How to Butt Splice a 24AWG Speaker Wire

Butt connectors are useful for splicing speaker wire.

There are many methods for splicing speaker wire. You can solder the wires together, twist them together, or use a connector to make the splice. Connectors are useful because they are easy to use and insulate the connections from possible shorts. Butt connectors are good for speaker wire splices because they make a secure connection that takes up little space and is unobtrusive.

Things You'll Need

• Butt connectors
• Wire stripper/crimping tool

Instructions

1. Purchase insulated butt connectors sized for 24 AWG wire. It's important that the butt connectors are insulated to prevent shorts, and that they are the correct size. Butt connectors built for wires that are thinner than yours won't allow all the strands of wire to be used in the connection, and those built for thicker wires may allow the wires to work loose.

2. Remove 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of the two wires you'll be splicing, using a set of wire strippers.

3. Slide the bare ends of the wires into the butt connector, one wire into each end. Crimp the butt connector at the points where the connector narrows or where you can see the internal metal sleeve. Make sure you crimp twice--one for each wire.

4. Give the wires a gentle tug to make sure that they are securely joined together.

References

• "Home Theater Hacks: 100 Industrial-Strength Tips & Tools;" Brett Mclaughlin; 2004
• http://www.wiringproducts.com/contents/en-us/search.html?searchphrase=24%20awg