How to Make Electrical Connections
Proper electrical terminations or connections for power circuits can mean the difference between a safe and efficient electrical system and having a home burn down due to electrical problems. Environmental conditions should also come into play when making an electrical joint, since a wet location may require some type of weather-sealing application as well as a connection made underground. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wire strippers
- Wire pliers
- Wire nuts
- Electrical tape
- Solder iron
- Solder
- Ring connectors
- Crimping tool
Instructions
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1
Use the wire strippers and remove ¾ to 1 inch of the insulation on the wire. Don't score or nick the bare copper wire under the plastic sheath. This nick could lead to a failure in the connection if it is deep enough to break the wire.
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2
Twist the wires together clockwise using the pliers to form a good mechanical and electrical connection. Perform just enough turns so the insulation may be twisted around only one or two times. This will ensure a good contact of the bare copper conductors.
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3
Apply the wire nut in a clockwise direction to secure the twisted wires. For a wet location you should also apply two to three rounds of the electrical tape over the wire nut and the insulation on the wires. This will help in sealing the joint from any moisture entry.
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4
Solder the twisted wires if the joint is submitted to severe mechanical movement such as an automobile or in an appliance like a washing machine. Plug the solder iron into the wall outlet and allow the tip to heat. Touch the metal solder to the tip of the iron so it coats the hot end with a bright silver coating. Place the tip of the iron to the wire joint and touch the solder to the opposite side of the copper connection. Allow the solder to "flow" into the wires until a bit of the liquid metal falls from the joint. Remove the iron and allow the joint to cool. Protect the wire connection as in step 3.
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5
Attach a ring terminal to the end of the wires if they are to be connected to a terminal strip that involves a set of screws on a board type connection. This type of termination should be performed for signaling circuits or wires in a control application. Each wire should be connected to a ring type terminal and can be either crimped on using a crimping tool or soldered in place by following step 4.
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6
Crimp the connection if there is no severe mechanical vibration as described in step 4. The bare copper of the wire to be terminated should only be stripped back as far as the wire can enter the ring connector. Place the connector and wire assembly into the proper crimping tool and squeeze together the handle. Tug on the wire and ring after crimping to ensure a good termination.
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Tips & Warnings
Follow all local and state electrical codes when performing electrical wiring.
