Types of Wire Splice Connectors
Electrical wire connectors provide an insulated point of contact for two or more wires to connect, terminate and seal safely. They can be secured by crimping, soldering, friction, screw or IDC technology.
Soldering is the most common method, but it can be labor-intensive and relies on a high skill level. Other methods require additional parts or tools, such as a wire stripper.
Splice Connectors
There are several types of splice connectors available on the market that provide an insulated point of connection for two or more wires. These devices can be used to connect wires that have been crimped, soldered, friction fit or screwed in place. They are available in a wide variety of colors and material types, and they can be used for a number of different electrical applications. They are also available in a range of sizes to accommodate different wire gauges. A butt splice connector, for example, is a cylindrical splice connector that has one crimp on each end and can be used to connect either stranded or solid wires. It can be used for a variety of electrical connections and is often color coded to indicate the range of wire gauges that it can be used with.
Another type of splice connector is the heat shrink splice connector. These splice connectors have a lining of melt-able glue on the inside of the insulator that expands on heating. They are used most commonly in outdoor or environmental applications that require an environmentally secure connection. These splice connectors are usually made of nylon, vinyl, or epoxy lined plastic and come in a variety of colors and materials. They can be purchased in either butt or splice styles, and are typically designed for use with either copper or aluminum wires.
Before attempting to splice wires using any type of connector, it is important to ensure that the electricity is turned off at its source and that no current is present in the circuit. This wire splice connector waterproof will prevent the potential of an accidental shock or shorting that could result in a dangerous electrical fire. Once the electrician has turned off the power, he or she can prepare the cables for splicing. The first step is to strip the insulation jackets off both ends of the wires and expose the bare wires underneath. Then, the splice connector can be inserted over the exposed wires and secured with a crimp or by using a heat gun to shrink the sleeve over the splice connector.
A newer type of splice connector is the inline splice connector, which is designed to be safer than traditional connector solutions and easier to install. It is a single part that does not require any additional tools or steps, and it can be used to splice copper or aluminum wires of up to 12 AWG in size. It is used in a wide range of applications, including lighting, wire extension applications, and through connections with limited space. It is also used in marine applications and for extending automotive electrical wires.
Heat Shrink
Whether around the home or on a boat or road vehicle, waterproofing wire connections is important for safety. Waterproofing helps prevent short circuits and corrosion that could potentially cause a fire. There are several ways to waterproof electrical wiring, including using heat shrink tubing. You can also use a splice connector that is designed to be waterproof.
Insulated Splice Connectors
Typically made for copper cable and designed to withstand high voltages, insulated splice connectors are available in a variety of wire sizes, single or multi-wire stranding, and insulation types. They are usually tin plated to resist corrosion. In addition to being able to handle higher voltages, insulated connectors are easy to install and meet the standards set by UL and CUL.
They come in a variety of colors and are color coded to indicate a particular wire size. They are also rated for different environmental conditions. For instance, you can find splice connectors that are rated for outdoor and submerged applications. These are often paired with a 15ml tube of dielectric grease to help add an additional layer of insulating protection from the elements to your splice.
When installing an insulated splice connector, make sure the electricity is turned off and that there is no electrical charge present before handling the connector. Then, slide the splice connector onto the stripped ends of the wire. The metal sleeve inside the splice connector should completely cover both wires on each end. When the connector is heated, the heat shrinks the sleeve and bonds with the wires to make them waterproof.
You can also use adhesive-lined heat shrink tubing to create a waterproof splice y connector electrical connector. This is similar to regular heat shrink, but it has an inner liner of hot melt glue that will melt and flow as the tubing is heated with a heat gun. This makes a permanent, waterproof connection that will withstand vibration and moisture.
Alternatively, you can purchase a crimp or solder style splice connector that is already waterproof. These are a little more expensive, but they save you time and work in the field. Crimp style splice connectors have an outer sleeve that is similar to the adhesive-lined heat shrink, but it is transparent. Solderable splice connectors have low-temperature solder pre-applied inside, so you just insert the wire and apply heat to the sleeve to make your splice waterproof.
Regardless of the type or style of splice connector you choose, it is important to follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and usage. Most splice connectors will require the use of a heat gun to be heated to the proper temperature, and you will likely need to wear gloves when handling the splice connector.
