How to properly twist wires

Making the correct twist of wires

Wire twisting is one of the methods when it is necessary to make a branch or additional wiring connection. However, according to the PUE it is prohibited to use it. But knowing how to twist wires correctly, you can really avoid unforeseen incidents, especially short circuits, which often lead to fire.  

Connecting wires

To ensure full electrical conductivity, the integrity of the wiring is an important point. Damage or poor-quality adhesion is unacceptable. It is important to ensure tight contact contacts and reliable connections in the “electrical node” areas. There are certain methods for eliminating breaks in cables. Among them, welding should be noted. It applies to copper and aluminum wires. This ensures a particularly reliable grip.

Connections can be divided into types:

• twist;
• welding;
• soldering;
• pressure testing;
• terminal blocks;
• self-clamping terminal blocks (WAGO terminals);
• PPE caps;
• bolt clamp.

Connection methods

The most complete connection for wires made of copper is soldering. It can be easily accomplished using flux (rosin, borax) and tin solder. Terminal blocks are also used - a special device that is made using screw terminals. They are selected separately in accordance with the cross-section of the cores.

Self-clamping terminal blocks are often used to save time on electrical installation work. In order to isolate a twisted or soldered electrical connection, PPE insulating caps are used. Today in the energy sector, WAGO terminals are widely used, which are produced for wires and cables of various diameters.

In addition, WAGO terminals allow you to connect conductors made of different materials (copper and aluminum).

The choice of which connection to use depends on various factors:

• material (steel, copper, aluminum);
• number of twisted elements;
• section;
• place of work (house, street, in the ground, etc.).

Types of twists

Reliable and tight twisting protects against unforeseen emergency situations. It is important to do it as correctly as possible. Even the slightest violation of safety regulations can cause a fire.

For this reason, the rules for the design of electrical equipment do not provide for the legal use of this method. Despite the ban, it is relevant both in production and in everyday life.

Existing types of wire twists can be used temporarily when, for some reason, a quick connection using safer methods is not possible.

There are simple methods by which the connection can be made safely and firmly. They are not difficult even for a beginner. When performing, it is possible to use both two wires and several. The following known types of twists are usually used:

• bandage;
• groove;
• simple branching method.

Types of wire twists

The above twisted electrical wires are completely reliable electrical connections. But implementation requires certain skills with hand tools. Self-training is available to every person who practices repairing electrical wires.

Bandage is one of the methods of twisting wires, often used in everyday life. It is characterized by the use of an additional segment, which is superimposed on the connected conductors. This is a good method for serial, parallel and branch connections.

Stranded

Beginners sometimes wonder: “how to connect single-core and stranded copper wire?” In fact, the main requirement is a tight and reliable fit of the cross-sectional area of ​​the cores to each other.

Knowing how many wires can be twisted into one twist, you can quickly complete the task. The number of electrical conductors depends on their cross-section. The larger it is, the fewer wires are allowed to twist.

And vice versa: the smaller the cross-section of the conductive wires, the greater the number of wires that can be twisted.

Connecting stranded wires using the groove method is not difficult. This is an easier way to do the job than the “bandage”. In this connection, it is not necessary to use an additional piece of wiring. In this case, a complete connection of wires by twisting is carried out directly by the wires themselves. They are laid in parallel, in series or in a branch.

Before twisting the three wires together, it is necessary to remove the insulation from the ends of the wires and use a hand tool to twist them. It is permissible to use the “groove” and “bandage” methods, as well as a simple branch.

The maximum number of wires in a twist using the latter method depends on the diameter of the conductor. Even with the smallest diameter of the cores, their number should not be more than six. Novice electricians are wondering: “how to make a twist of 4 wires?”

  It is most optimal to perform this action using the “groove” or “simple branch” method.

Twisting of wires according to the PUE

The twisting length of wires according to the PUE ranges from 3 cm to 6 cm, depending on their diameters.

Twisting single-core with stranded is carried out as follows:

1. The ends are prepared at a distance of 4 cm to 8 cm.
2. A multi-core current-carrying core is superimposed on a single-core one and wound up to a length of 4 cm.

Wire Twist Tool

This task requires certain tools. Among the mandatory ones:

Hydraulic manual press KVT “PGR-70”

You will also need a twisting attachment and insulation material. When working with these tools, it is imperative to comply with safety regulations. Certain job skills will be required.

Although in some cases it is possible to twist wires protected by insulation by hand, today a wire twister is usually used. It greatly simplifies the work and guarantees high quality results.

A work device such as pneumatic or hydraulic press jaws allows you to terminate conductive wires for further connection.

There are also small devices that allow you to speed up the twisting of the cores. Such a device is inserted into a screwdriver and twists them by rotating them.

Twisting devices

Connection isolation

An important requirement in the connection procedure is their isolation to avoid accidents. Insulating materials include:

• PVC tubes;
• insulating tape;
• heat shrink tubes;
• special twist insulator caps.

Wire insulation methods

Methods of insulating wires directly depend on the material used. They are divided into methods such as planting, reeling and heating. In the first case, the material is placed on the twisted segment. In the second, simple winding is performed using insulating tape. In the third, insulation with a heat-shrinkable tube involves placing it on the current-carrying part and then heating it.

To the question of beginners, “Is it possible to insulate wires with electrical tape?” should be answered unequivocally in the affirmative. This is one of the most common methods. The main requirement is compliance with the shelf life of the material and the absence of visible damage.

Despite the fact that at first glance the procedure for twisting electrically conductive wires seems simple, a responsible approach to the matter is required.

Source: https://domashnysvet.ru/elektroprovodka/delaem-pravilnuyu-skrutku-provodov

Twisting wires - how to do it correctly

We will not prove to you that twisting wires is a good connection method. Yes, it can be done well and insulated. It is also perfect as a temporary option.

But according to the rules of electrical installations (PUE) in order to connect a wire or cable, ordinary twists are not recommended. Nevertheless, we will talk about it, and in very detail. Firstly, because, contrary to the PUE, most connections are made using this ancient “old-fashioned” method.

Secondly, because correct twisting is the main stage of the most reliable methods of connecting wires - welding and soldering.

Why do you need a good twist?

Imagine that the two wires being connected are twisted together just how. Those who are familiar with electrical engineering know that transition resistance occurs at the point of contact of two conductors. Its value depends on two factors:

• surface area at the point of contact;
• the presence of an oxide film on the conductors.

To perform twisting, the core is exposed, the metal interacts with oxygen in the air, as a result of which the surface of the conductor is covered with an oxide film, which has a decent resistivity value.

An example of poorly executed twisting: the twisting area heats up and the insulation melts

Accordingly, if the twisting is performed poorly, the contact resistance increases, which in turn will cause heating when an electric current passes through the joint. As a result, the twisted area may become so hot that the electrical wiring may catch fire. Surely everyone has heard the phrase in their life that a fire occurred due to a fault in the electrical network.

To prevent this from happening, the contact connection of the wires must be as strong, reliable and safe as possible. That is, the twisting must be performed so well that the contact resistance is stable and does not change over time.

Preparing wires for twisting

Remember! Never twist under voltage, even if you have a tool with insulated handles and dielectric gloves. First, de-energize your workplace by turning off the input circuit breaker for your apartment or house.

To get a good twist, you need to follow these steps exactly:

1. Strip the connected conductors of insulation, while avoiding damage to the metal surfaces of the conductors.
2. Soak a clean cloth in white spirit or acetone and wipe the exposed areas of the wires to remove any dirt.
3. Now, using sandpaper, sand the wires to a metallic shine.

And then you can start twisting.

Stranded wires

Twisting of stranded electrical wires can be done in different ways.

Parallel twist

The simplest method is parallel twisting, when both stripped wires are placed crosswise on top of each other at the place where the insulation was stripped and twisted at the same time. Such a connection provides reliable contact, but it will poorly tolerate the applied tensile force and vibration.

This method is best used for copper wires, when one of them is monolithic and the other is stranded. A monolithic wire needs to be stripped of insulation a little more than a stranded wire. After twisting, an additional bend is made from the remaining copper monolithic tail in the direction of twisting, due to this the connection is more reliable. This method is also suitable for twisting aluminum conductors with different cross-sections.

Another advantage of parallel twisting is that it can be used to connect more than two wires at the same time.

Serial twisting

With the sequential method, each connected wire is wound onto another. The reliability and contact of such a connection will be optimal, but this twist can only be used for two wires, no more.

Place the stripped wires crosswise on top of each other approximately in the middle of the exposed area and begin to twist. One wire goes around another wire, and wrap the second wire around the first in the same way.

Bandage twist

Stranded wires can be connected together using the bandage twist method. In this case, the connected conductors are stripped to the same length and applied parallel to each other. In this position, they are fixed with a third wire, which is tightly wound onto the bare surface of the connected conductors.

Please note that using such twisting you can connect hard stranded wires, but you must use a soft (flexible) wire as a fixing wire. The more tightly you wind the fixing wire, the more reliable the contact connection will be.

More than two conductors can be connected using bandage twisting.

Solid wires

All of the methods discussed above for twisting multi-core wires can also be used for single-core wires. But it is best in this case to use a parallel connection.

Remember the most important thing: before connecting single-core wires, the insulating layer on them should be stripped only along the conductor at an angle. This is especially true for aluminum conductors. If you run a knife at a 90 degree angle around the conductor, the insulation will, of course, be removed. But in further work, with the slightest movements at the place of the cut, the conductor will eventually bend and, ultimately, the core will break.

Strip the insulating layer by 3-4 cm on the wires to be connected. Place the wires on top of each other at an angle of 45 degrees, but not in the area of ​​the bare wires, but 1.5-2 cm above the place where the insulation was cut. Hold this place firmly with your left hand, and with your right hand begin to twist both wires. First, they will be twisted together with the insulating layer, then the connection of purely bare conductors will begin.

No matter how strong your hands are, be sure to finish twisting with pliers at the end, especially when it comes to aluminum wires.

Another important tip! After you make the twist, do not rush to insulate it. Let the electrical circuit work for several hours, then turn off the input circuit breaker for the apartment and check the temperature at the place where it is twisted. If the node is hot, it means that the contact connection is unreliable and it is better to redo it. If no heating is detected, then the twisting is done well and can insulate it.

If you need to perform a large number of twists, you can use a screwdriver with a homemade device, as shown in the video below:

Methods for insulating twists

Twisting the wires is half the battle; it is very important to properly insulate this place. There are three ways to insulate a completed electrical assembly: using insulating tape, heat-shrinkable tubing, and PPE caps. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Insulating tape

Insulating tape is a special material whose main purpose is to insulate the junction of electrical cables and wires. No matter what modern technologies appear, you can hardly meet an electrician who does not have a roll of electrical tape in his pocket. This is the most common and inexpensive insulating material.

There are many varieties of it. Tapes are made from mica and fiberglass, polyester and epoxy films, acetate fabric and paper. To insulate twists in a household electrical network, we recommend using PVC tape (it is based on polyvinyl chloride). To make it, take a polyvinyl chloride film and apply glue on top. The quality of the insulating tape itself, and, accordingly, the reliability of the insulated joint depends on the quality of these two components.

The best is considered to be insulating tape, for the production of which rubber-based glue and class A PVC film are used. This material is distinguished by such positive qualities as:

1. High adhesion (adhesion of dissimilar surfaces).
2. Increased elasticity (excellent stretch and adhesiveness).

So be sure to keep this in mind when purchasing duct tape.

The insulating tape should be wrapped around the twisted section in at least two layers. Start winding 2-3 cm above the bare twist, the tape should be placed on top of the wire insulation. This will allow you to achieve maximum tightness and insulating reliability, and will protect the contact connection from moisture.

Next, wind it a little at an angle, moving towards the end of the twist. Having reached the end, bend the electrical tape around the tip of the twist and continue winding in the opposite direction. Having reached the place where you started winding, cut the insulating tape with a knife.

For efficiency, you can repeat the same thing again and make four layers of insulation.

It is recommended to use this tape to insulate strands installed in dry rooms.

Thermal tube

Heat-shrinkable tube (abbreviated as HERE) is made of thermopolymer materials that have the ability to change their geometric shape and dimensions (shrink or expand) under the influence of hot air, water or elevated temperature.

The main advantage of thermal tubes is that they can be attached to objects with a complex profile, which is exactly what twisted wires have. Heat-shrinkable tubing provides excellent electrical insulation and protects against mechanical damage. The tubes come in different diameters. The material from which they are made does not support combustion and is non-toxic.

Industrial hair dryers are used to apply heat to the tubes. This tool is not cheap and it is not economically profitable to buy it just to insulate the spliced ​​wires. Therefore, at home, they often use an ordinary hairdryer or lighter.

It is important to remember that with this insulation method, the heat-shrinkable tube must be placed on one wire to be connected in advance (before twisting).

Cut the tube with a margin; when it is put on the bare area, it should extend onto the insulating layer of the conductor by at least 1 cm.

When the twisted connection of the electrical wires is completed, pull the tube over this place. Direct the heat jet of a hairdryer or the flame of a lighter at it; under the influence of hot air, the tube will instantly decrease in size and tightly seal the insulated area. Reliable, fast and inexpensive way.

Keep in mind that the connected wires, which are insulated with a heat pipe, can be used for laying in the ground or when immersed in water. This insulating material is recommended for use outdoors, in bathhouses and bathrooms, as it will reliably protect the twisting area from moisture.

How to use heat shrink tube is shown in this video:

PPE caps

When installing wiring in an apartment or house, you can use PPE caps (connecting insulating clamp) to insulate the connection points.

In this case, it is enough to make only high-quality twisting, without soldering. The tip must be cut off and put on with PPE force; the crimp springs inside the cap will expand and tightly grasp the unit being connected. To better fit the connection surface, rotate the cap clockwise.

Now you know how to twist wires correctly and what material is best to choose for insulating the connection. From the article it is clear that to perform twisting it is not at all necessary to be a professional electrician; such work can be done by anyone who knows how to hold pliers in their hands. Just do not forget that twisting is only an important stage that must be completed by welding or soldering.

Source: https://YaElectrik.ru/elektroprovodka/skrutka-provodov

Twisting wires: how to twist wires correctly

Whatever they say about the process and methods of twisting wires, this method remains very relevant to this day and will remain for a long time. Why is that? Let's consider this topic in more detail.

With this method of connecting electrical conductors, there are a large number of nuances, advantages and disadvantages, including a ban on performing such operations according to the PUE regulations. However, it is worth noting that twisted wire connections are most often used.

There are many reasons, let's look at the most common ones.

Firstly, twisted connections are often used when performing “rough” installation. This is due to the fact that during the initial work the main goal is to check the functionality of the installed units. The presence of signal/voltage is checked (depending on the type of manipulation performed), additional work is carried out on the secondary wiring of additional elements, contacts of devices are displayed, such as:

• switches of various types;
• built-in voltage stabilizers;
• built-in voltage converters;
• built-in step-down/step-up transformers;
• regular sockets;
• "smart" sockets;
• power consumption monitoring devices;
• specialized sockets with special outputs (RJ-45, for example).

After carrying out the “rough” installation, it is extremely important to check the functionality of the above devices. And in case of their incorrect operation or lack of electricity/signal, you have to re-deal with a certain section of the circuit or re-carry out wiring operations and troubleshoot problems.

Secondly, this type of contact of conductors allows you to quickly restore the operation of the area and obtain the necessary electricity/signal for certain manipulations. In the future, depending on what devices will be connected to this area, it will be possible to:

• leave the completed twist;
• improve connection;
• replace this section with another one, with other connecting elements.

Thirdly, no special tools are required to twist the wires. Such manipulations can be performed even “in the field”, provided that no “gluttonous” electrical appliances are connected to the created area.

It is worth noting that twisted wires can provide fairly reliable contact for a long time, provided all necessary instructions are followed and the work is done correctly.

So, it is worth wisely taking into account the situation if you decide to resort to such a connecting method as twisting. It is necessary to take into account the connected load, select the optimal cross-section of wires and further calculate the circuit in case of a change in the number or power of consumers.

Advantages and disadvantages

Weaving wires together is probably the oldest method of merging conductors together. However, over time, the power of devices requiring high currents also increases. Twisting, as a rule, is not designed for them, but for home use it is very appropriate.

It is worth mentioning that this wiring option cannot be used with devices such as electric kettles, refrigerators, washing machines, heaters and fan heaters, electric stoves, and computers.

The main advantages of twisting are:

• speed of creation;
• durability (if done correctly);
• the ability to weave wires without additional tools;
• ideal for signal contact (in the absence of connecting high-current consumers);
• the ability to improve the connection using soldering;
• cheapness;
• the ability to combine two, three, four wires simultaneously;
• Possibility of reconnection.

Its disadvantages include the following:

• the need for isolation;
• operability only with low-current consumers;
• inconvenient installation;
• fire hazard if work is performed incorrectly;
• a large number of nuances that MUST be taken into account when weaving wires;
• “surges” of voltage and interference on electrical appliances when the area is overloaded.

As can be seen above, twisting has a limited range of use; it cannot be used with powerful devices, and when used with computers, modern televisions, audio equipment and other equipment of the 21st century, there is a problem with the occurrence of interference and “throws”. Therefore, it is advisable to weave wires when used with lighting devices (chandeliers, lamps, etc.), power adapters and other “weak” devices.

Connecting conductors from different materials

The most basic thing is that twisting is PROHIBITED with conductors made of different materials. It is PROHIBITED to weave copper and aluminum wires. This is due to the fact that when copper and aluminum come into contact, a galvanic couple appears, which destroys the created connection. The higher the current passing through the plexus, the faster its destruction will occur. Such contact of wires threatens with the following consequences:

• heating, sparking and subsequent combustion;
• deterioration in the quality of contact of such a “weave”;
• reducing the contact area;
• strong heating of the wires at the plexus;
• rapid oxidation;
• under temporary and powerful loads, “heating-cooling” cycles occur, which is fraught with severe
• deterioration in connection quality.

The appearance of an oxide film

The film appears as a result of the interaction between the oxygen environment of the air and the conductor. The metal conductors used to make connections are usually made of aluminum or copper and are quite susceptible to oxide film if the connection is not insulated. More expensive materials that are rarely used in electrical circuits, such as gold and platinum, do not have this disadvantage, but their cost is extremely high. An oxide film on wires has the following consequences:

• deterioration in the quality of twist contact;
• intensification of the heating process when current passes.

Dealing with this drawback is quite simple - it is necessary to carry out high-quality insulation of the twist.

The appearance of transient contact resistance

This resistance appears as a result of poor contact between the wires, which causes the temperature to increase greatly at the point where the current passes from one part to another. Transient contact resistance serves as a catalyst for the rapid destruction of the wire tangle, especially in the absence of insulation. To minimize transient contact resistance, the tightest contact between the two conductors should be made.

Types of twists and connections of this type

One of the advantages of such a connection as twisting is the possibility of improving it by soldering or welding. When soldering, the connection becomes strong and is able to withstand high currents; when welding, special equipment is used, which makes it possible to give strength to the completed connection. Soldering and welding of both copper and aluminum wires is an excellent way to improve its performance: reduce the thermal load by improving contact at the welding or soldering points.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2J-6t4Rfb0

When carrying out work, twists can be divided into several types depending on the materials, type of wire, type of twist. It is extremely important that the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the conductors matches each other, and is also suitable for the load used.

Conductors can be made of the following materials:

Aluminum braiding is less resistant to further unwinding, while copper conductors can be unbraided and rebraided several times, for example, to add a third contact. Aluminum can withstand 1-2 times the load of twisting and unwinding, copper can be twisted and untwisted 3-4 times without any damage.

In this case, conductors can be divided into 2 types:

• with a monolithic core;
• stranded. 

When performing the twisting process, it is worth considering the type of conductor, since the options for the plexus may be different. Depending on the type of wire, one or another twisting method should be used.

A cord with a monolithic core is usually used for stationary wiring, when there is no need to move equipment. Stranded conductors are often used for “rough” installation or where there is a need to move devices.

The twisting of both copper wires and aluminum wires is the same and is shown in the tables for each type of cord (stranded/single-core). If it is necessary to weave more than two conductors, for example 3-4, then first the initial twisting is performed for the two ends (shaping the connection) - 1-2 turns, after which the required number of conductors is added and twisted according to one pattern or another.

It is allowed to connect two conductors of different types (stranded/solid), but it is important to take into account the cross-sectional area of ​​each conductor.

We twist it ourselves

During professional installation, special clamps are used to make the connection - PPE (connecting insulating clamp); when using them, the final twisting is allowed from the point of view of the PUE, but it is worth remembering that such a device is not designed for high currents.

So, how to properly twist wires at home? To carry out this manipulation you need:

• take into account all the nuances in advance (location, load of connected equipment, etc.);
• acquire the necessary tools (pliers, knife, sandpaper, heat shrink, it is advisable to have a hot air gun and a device for removing insulation, a screwdriver if available).

Let's consider the situation with weaving from a cord with a monolithic core:

1. It is necessary to strip the ends of each wire by 3–4 cm using a special tool (stripper) or a construction knife. It is extremely important to remove the insulation and not leave deep cuts on the core.
2. Then we put heat shrink on one of the ends.
3. Then degrease the cleaned surfaces with alcohol/acetone/white spirit.
4. Then, taking sandpaper, we clean the wire strands.
5. We lay the wires parallel to each other and hold them with pliers.
6. We weave (in accordance with the diagram) clockwise, at least 5 turns for one core. The wires must fit tightly to each other.
7. We move the heat shrink to the contact point and warm it up with a hairdryer or lighter. It is important that the heat shrink fits tightly at the twisting site.

It is possible to hold one end of the cord with a screwdriver and slowly turn it, while weaving the other end onto the rotating end, creating tension with your hands, thereby making the connection tighter.

With a stranded cord the situation is a little different:

1. We strip the ends of each wire by 3–4 cm using a special tool (stripper) or a construction knife. It is extremely important to carefully remove the insulation and not damage/cut off the cord cores.
2. We put heat shrink on one end of the cord.
3. We unravel the strands of each cord into small “braids”.
4. We degrease the resulting “braids” with alcohol/acetone and so on.
5. We lay the cores on top of each other from each cord.
6. We weave together, making the connection tight (at least 5-6 turns per braid).
7. We move the heat shrink to the place of twisting, warm it up with a hairdryer/lighter. The heat shrink should fit tightly at the joint.

If it is necessary to create a “braid” from monocore and multicore cords, the algorithm also changes, and it is highly advisable to weave using the “Branching” method:

1. We strip the ends of each wire by 3–4 cm using a special tool (stripper) or a construction knife. We take care not to damage the cores of each cord.
2. We put heat shrink on one of the cords.
3. We degrease the cleaned areas with alcohol/acetone and so on.
4. We bend the single-core end 180 degrees, so that it then presses the twist.
5. We twist the multi-core cord around the single-core end in accordance with the diagram (clockwise), at least 5-6 turns, the more the better.
6. We clamp the pre-bent end of the single-core wire and press it against the twist made with pliers.
7. We move the heat shrink to the contact area and heat it with a hairdryer/lighter. We make sure that the heat shrink is well fixed at the twisting site.

At this point, we can consider the work done competently and efficiently. If you follow the instructions and take all necessary measures, you are guaranteed to get a high-quality connection for a long time.

Source: https://ProFazu.ru/provodka/montazh/skrutka-provodov.html

How to twist wires correctly

When laying wiring in the house, you cannot do without connecting the wires. After all, a network with branches is laid around the house to power certain electrical appliances.

The need for wiring connections

Distribution boxes are used to branch the electrical network. But they are intended only to hide the connections of power network branches.

The need for wiring connections is found everywhere. They connect wiring in different ways in the house, electrical appliances, cars, in general, wherever there are wires.

Nowadays, several methods of connecting wiring are used. Each of them has its own positive and negative qualities.

The most common ways are:

1. Twisting;
2. Soldering;
3. Welding;
4. Use of terminal blocks, blocks;
5. Use of self-clamping terminal blocks;
6. Use of connecting insulating clips (PPE caps).

Twist

The simplest and most common way to connect wires is ordinary twisting.

For this type of connection, all the equipment required is a knife for stripping the insulation and pliers to ensure a reliable connection. However, at the end, the place of twisting will need to be insulated.

Twisting is done in several ways.

The simplest is mutual twisting of the stripped ends of the wiring.

For reliability, it is advisable to expose the wires by at least 5 cm. Next, the exposed ends are crossed so that the edges of the insulation touch, and then the crosshairs of the wires are grabbed with the jaws of pliers and twisted with a rotational motion.

After twisting, the connection is bent to one side so that the twist lies parallel to the wire. The connection is then isolated.

The second method is also effective and simple twisting.

The stripped ends of the wires are slightly bent in the middle, and at the bend the wires engage with each other.

After the end of one wire is wrapped around the second, the same is done with the other end of the wiring.

For reliability, the made windings can be slightly tightened with pliers. Then everything is isolated.

The next method is a bandage connection. For such twisting you will need a piece of stripped wire.

The two wires to be connected are placed parallel to each other so that the stripped ends touch along the entire length.

Then they are wrapped with the available piece, creating a kind of bandage.

The last of the used twisting methods that you can find is groove twisting.

To do this, small hooks are made from the ends of the wires, which are interconnected, and then one edge of the wire is wound around the other.

More complex types of wire connections are presented below.

Now about ways to isolate twists.

Often, different types of electrical tape are used for insulation. When using it, you need to wrap not only the place of twisting, it should extend at least 2-3 cm onto the wire insulation.

POPULAR WITH READERS: How to find out the level of illumination in rooms

This will ensure complete insulation, including from moisture.

In addition to electrical tape, it is possible to use thermal tubes.

Such a tube of the required length is placed on one of the wires before twisting.

After twisting, the tube is pushed onto the joint. In order for it to tightly grip the wiring, it needs to be heated a little, for example, with a lighter.

The temperature will cause the tube to shrink, creating a tight fit.

The positive qualities of twists include ease of implementation with minimal equipment, while they are considered quite reliable.

If good insulation is provided, the twist can last a long time. Also, the twist itself is a detachable connection; you can twist it at any time.

It is considered more preferable in networks that are not fixed and can sag, which is especially important for cars where the wiring is constantly exposed to vibration.

One of the disadvantages is the impossibility of connecting wires of different sections; the resistance in such twisting can be very high, which will lead to heating and melting of the insulating layer.

It is difficult to combine multi-core cables by twisting. They are too soft, so the connection may break when stretched.

If multiple insulated strands are used in the wiring, then after each strand is insulated, the total thickness at the junction can be very large.

It is also not recommended to use twisting to connect cables made of different metals, for example, aluminum and copper.

This will affect both reliability and increased resistance at the junction of the wires.

Soldering

The next method of connecting wires that is often used is soldering.

It is noteworthy that soldering is only an improvement in twisting. That is, the wires must be twisted before soldering and then soldered.

To perform soldering, a soldering iron and solder are used. Thanks to this connection, the twisting strength of a multi-core cable can be significantly increased.

The advantages of soldering include increased strength, especially for stranded wires.

After soldering, the resistance at the connection point will be significantly lower, which means the twist will not heat up.

However, soldering is only used on copper stranded wiring; aluminum wires cannot be soldered.

However, soldering is very fragile, and if done incorrectly, the connection will be unreliable.

Welding

Another way to improve twisting is welding. Again, welding is just a method of increasing the reliability of twisting.

It is not applicable for aluminum wires; welding is used only on large-section copper cables.

Reliability when welding is much higher than when soldering. It is a good way to improve connections in a junction box, but welding is still not very practical.

POPULAR WITH READERS: What is the difference between grounding and neutralizing

In addition, it will require special equipment, a welding inverter.

Welding is not used on aluminum wiring; an additional disadvantage is the possibility of weakening the twist, since when the wires are very heated, which will be necessary during the welding process, the twist itself may weaken due to a change in the physical properties of the metal.

Soldering and welding cannot be considered separate connection methods; they only provide additional reliability.

Also, after using a soldering iron or welding machine, the connection point will still have to be insulated.

Terminal blocks and blocks

But the use of terminal blocks and blocks is a completely separate way of connecting wires.

The terminal block and block are a small metal plate with contacts on the edges.

This plate is encased in insulating plastic. Bolts are often used to clamp wires.

The difference between a terminal block and a block comes down to the fact that the terminal block allows you to connect only two wires, while the block is designed for several connections.

Simply put, a block is several terminal strips connected together to provide several separate connections.

To connect two wires, it is enough to clean their ends of insulation, and you don’t need to clean much, 0.5 cm is enough, it is only important that the cleaned end reaches the contact.

In this case, the bare wire should not protrude beyond the edges of the terminal block, in order to avoid accidental contact with it.

Next, the bolt is clamped with a screwdriver, ensuring reliable contact of the wire with the plate.

On the other side of the terminal block, the other end of the wire is fixed. The metal plate will act as a bridge between them.

When using a terminal block, they connect only two wires; for subsequent ones, another terminal block is used.

The block allows you to provide several connections, which, with a large number of wires, will result in more compact dimensions.

Terminal blocks and blocks are good because they allow you to connect together wiring made of different metals and differing in cross-section.

In addition, they are detachable, so you can disconnect the desired wire at any time. They are good for both single-core and stranded wires.

Their disadvantages include the increased dimensions of the connection, especially for the pads.

Hiding terminal blocks and strips can be very difficult. In addition, ordinary terminal blocks will not allow insertion into the wiring; twisting allows this. But about the sidebar - a little lower.

READ ON THE TOPIC: What are NShVI lugs for crimping wires.

Self-clamping terminal blocks

Self-clamping terminal blocks are a type of conventional terminal blocks. They provide an even faster connection because you don't even need to use a screwdriver.

The contacts in them are spring-loaded, so to connect the cables it is enough to insert the ends of the wires into the holes with the contacts.

During installation, you need to overcome the force of the spring, after which it will press the contact to the wire. It is noted that this method is very convenient for multi-core wires.

Among the disadvantages of such a connection is that the connection is not particularly reliable; it will not be difficult to pull out the wiring from the terminal block. This is especially true for single-core wires with a large cross-section.

A common disadvantage of terminal blocks is the possibility of moisture getting on the contacts, which can lead to their oxidation and disruption of the connection.

Wire insertion

At the end, a few words about the sidebar. Most often, twisting is used for such a connection.

On the wire to which you want to connect another wire, a small area is cleared of insulation. The stripped end of the connected wire is wound onto the cleaned area, after which everything is insulated with electrical tape.

It is possible to use a special terminal block for insertion. It is T-shaped and consists of two halves with a plate inserted in them.

Such a terminal block in two halves encloses the cleaned area to which the insertion will be made. And the wire that needs to be powered is connected to the side tap of this terminal block.

All types of electrical network connections used were discussed here.

And although the electrical network has been used for a long time, the best connection of two wires is still ordinary twisting, perhaps in addition reinforced by soldering or welding.

Source: https://ElektrikExpert.ru/kak-pravilno-skruchivat-provoda.html

How many wires can be twisted into one twist?

Currently, simple twisting of wires as a type of electrical connection is prohibited. But at the same time, it is often used for greater reliability of contact in other connection options, for example when welding conductors.

Previously, I already talked about all the permitted methods of connecting wires when installing electrical wiring. For a truly reliable and durable connection that will pass any test, be sure to choose one of these.

Now I will tell you in more detail about how many wires can be twisted together . Moreover, you will learn a simple rule, following which you can easily determine the required number of wires of any cross-section for twisting .

And, if you wish, you can twist at least 50 cores together, but I highly do not recommend doing this, now I’ll tell you why.

Many professional electricians will tell you literally the following: “ Correct twisting of copper wires when laying electrical wiring is in itself quite reliable without the use of additional clamps, welding, terminal blocks or sleeves .”

And you will definitely hear stories from practice when a distribution box is opened in an apartment that is several decades old, and the connections there are made through ordinary twists. At the same time, they, like the rest of the electrical wiring, are in close to ideal condition.

There is a simple explanation for this - correct twisting of wires implies their uniform laying, with the required force, of sufficient length, using the correct insulation , etc.

All this together gives a reliable, long-lasting contact that does not require additional revisions for broaching.
As you understand, to do professional twisting of cable cores, you need certain experience and skills. Violation of technology leads to poor contact. Such a connection is simply dangerous; it can heat up and be a source of fire.

That is why it was decided to prohibit all twists when connecting wires. Other methods are much easier to control and forgive some errors during installation. This increases overall electrical safety.

For the same reason, there is a limit on the number of wires that can be twisted into one twist . It is almost impossible to achieve high-quality twisting of a large number of wire strands without experience.

How many wires should be in a twist?

Most often, it is recommended to collect no more than 6 cores with a cross section of 2.5 mm2. in one twist , or better, especially if you have little experience, no more than 4 times. Cables with this cross-section are used in apartments for socket groups.

You can take more conductors with a cross section of 1.5 mm2 used for lighting. And the cables going to the electric stove have a conductor cross-section of 6 mm sq. As you understand, even six pieces are very difficult to neatly twist together without experience.

In order not to memorize the maximum number of wires recommended for twisting:

There is a simple rule:

 The total cross-section of all wires in a twist should not exceed 16 mm2, and the total number of wires is 6 pieces

 Standard distribution boxes most often have up to 6 cable entry points, so twisting with a large number of conductors usually does not work.

Another simple explanation for the limitation of the maximum number of cores is the following: a larger number simply will not allow the tool to properly grasp them when working.

Therefore, I recommend not twisting more than 6 wires at the same time. But, with some skill and strong hands, or using various devices, in rare cases you can twist up to 8 pieces.

Below is a table showing the recommended maximum number of wires in one twist for different cable sections:

Wire cross-section mm.kv	Number of wires in twist
Recommended	Maximum
1.5	6	8
2.5	4	6
4	3	4
6	2	2
10	2	2

When making electrical installations, try to avoid cases where it is necessary to twist more wires than are recommended here.

It is always better to make an additional junction box than to get a poor-quality connection, which will then cause you a lot of problems.

And once again I would like to remind you that officially, simple twisting in electrical applications is prohibited and is used only in combination with other connection methods - compression, welding, etc.

I am sure that there are a lot of people who will say that they can easily twist a larger number of wires with high quality, and the resulting connection is as reliable as possible. I won’t argue with this; moreover, in my practice I’ve had to do something like this (I always weld conductors after twisting).

A striking example of this could be an article about extending the input cable to an apartment, where 3 wires of 6 mm square were twisted. When using certain technologies, this is possible, but I do not recommend doing this all the time; use this opportunity only as an exception.

What do you think? Tell us about your experience in installing twists and the maximum number of wires that can be done efficiently. I am especially interested in the opinion of novice electricians who have decided to do wiring in an apartment or country house.

Source: https://RozetkaOnline.ru/poleznie-stati-o-rozetkah-i-vikluchateliah/item/222-ckolko-provodov-mozhno-skruchivat-v-odnu-skrutku

Correct twisting of wires

The electrical circuit is located over the area of ​​virtually the entire frame, providing the room with electricity for household and industrial appliances, depending on the purpose of the building.

Essentially, a cable is supplied from the central network, which is subsequently placed in the switchboard, from which several more come out, are routed to different ends of the room and connected to the distribution box, from where the final wires come out, ultimately connected to sockets, switches, etc. . Precisely in the distribution.

boxes create the largest number of connections, and sometimes a soldering iron, welding, or connectors are not used there, but wire twisting is used, which does not require special devices or tools, but only those things that virtually everyone has (knife, pliers).
:

How to properly twist wires

In order to virtually reduce the possibility of short circuits and ignitions, the twists in distribution boxes must be made with high quality. If a person performs such an action for the first time, it is better to first carefully read the rules of such a connection, and only after that begin to perform the work. Let's figure out how to do twists correctly, what types there are, and what problems you may encounter when performing this work.

To begin with, it is worth saying that connecting two wires of different metals by twisting is not recommended. Many analytical articles and arguments have been written about this as to why this should not be done:

• different coefficients of thermal expansion (metals react differently to heating and cooling, as a result of which the contact gradually deteriorates);
• the appearance of an oxide film on the aluminum wire (it does not allow current to fully flow, the wire heats up and breaks down over time);
• structural destruction of aluminum during electrolysis (these two metals form a galvanic couple, and after exposure to a humid environment, the metal ends are subject to heating and subsequent destruction).

 

Twisting of copper and aluminum wires

Copper and aluminum cannot be connected directly to each other. However, in many houses there are aluminum wires that need to be connected to copper wires, and twisting is sometimes the only way to connect. In this case, it is important to adhere to certain rules that will allow such fastening to last as long as possible.

• To begin with, it is worth noting that the conductors must be tightly wrapped around each other. If their diameter is significant, there must be at least 3 turns, and if the diameter is up to 1 mm, in this case it will be necessary to wrap the wire around each other more than five times to ensure high-quality transmission of electrical flow. Also, after this it is very important to treat the bare surface with a special varnish that is resistant to water and moisture.
• When connecting copper and aluminum wires, it is better to use a special steel plate placed between them. This will avoid their direct contact. Thus, the service life of such a connection will be much longer. If you don’t have such a component at hand, then you can resort to treating the bare copper wiring with solder, which will also avoid mechanical contacts of these two metals.
• The ideal solution for connecting copper and aluminum conductors is to first apply solder to the copper core. Especially such pre-treatment is often used when connecting single- and multi-core wires, when in this way a wire consisting of several conductors is converted into a single-core one.

 

Twisting wires of different sections

This type of work implies the unambiguous use of additional means for connection. Such devices can be screw clamps, self-clamping terminals, bolts, tinned copper lugs, and walnut-type holes. Also, in order not to purchase additional components, you can use soldering or welding, or other methods of connecting wires.

If the difference in the diameter of the wires is insignificant, for example, 4 and 2.5 mm, then connecting them by twisting is not so difficult. To do this, you need to carefully wrap them around each other, after which you need to use welding or soldering. This fastening of two conductors will last for many years without complaints.

In other cases, twisting wires will not be reliable and durable. In such situations, you simply cannot do without additional components. In various situations, certain devices are used:

• if the cross-section of the wires is large, it is best to use a self-clamping terminal;
• for branching from the main line to the distribution. The shield uses a branch compressor, which among experts is also called “Nut”;
• To connect wires with a large diameter, a copper-tind tip is used.

Errors when twisting wires

The most common problem with connecting conductors in this way is that one wire wraps around another. This is completely wrong. The wires must evenly wrap around each other, thereby ensuring reliable passage of electric current and creating mechanical strength so that such fastening will last for many years.

The length of the twist depends directly on the diameter of the conductors themselves. It is worth considering that the minimum threshold for this characteristic should be no less than 3 cm. Otherwise, everything depends on the diameter of the wires: the larger the diameter, the greater the length of the created twist should be, but there are no specifically prescribed standards in this regard, Each specialist decides for himself what this value should be in order for the connection to be reliable and of high quality.

Source: https://uelektrika.ru/soedinenie-yelektroprovodki/pravilnaya-skrutka-provodov/

How to twist wires correctly: instructions, diagrams, videos

Almost everyone had to twist wires at least once. You will say that this is a fairly simple procedure. On the one hand, indeed, in order to intertwine several cores with each other and put them in a junction box, you do not need to have any special skills.

But not everything is so simple! After all, twisting wires is one thing, but doing it QUALITY and RELIABLY is a completely different matter.

Unfortunately, homemade twisting of wires often causes electrical fires. That is why such a procedure should be approached very responsibly. So that you can be confident in your work and not worry about the fact that somewhere you have poorly insulated or twisted the wires securely enough, we will tell you how to do everything correctly.

Why can twisting wires be dangerous?

So, let’s confirm: twisting wires is rightfully considered the most dangerous connection method. Why?

This is because the degree of contact between two or several conductors at once depends only on the quality of the work you perform. Moreover, over time, weakly bent veins will gradually become even weaker. What does this mean? Well, at least because at high electric current loads in this zone there will be too weak contact. The result is heating of the wires, destruction of the insulating layer and a disastrous ending in the form of a short circuit (we are generally silent about fire and electric shock).

According to the rules of the PUE, this method of connecting wires is completely prohibited. Although, of course, almost all electricians resort to a similar method in ordinary everyday work. And here’s what professional practitioners say: if you twist the wires correctly and carefully insulate them, you won’t have any problems at all. The veins themselves can serve faithfully for another couple of decades.

This begs the question - how to twist wires correctly and “forever”? Let's talk.

Reliable twisting of wires: detailed instructions

For the sake of an example, let’s take the simplest situation - it is necessary to fasten a pair of single-core wires together (let’s assume that both conductors are made of copper). The course of action is as follows:

1. Carefully strip both wires using a special tool or a simple knife, removing the insulation by about five centimeters;
2. Degrease bare contacts with acetone;
3. Take a piece of sandpaper and sand the ends of the conductors to a pronounced metallic color;
4. We lay the bare wires crosswise and slowly wrap one wire around the other (the procedure is performed using pliers, the number of turns is at least five);
5. We wind the second core in the same way;
6. We tightly wrap the twisted area with electrical tape (it would also be a good idea to use a heat-shrinkable cambric - a special tube that will protect the exposed area from the external environment).

You can safely note that there is nothing complicated in the procedure. The main thing is to expose sections of the wires by at least five centimeters and confidently twist them together with pliers, thereby ensuring strong contact.

Options for twisting single-core wires

What about the more complex situation of twisting solid and stranded wires together? Here you need to follow the first two points of the above instructions, after which you need to cross the products together and tightly wind the stranded wire around the single-core wire (at a distance of a couple of centimeters from its end).

Reeled in? Then we take the remaining single-core end and bend it in one smooth movement towards the turns of the stranded conductor. When the task is completed, the wires are insulated and placed in a distribution box. Absolutely the same course of action will help when twisting two stranded wires.

By the way, what is important is that we absolutely do not recommend twisting copper and aluminum wires. Not only professional electricians speak about this, but also regulatory documents - the same GOST. You should not make such twists because copper and aluminum have different metal resistance indicators. Also, when they interact, oxidation occurs, and this in turn significantly worsens the contact.

There is also the following nuance: copper and aluminum have different physical properties in the sense that one of the metals is hard and the other is soft. This will also have an extremely negative impact on the quality of contact between the two conductors.

Tips that will be useful to you

If you want to be sure of the quality of the connection you made, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the following recommendations:

1. Have you twisted the wires, but the twisting does not seem reliable to you? Use soldering or welding! Such a connection will simply become unbreakable and you definitely won’t have to worry about the quality of contact between the cores. By the way, this option is most acceptable when the wire cores have a large cross-section.
2. Use terminals, for example - WAGO. They will not only provide a reliable connection, but will also allow you to make it much faster. Which is also very convenient - using terminals it is quite possible to connect several wires, both with different sections, and even made from different metals. The contact will be more reliable than ever. Terminals are also an excellent option for connecting wires in a chandelier or outlet.
3. Use PPE clamps. Their task is not only to make the connection reliable, but also to increase its security. In addition, such PPE caps are not at all expensive.
4. Did you twist the wires together? Don't rush to hide the connection in a junction box! Let the new electrical circuit unit operate for some time. After this, you will need to check the temperature of the wires where they are connected. If you feel that the wires are heating up, you should definitely redo the twisting!

Use these tips; they will definitely not interfere with you when performing any electrical work where there is a need to connect wires to each other. What is important to pay attention to is that the above methods do not make the twist waterproof. So if you are planning to fasten the conductors in the wall under a layer of plaster (and without a box), be sure to insulate the joints with cambrics.

What's the conclusion?

So we told you about how to twist wires yourself. We advise you to resort to this method only when installing temporary electrical wiring; in other cases, use more modern and safe methods. Also, never forget to turn off the power to your home before starting any electrical work. Good luck!

Source: http://elektro-enot.ru/kak-pravilno-sdelat-skrutku-provodov/

Correct twisting: features and types of connection of electrical wires

Perhaps the most cherished dream of any electrician is electrical wiring without intermediate breaks. So that a separate wire passes from the panel to each switch or socket without connections. But this is a pipe dream - not many people will like the fact that dozens of wires will be connected to the electrical panel. And it gets expensive - you need a lot of wire. That's why the wires branch and connect.

Typical wiring in an apartment can have over a hundred connections. And electrical wiring faults, as a rule, appear precisely in these connections. Therefore, great attention must be paid to the correct connection of wires.

Wire connection methods

methods are used to connect wires :

• pressing (crimping);
• twist;
• PPE clips;
• screw terminals;
• welding;
• soldering;
• bolted connections;
• WAGO terminals.

What is better to choose for twisting wires?

To begin with, let's turn to the PUE. Paragraph 2.121 says that correct termination, branching and connection of cable cores and wires must be carried out using soldering, welding, pressing or clamping (bolt, screw, etc.). That is, of all the above options, only twisting is illegal. But twists will exist until the day there is electricity. Therefore, we will tell you about all connection options.

PPE connection

This is a plastic cap with a square metal wire inside, installed in a spiral cone. Often its cavity is filled with a special lubricant that protects the wires from moisture and prevents oxidation. When connecting wires using PPE, it is important to choose the size of the clamp correctly, taking into account the number and diameter of the wires being connected. As a rule, this information is located on the packaging.

For fastening, the insulation is removed from the wires to a size slightly smaller than the length of the cap, laid together and the PPE is screwed on top. Moreover, the edges of the square spring remove the layer of oxides from the surface of the core, its cone moves apart and, thanks to its elasticity, reliably clamps the wires together. For reliability, some electricians prefer to first do the usual twisting and then install the PPE.

The advantage of PPE is the simultaneous fastening of wires and insulation of their connection area. Disadvantages include weakening of the spring over time, which leads to increased contact resistance. It is not advisable to install PPE in high-current circuits.

Screw terminals

This fastening is very widely used when connecting switches, electrical sockets, lighting devices and other electrical fittings to wires. Screw clamps are often used when assembling electrical panels , as they make it possible to carry out neat and quick installation.

The obvious advantages of clamps include the absence of the need to isolate the fastening. Using these clamps, you can fasten wires made of various metals (copper and aluminum).

Of course, there are also disadvantages. It is not possible to install a multi-core cable into the clamps - it must first be crimped or soldered. In addition, screw terminals require maintenance - they need to be tightened from time to time to prevent the connection from loosening. In general, if there is a free approach to the connection areas, then screw terminals are an inexpensive and reliable solution.

WAGO terminals

This fairly new type of fastening is based on the installation of insulated spring clamps manufactured by the German company WAGO. These WAGO connectors are manufactured in a large assortment and include connectors of various designs, for various purposes, for a wide variety of cross-sections, types and numbers of wires. Therefore, it is advisable to buy WAGO connectors in a specialized store and always check the certificates.

The main advantages of these connectors include quick and easy installation without any special devices, as well as simultaneous insulation of the connection and fastening of the wires.

WAGO fasteners have all the necessary tests, are certified and are widely used both in our country and around the world. Therefore, there are no serious reasons not to trust them. All cases of any problems are due to the wrong choice of WAGO fastening for a certain load or the installation of fakes. It is these points that you need to pay great attention to when using for connection.

Crimping

This option means connecting the wires using crimping with a lug or tubular sleeve. Tips and sleeves are made for cables and wires with a core diameter of 2.6-250 square meters. mm.

Crimping is quite convenient for “set and forget” fastenings, but requires special equipment and the correct selection of sleeves for the specific diameter and number of wires being fastened.

The tools used are crimping presses, as well as manual hydraulic, electric and mechanical pliers.

For crimping, select the required sleeve; if necessary, adjust or select the working end of the tool. The insulation is removed from the wires, the conductors are cleaned and lubricated with a special paste, the sleeve is put on and clamped. A high-quality tool clamps the entire length of the sleeve in one pass; cheaper ones require several clamps at a certain distance from each other. After this, the sleeves are insulated with heat-shrinkable tubing or insulating tape.

Bolt fastenings

Used in circuits with high voltage . A washer of the required diameter is placed on the bolt, then the wires are wrapped around the bolt, another washer is put on and the whole thing is carefully clamped with a nut. If you install an additional metal washer between the cores, you can connect copper and aluminum wires together. In residential electrical wiring, this option is almost never used due to its bulkiness.

All completed installation connections of any type must be accessible for further maintenance and inspection. Correctly selected connection of wires is the main guarantee of the reliability of electrical wiring in an apartment or private house.

Source: https://stanok.guru/oborudovanie/raznoe/pravilnaya-skrutka-i-vidy-soedineniya-elektricheskih-provodov.html