![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() The method we settled on for most jobs involved using an oversized butt connector. To evaluate soldered connections, we tested the following splices: a common splice formed by twisting the wires together, a linemans splice formed by interlocking two twisted loops of wire, and a modified version of the linemans splice that we are calling a linemans half splice or half splice. We tested various methods of small-wire connection that are best understood by looking at the accompanying photos. You are free to solder a crimp if you like, but the wire must be physically restrained in case it overheats and melts the solder. Coast Guard and the AYBC don’t approve of connections that use only solder as the sole means of connection. Soldering can work, but there are concerns about corrosion and fatigue, and both the U.S. Step-down crimp connectors will work, but these can be hard to find. Although you can use Eurostrips in lieu of a butt-block for smaller wires, theres nothing in the marine catalog or local hardware store for direct connections with small wires. In part one of this report on making marine wire connections, we compared several different methods of connection small wires.īut what about connecting the tiny, 22-gauge leads from an LED light, cockpit instrument, or wiring harness from a multifunction display? How do you connect these with 16-gauge wire feeds from the panel? Were trained not to use wire nuts because theyre hard to seal or to provide with strain relief they can work loose, damage finely stranded wire, and are forbidden by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC). In a recent test of anti-corrosion greases and connections, we demonstrated how these connections can last up to five years in the worst bilge conditions. Done right, these connections can survive some extremely tough conditions. The required materials are readily available: butt connectors for inline splices, ring connectors for terminal blocks, and a dab of anti-corrosive grease for the bolts and rings. Connecting two standard-size wires is pretty straightforward: Grab a ratchet crimper, adjust it to fit the crimp connector, strip the two wires to fit into the butt connector, slide the wires into the connector, and squeeze the crimper. ![]()
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