional tools beyond a pair of pliers and a wire stripper.
Simply slide the prepped wire into each end of the butt splice connector and crimp it. The ring in the center of the connector will carry current between the wires. To complete the splice, a piece of heat shrink tubing is applied to the end of each cable to create a tight seal and protect it from moisture. wire splice connector