How to properly connect electrical wires

How to connect electrical wires?

The article will discuss the types of connections between electrical wires. The connection method is selected based on environmental conditions, the number of conductors, material and cross-section of the cores.

Twist

The easiest way to make an electrical connection is to twist two wires together. Conventional twisting is not provided for by the Electrical Equipment Installation Rules as a connection method due to its unreliability, but it is often found today. To twist, you need to take 2 wires, remove the insulating layer by 5 centimeters, twist the exposed cables, cut them to the same level and secure with insulating tape.

Soldering

To connect wires using soldering you will need the following:

• soldering iron;
• rosin;
• sandpaper;
• solder.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Remove the insulating layer from the cables.
2. We clean the wires with sandpaper until they have a metallic shine.
3. We twist the cables.
4. We heat the twist with a soldering iron (it is better to do this from the end of the twist so as not to damage the insulating layer).
5. Dip the twist into melted rosin.
6. Using a blowtorch, solder the twist.

This method has the following advantages:

• the connection of wires is more reliable than in most other options;
• Soldering can be done at home.

However, soldering cables also has disadvantages:

• take a lot of time. This is quite inconvenient when connecting electrical cables on an industrial scale;
• If the connection needs to be disassembled, the soldering area is cut off and a certain part of the cable is lost.

Welding

This method is considered the most reliable, but requires special skills. Welding is often used in the installation of high-voltage electrical networks. List of things needed when welding wires:

• welding machine;
• individual protection means;
• flux for cleaning the welding site from oxidation;
• metal brush;
• electrodes.

To carry out welding, the following algorithm of actions is performed:

1. Strip the conductors of insulation (4-5 centimeters).
2. Twisting the cable. As with soldering, it is recommended to use pliers to cut the wires to the same length.
3. Pour flux into the electrode.
4. Press the twist onto the electrode.
5. Weld the contact using a welding machine.
6. Retract the electrode.
7. Clean the resulting weld with a wire brush.
8. Secure the weld with insulation.

The disadvantage of welding is the aforementioned complexity of the process and the inconvenience of using it at home.

Terminal blocks

A convenient and modern way to connect wires. Currently, there are several types of terminal blocks.

Polyethylene terminal blocks

One of the most common terminal blocks, as they are sold in every store. The cables in this case are connected using two screws, which are located inside the terminal block.

The advantages of this connection are ease of use and low cost. But polyethylene terminals have a lot of disadvantages:

• aluminum cables cannot be connected, since the terminal block screws compress the metal and, due to its structure, it begins to deform under pressure, which leads to poor contact;
• multi-core wires cannot be connected (this is due to the design of the terminal block);
• fragility of the material (brass, which is used in this case, tends to deform easily if the screws are tightened too much).

Plastic screw terminal blocks

They have a similar clamping mechanism, but are of higher quality and more reliable due to the materials used.

Self-clamping terminal blocks

The most common terminal blocks are from Vago. To connect cables in this way, it is enough to strip the cables to the required length and insert them into a special connector on the terminal block. The metal plate inside the mechanism will press the cable, thus securing it securely.

Pros:

• you can connect from 2 to 8 cables (depending on the type of terminal block);
• you can connect aluminum cables, since the metal plate gently presses them and does not deform them;
• ease of use.

The disadvantage of self-clamping terminal blocks is that it is quite problematic to get the cable without damaging the terminal block. But you can still do this if you start turning the cable along its axis and slowly pull it out.

Terminal blocks with Vago levers

The terminal blocks consist of a plastic housing on the outside, levers and internal metal clamping plates. To create a contact, you simply need to strip the wires to the required length, insert them into the terminal block connector and hold the lever.

The main advantages of such a terminal block:

• possibility of using different types of cores (copper and aluminum);
• reusable (opened the lever, took out the cable and inserted a new one).

One of the disadvantages is that when installing networks, such terminal blocks take up a relatively large amount of space.

ScotchLok Terminal Blocks

They consist of a transparent plastic body and several pointed metal teeth with a plate. In this option, the cable is simply inserted into the terminal block (without removing the insulating coating) and it is clamped with pliers. Thus, metal cutters pierce the insulation of the wires and create contact between them.

This connection method is simple and does not require special skills. However, such terminal blocks have several disadvantages:

• can only be used to connect conductors with low current (telephone wires, lighting cables);
• disposability in use. To disconnect the contact, you need to cut the wires at the base of the terminal block. Thus, part of the wire is also lost.

PPE (caps for twisting)

Connecting insulating caps (PIC) are a simple and reliable connection method. They consist of two parts - an outer cone-shaped cap made of non-flammable plastic and an internal metal spring.

To connect using PPE you must:

1. Strip the conductors of insulation.
2. Twist the wires together in a helical pattern.
3. Insert into cap.
4. Turn clockwise a couple of times.

Pros of PPE:

• you can connect from 2 to 8 cores depending on the type of PPE;
• ease of use;
• if necessary, you can disassemble the connection without damaging the wire;
• withstand large temperature changes. However, before industrial use of PPE, it is strongly recommended to test it for contact overheating.

Disadvantages of PPE:

• Aluminum and copper conductors cannot be connected together due to their different structures. In this case, the wires may oxidize and weaken or completely lose contact (at best) or short circuit the network (at worst), which can lead to a fire;
• If you choose caps of the wrong diameter, they can fly off the connection or, on the contrary, crush it.

Connecting sleeves

To use such a sleeve, you need to strip the wires, insert them inside and crimp the sleeve with pliers. The advantage of this connection is that the sleeve does not reduce the resistance in the conductors and, as a result, can last quite a long time. There are also special sleeves for connecting copper wires to aluminum. The disadvantages include disposable use.

Bolted connection

This type of connection can be made at home. Its advantage is that aluminum and copper conductors can be twisted together. To connect you need the following:

• insulating tape;
• bolt with nut and three washers;
• pliers or wrenches for tightening the bolt.

Procedure:

1. We clean the wires.
2. Twist the loops at the ends. The best way to do this is with a bolt.
3. We put on the bolt: 1 - washer, 2 - wire, 3 - washer, 4 - wire, 5 - washer. Then screw the nut on top of it all and tighten the resulting connection.
4. We wrap the contact with insulating tape.

The undoubted advantage of this design is that it is possible to connect cores of different metals.

The disadvantages include the fact that this method is more time-consuming than using PPE or terminal blocks.

Branch squeezes

This method differs from all those described above. The clamps are not used to connect wires, but to branch off from an existing electrical network. In this case, to make the connection, the insulating layer is removed from the cable according to the size of the clamp, the terminal block is put on the wire, the branch cable is inserted and the clamp is twisted.

The advantages of this connection:

• there is no need to cut the wire strands for subsequent connection;
• reusable clamp;
• possibility of connecting aluminum and copper wires together.

The only downside is that such compressions are most often used in main power grids and would simply be impractical at home.

Source: http://sarstroyka.ru/remont/elektrika/kak-soedinit-elektricheskie-provoda.htm

What is the most reliable way to connect electrical wires?

Knowledge of modern technologies and methods of working with electrical fittings, is it really necessary? Yes, you need to know how to connect electrical wires correctly.

This can be useful during installation and installation of any power supply systems. Is the wiring burned out, does the lighting fixture need to be replaced, or new equipment needs to be installed. Such knowledge may not be necessary, but it would be better to know all the common methods of connecting electrical wires

Application in terminal block circuits

Terminal blocks are electrical products made of non-conducting material, inside of which a conductive sleeve is inserted, which has a pair of screws at opposite ends. They serve to secure the wire. An excellent choice for implementing a modern way of connecting wires.

Types of terminals for connecting wires

When choosing a reliable connection of wires, it is important to remember: terminal blocks are produced with different holes for many cross-sections.

This method is almost always used for connections in junction boxes of any type, during installation, installation of wall and other lamps. It is suitable for mounting most devices, switches and sockets.

It is easy to mount a network using such fittings; you just need to insert the bare ends into the holes and, using moderate force, securely tighten the screws. The wire itself should not be crushed.

Having figured out how to properly connect electrical wires using terminals, it is worth exploring other equally reliable methods.

Connecting the wire with a screw clamp

Evaluation of the terminal method: Excellent quality of fastening. Their prices are reasonable. Quite quick and easy installation. A good opportunity to connect different conductors, for example, aluminum and copper.

Sometimes the terminal blocks themselves are sold in poor quality, which threatens to break them during installation. Possibility of connecting no more than two cables of the same section into one socket. Be sure to read how to correctly connect wires by color.

It is not recommended to connect aluminum and stranded circuits with blocks. This is due to the high fragility of aluminum wires and the great flexibility of the stranded wire conductors themselves. But overall a decent method.

Spring terminals

Quick installation of electrical networks is sometimes simply necessary. For example, install temporary lighting on a balcony, terrace, gazebo. Wago spring terminals are an excellent product for such work. A modern and of course reliable way to connect wires. Although they are new to the electrical accessories market, installation using spring terminals is quick and, importantly, convenient.

Vago clamping terminals

The main difference between the use of the Vago terminal blocks themselves: they are more convenient to connect any wires in electrical boxes than with twisting. Here, for high-quality installation, a unique clamping mechanism is used, rather than a simple screw. Manufacturers produce both disposable and reusable vagon systems.

1. In the usual version, this product is used for one-time use; during repair work in the future it cannot be restored. It is removed and a new one is installed in its place.
2. Wago reusable terminals are a little more expensive, but with their help you can disconnect the assembled contacts several times, rewiring the circuit to suit your needs. This speeds up the process of repairing or installing permanent and temporary networks. A simple lever-type mechanism provides the advantage that it is possible to carefully but efficiently fix any wire without damaging or squeezing it.

With the help of a vault, it’s easy to do the fastening yourself; you just need to strip the insulation and insert the required wires into the mounting hole. Press the lever. It is important to correctly calculate the load on the wires using an online calculator.

Evaluation of the wago clamping system: Unique ability to combine any aluminum, copper and other conductors. There is an option for connecting multi-core cables simultaneously (two or more).

Wago universal clamps allow you to fix any thin stranded conductor without damaging it. Another plus is the compact size of the pads.

Wago self-clamping terminals

Excellent quality and durability. The Vago type block has a technological hole that provides access for a screwdriver with a voltage indicator. The operation of any power line can be checked at any time. Perhaps one drawback is the considerable cost of the terminals themselves. But this type of wire connection is the most modern and fastest.

Isolation with PPE caps

Deciphering the product is not difficult, connecting insulating clips (PPE). They are ordinary nylon or plastic caps with an internal lock.

Connection with PPE caps

The simplest type of connection of wires, it is carried out after twisting the conductors themselves, the cores. Caps are often used to connect wires in junction boxes and to mark connections with the desired color.

Assessment of the use of such products: Quite low cost of PPE. The use of safe material prevents ignition of electrical wiring. Easy installation, put it on a twist of wires and you're done. These caps have a wide range of colors, which is convenient. Of course, if the wires are not color coded, colored PPE has the ability to determine or simply mark zero, phase and other necessary electrical routes.

There are also disadvantages: Insufficient level of fixation. Multicore wires can be installed only after soldering.

Installation of networks using sleeves

This option claims to be the most reliable connection method. Any load and quality of wires.

Crimping wires with sleeves

The conductive wires are inserted into a special tube - a sleeve, and crimped with a certain force. There is one thing, but. The cross-section of the wires should not exceed the cross-section of the mounted sleeves. Having inserted and crimped the clip, the sleeve is carefully insulated with heat-shrinkable tubing or other insulating materials.

Overall rating. A great way to securely connect wires. The direction of the conductors can be on different sides of the tube or on one side. The sleeves are quite inexpensive. A good way to reliably connect wires to each other.

There are also disadvantages. Disposable use of sleeves, they are not dismountable. To carry out such work you will need a tool: pressing pliers, which are also used as a special tool. They remove the insulation. They have a crimping device in their arsenal, and electrical installation work takes a little longer.

Soldering or welding wires

This method is reliable. Typically, this method of connection in a junction box involves first stripping and twisting the ends, after which they are dipped into heated solder. It is advisable to connect aluminum to aluminum wires by soldering. They are then insulated using a heat pipe or insulating tape.

Method of twisting wires

It is strictly not recommended to immediately cool soldered wires in water; microcracks that occur with this type of cooling affect the quality of the connection. They don't last long.

Evaluation of the soldering method. It provides strong circuit contacts and excellent quality, is not expensive, and is the most reliable method of connecting electrical wires in a soldered box.

Technological disadvantage. You can't do this without a soldering iron. The speed of work is not high. The connection is naturally not detachable. It follows from this that soldering is done in extreme cases, using more modern connection methods. It has not been popular among masters for a long time because it takes more time.

There is also a less common method for connecting electrical wires, welding. The process is similar, but requires the use of a special welding machine, of course, and certain skills.

Contact twisting method

Not a new, one might say “old-fashioned” method, it consists of spiral twisting of the cores among themselves. The essence of all work is to twist the stripped conductors using pliers, and cover the twisted area with insulation. These are, perhaps, all the ways to twist wires.

Reliable ways to twist wires

Evaluation of this connection method. High speed of all installation work. The cost part is minimal.

Flaw. It is forbidden to connect together strands of different compositions, copper and aluminum wires, oxidation is inevitable.

According to the regulatory framework, fastening wires with twists in a junction box is not recommended for use in rooms with flammable materials, high humidity, basements, or in any house built of wood.

Learn more about the method of twisting electrical wires. I definitely recommend watching a video about which is better: twisting or Vago terminal blocks.

Wire clamp "walnut"

Such a device is simply a cable clamp that has two plates inside and several screws for tightening, usually in the corners. It is enough to screw the wires to the plate itself. Then put a carbolite shell on top.

Clip called Walnut

Grade. An excellent option for connecting any electrical wires in a large and medium-sized junction box. Definitely, these types of products are quite convenient and have a high degree of protection. Makes it possible to quickly connect a wire to a thick gauge track without tearing it.

Flaws. Dimensions allow installation only in spacious distribution boxes and switchboards. Over time, the screws loosen.

Tip: When choosing fittings and method, remember the following:

• It is necessary to work only with isolated tools and use protective equipment.
• Be sure to post a “do not turn on” warning sign on the shutdown panel or meter.
• Connect electrical appliances according to the attached instructions.

Having considered the main types of wire connections, you can easily select the right option. And having a simple tool and a diagram at hand, you can mount it yourself. Learn more about how to install an electrical panel correctly.

on the topic of correct connection of wires

Source: https://sdelalremont.ru/nadezhnye-sposoby-soedineniya-elektricheskix-provodov.html

How to connect electrical wires correctly? — Metals, equipment, instructions

Requirements are requirements, and the most popular type of connection is twisting. Where quick installation is required, terminal blocks of various shapes are used. One of the types of terminal connections is spring terminals. Wago products are especially popular.

To perform a tap without breaking the line, squeezes are used, which are called nuts among electricians. It is some type of terminal connection.

Using Terminal Blocks

The terminal block consists of contacts mounted on a plate of insulating material. The contact plate has a screw on both sides with which the wire is tightened. This allows you to press a copper wire on one side of the plate, and an aluminum wire on the other side, without fear of chemical interaction between these metals.

You can connect different types of wires. On one side, a single-core wire can be attached to the plate, and on the other, a multi-core wire. Another problem that can be easily solved using a terminal block is connecting wires with different core diameters.

The terminal block can consist of one or more contact plates, which is very convenient in installation conditions. To do this, just collect the required number of plates and secure them in the right place.

Installation of PPE caps

PPE caps are often used when installing wiring. In appearance, they are very similar to the back plastic cap of a ballpoint pen. A cone-shaped spring is placed inside it. The spring is coated with oxidation-resistant metal by anodizing.

To connect the wires, you need to strip them to a length of 10 - 15 mm and fold the stripped sections into one bundle. The ends of the bundle are inserted into the cap, which is then screwed onto them until it stops. The PPE cap can connect several wires, the total cross-section of which will not exceed 20 mm².

They are produced in different sizes, so choosing the ones you need is easy. The caps are color-coded, which is convenient for identifying phase or neutral wires.

PPE brand	Number and cross-section of cores in mm²	Cap color
PPE – 1	2 x 1.5	Grey
PPE – 2	3 x 1.5	Blue
PPE – 3	2 x 2.5	Orange
PPE – 4	4 x 2.5	Yellow
PPE - 5	8 x 2.5	Red

PPE caps can significantly increase installation time because this connection does not require additional insulation. The cap material is made of non-flammable material and will not cause spontaneous combustion if overheated at the junction.

The quality of connection of PPE with caps is worse than with terminals and does not allow connecting wires of different metals.

Crimping with special sleeves

Where it is necessary to create a high-quality and reliable connection, special sleeves can be used. The sleeve is a piece of copper tube of the required diameter. The diameter of the sleeve is selected depending on the total diameter of the connected wires.

The stripped ends of the wires are inserted into the sleeve and clamped. Then a heat-shrinkable tube is put on the sleeve, which insulates this sleeve. If there is no heat shrink tube, you can use cambric or electrical tape. Wires can be inserted into the sleeve from one or both sides. For crimping, they try to use special hand press pliers.

With this connection, the sleeve cannot be used twice. During repairs, it is simply thrown away. If you use hand strippers and press pliers, you can perform installation with good productivity.

Soldering or welding

Installation using soldering is not used very often. Soldering always guarantees a reliable connection. The contact has low resistance and good mechanical strength. Soldered wires are less susceptible to damage due to ingress of moisture.

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

To connect by soldering, it is necessary to strip the wires by 40 - 50 mm, tin with rosin and twist. Then solder is applied to the twisted ends and heated until it spreads evenly over the entire twist and flows inside. The appearance of the soldered wires should be shiny.

After soldering, the sharp ends are treated to prevent damage to the insulating material. Any available type can be used as insulation.

This connection can be considered the most labor-intensive. The soldering process requires certain skills. Installation in this way at a height using improvised means is not very convenient. When connecting by soldering, it is necessary to leave some reserve in case of repair.

In some cases, a connection using the contact welding method is used. The process itself is similar to the soldering method, but the stripped twisted wires are not coated with solder. A welding transformer is used for connection. The ends of the wires are heated until they fuse into one metal ball.

For insulation, put a heat-shrinkable tube or wrap it with electrical tape on the welded ends.

Stranding and insulation

The rules of the PUE completely reject twisting, but in practice, connecting wires by twisting is used almost everywhere. But you need to know how to twist, and then it will last for decades. To do this, strip the wires according to this calculation. That the twist should be at least 4 - 5 cm long.

The cleaned areas are cleaned of the oxide film with a knife blade or fine sandpaper. The ends of the wires are crossed at a certain angle at the end of the insulation and twisted tightly with pliers. The twist should be even and tight. From above it is insulated with existing insulation.

Twisted connections cannot be made for wires of different sections. Do not twist wires made of different metals. Twisting a single-core wire with a stranded wire is not allowed. This connection is used only where there is no fire-technical acceptance of repairs.

Walnut clamp

The nut-type branch clamp is designed for making branches from main wires without breaking. At the point where the outlet is connected, a section of insulation is removed and a “nut” is attached to this place. The clamp consists of a carbolite body and a steel clamp. The clamp consists of two plates and screws. Each plate has a recess for a certain cross-section of wire.

One plate is placed under the wire and covered with another plate on top. Both plates are clamped with screws, and between them there is a wire and a tap. To choose the right “nut” depending on the diameter of the wire, you need to use the table.

Clamp type	Line cross-section mm²	Branch section mm²	Clamp dimensions
U731M	4 – 10	1.5 – 10	42 x 41 x 31
U733M	16 – 35	1.5 – 10	42 x 41 x 31
U734M	16 – 35	16 – 25	42 x 41 x 31
U739M	4 – 10	1.5 – 2.5	42 x 36 x 23
U859M	50 – 70	4 – 35	62 x 61 x 43.5
U870M	95 – 150	16 – 50	84 x 85 x 60
U871M	95 – 150	50 – 95	84 x 85 x 60
U872M	95 — 150	95 — 120	84 x 85 x 60

To make the connection, you need to disassemble the carbolite body. It consists of two halves compressed by two retaining rings. If the rings are pryed and removed, the body will fall apart. If the wires are made of different metals, then it is necessary to use an additional plate. It will prevent contact of different metals and further oxidation process, which will worsen the contact. The screws are tightened with reasonable torque and inserted into the housing.

Using a bolt

The bolt connection is most often used when it is necessary to connect copper and aluminum wires. Stripped wires are put on a regular steel bolt, and steel washers and a Grover washer are put between them. The entire “sandwich” is pulled together and wrapped with insulating tape.

What to do if there are several wires?

To connect multiple wires, you can use a terminal block. To do this, you need to connect one half of the contact plates with one wire. The number of such plates must be equal to the number of wires. The remaining wires are attached to the opposite contacts of the plates.

You can take a terminal block with a number of plates equal to the number of wires divided in half. Then one half of the wires is clamped onto one half, and the other half onto the other half of the contacts.

  How to properly cut tiles with a grinder?

Multiple wires can be connected using a bolt. Place a steel washer between the wires, and put a Grover washer under the nut.

Identical wires can be connected using a PPE cap using known technology or by welding.

What to do if the wires are of different sections?

If you need to connect wires with cores of different sections, you can use:

• Soldering or welding;
• Bolted connection;
• Connection with self-clamping terminals;
• Screw terminals;
• Branch clamp;
• Copper lugs and bolted connection.

Combining stranded and single-core products

The connection of stranded and single-core wires can be made using:

• Solder connection;
• Connection with special sleeves;
• Terminal connections;
• Connection with lugs.

How to carry out work in water and on land?

All outdoor electrical wiring must be carefully protected from moisture. For installation, it is necessary to choose cable products that are designed for such work. The cable must have at least two insulating layers. In addition to the existing insulation, the wire must be placed in a corrugation. For installation in the ground - in a pipe with sealed couplings.

All sockets, switches, lamps and other elements must be manufactured in the appropriate design. On water, only low voltage is used for power supply. All connecting elements are placed above the water level.

Source: https://spb-metalloobrabotka.com/kak-pravilno-soedinyat-elektricheskie-provoda/

Connection of electrical wiring wires

The connection of electrical wiring wires is important for trouble-free operation of the electrical network of the apartment and house. To connect wires correctly, you need to know about the planned network load and know how to connect wires made of different materials. Incorrect connection leads to heating of the wires and their connections.

The property of heating wires during the passage of electric current is actively used not only in everyday life, but in many areas of industry and production. For example, industrial heaters used in extruders, injection molds and molds are heated by spirals with high electrical resistance placed in a ceramic shell.

What is the problem with wire connections?

The main problem of wire connections in electrical wiring is the connection of wires or cable cores made of aluminum and copper. So what's the problem?

When copper and aluminum are twisted, a chemical compound is formed from the contact of copper and aluminum, which is often called “red death”. This connection, having a denser crystal lattice than copper and aluminum, weakens the contact of the connection.

In addition, such a connection destroys the oxide film around aluminum (Al2O3), and this provokes corrosion of the aluminum, which again leads to weakening of the contact.

This is all true, but there are some, but!

• Firstly, these processes proceed quickly only in air, with the access of moisture, hydrogen sulfide and other aggressive catalysts.
• Secondly, these processes proceed very slowly if you have well insulated the twisted copper and aluminum. Breaking contact in such a twist can take 10-20 years and the possible current in the electrical wiring of the apartment will not affect the time of destruction of the twist.

I am not writing all this to encourage you to twist aluminum and copper. No! It’s just that if, somewhere, someone did such a twist on you, there is no need to panic. I'm sure it will work for decades.

But, still, you don’t need to do such twists yourself. There are many options to make the correct connection of copper and aluminum electrical wiring wires.

Correct connection of copper and aluminum wiring wires

The most reliable connection is welding the ends of twisted wires. Welding leads to diffusion (mutual penetration) of materials into each other. In installation conditions, fusion welding using active fluxes VAMI, F-54A is applicable. (do not confuse soldering with melting).

But I repeat once again, all the costs of joining copper and aluminum by twisting, using the correct technology, are not worth it. You can use other types of wire connections, which are discussed below.

Connecting electrical wires - connection technologies

According to the PUE ed. 6 (pue_6), clause 2.1.21. You can only connect wire strands:

• Lived by crimping the ends;
• Welding twisted wires;
• He lived by soldering;
• Using screw and bolt clamps (clamps).

Source: https://ehto.ru/elektroprovodka/soedinenie-provodov-elektroprovodki

How to connect electrical wires to each other

All electrical engineering, since the time of Faraday, uses wires. And for as many years as wires have been used, electricians have been faced with the problem of connecting them. This article explains what methods there are for connecting conductors, and the advantages and disadvantages of these methods.

Twist connection

The easiest way to connect wires is twisting. Previously, this was the most common method, especially when wiring in a residential building. Now, according to the PUE, connecting wires in this way is prohibited. The twist must be soldered, welded or crimped. However, these methods of connecting wires begin with twisting.

In order to perform high-quality twisting, the connected wires must be cleared of insulation to the required length. It ranges from 5 mm when connecting wires for headphones to 50 mm if it is necessary to connect wires with a cross-section of 2.5 mm². Thicker wires are usually not twisted together due to their high rigidity.

The wires are stripped with a sharp knife, insulation stripping pliers (ISR) or, after heating with a soldering iron or lighter, the insulation is easily removed with pliers or side cutters. For better contact, bare areas are cleaned with sandpaper.

If the twist is supposed to be soldered, then it is better to tin the wires. Wires are tinned only with rosin and similar fluxes. This cannot be done with acid - it corrodes the wire and it begins to break at the soldering site. Even washing the soldering area in a soda solution doesn’t help.

Acid vapors penetrate under the insulation and destroy the metal.

The stripped ends are folded parallel into one bundle. The ends are aligned together, the isolated part is held firmly with your hand, and the entire bundle is twisted with pliers. After this, the twist is soldered or welded.

If there is a need to connect the wires to increase the total length, then they are folded opposite each other. The cleaned areas are placed crosswise on top of each other, twisted together by hand and tightened tightly with two pliers.

You can only twist wire made of the same metal (copper with copper, and aluminum with aluminum) and of the same cross-section. Twisting wires of different sections will turn out uneven and will not provide good contact and mechanical strength. Even if it is soldered or crimped, these types of wire connections will not ensure good contact.

How to connect electrical wires by soldering

Connecting electrical wires by soldering is very reliable. You can solder untwisted wires, but such soldering will be fragile due to the fact that the solder is a very soft metal. In addition, it is very difficult to lay two conductors parallel to each other, especially when suspended. And if you solder on some kind of base, the rosin will stick the soldering area to it.

A layer of rosin is applied to the pre-tinned and twisted conductors with a soldering iron. If another flux is used, it is applied in the appropriate manner. The power of the soldering iron is selected based on the cross-section of the wire - from 15 W when soldering headphones to 100 W when soldering twisted wires with a cross-section of 2.5 mm². After applying the flux, tin is applied to the twist with a soldering iron and heated until the solder completely melts and flows into the twist.

After the soldering has cooled, it is insulated with electrical tape or a piece of heat-shrinkable tubing is put on it and heated with a hairdryer, lighter or soldering iron. When using a lighter or soldering iron, be careful not to overheat the heat shrink.

This method reliably connects wires, but is only suitable for thin wires, no more than 0.5 mm², or flexible ones up to 2.5 mm².

How to connect headphone wires

Sometimes the cable near the plug breaks off in working headphones, but there is a plug from faulty headphones. There are also other situations in which it is necessary to connect the wires in the headphones.

To do this you need:

1. cut off a broken plug or an unevenly torn cable;
2. strip the external insulation by 15–20 mm;
3. determine which of the internal wires is common and check the integrity of all conductors;
4. cut the internal wiring according to the principle: leave one alone, common by 5 mm and the second by 10 mm. This is done to reduce the thickness of the connection. There can be two common conductors - each earphone has its own. In this case they are twisted together. Sometimes a screen is used as a common conductor;
5. strip the ends of the wires. If varnish is used as insulation, it will burn off during the tinning process;
6. tin the ends to a length of 5 mm;
7. put a piece of heat-shrink tubing on the wire 30 mm longer than the expected length of the connection;
8. put pieces of thinner heat-shrinkable tube 10 mm long on the long ends, do not put on the middle (general) ends;
9. twist the wires (long with short, and middle with middle);
10. solder the twists;
11. bend the soldered twists outward to the unprotected edges, slide pieces of thin heat-shrinkable tubing onto them and heat it with a hairdryer or lighter;
12. Slide a larger diameter heat-shrinkable tube onto the joint and warm it up.

If everything was done carefully and the color of the tube was matched to the color of the cable, then the connection will be invisible and the headphones will work no worse than new ones.

How to brew twist

For good contact, the twist can be welded with a graphite electrode or a gas torch. Torch welding has not become widespread due to the complexity and the need to use gas and oxygen cylinders, so this article only talks about electric welding.

Electric welding is performed using a graphite or carbon electrode. Graphite electrode is preferable. It is cheaper and provides better welding quality. Instead of a purchased electrode, you can use a rod from a battery or a brush from an electric motor. It is better not to use copper electrodes. They often get stuck.

For welding, you first need to make a twist 100 mm long, so that the finished one turns out to be about 50. The protruding wires need to be trimmed. For welding, it is best to use an inverter welding machine with adjustable current. If this is not the case, then you can take a regular transformer with a power of at least 600 W and a voltage of 12–24 V.

Near the insulation, “ground” or “minus” is connected using a thick copper clamp. If you simply wrap a wire around a twist, the twist will overheat and melt the insulation.

Before starting welding, it is necessary to select the current. The required current varies depending on the number and thickness of the wire that makes up the twist. The welding duration should be no more than 2 seconds. If necessary, welding can be repeated. If everything was done correctly, then a neat ball will appear at the end of the twist, soldered to all the wires.

How to connect wires by crimping

Another way to connect wires is crimping. This is a method in which a copper or aluminum sleeve is placed on the wires or cables to be connected, and then crimped with a special crimper. For thin sleeves, a manual crimper is used, and for thick ones, a hydraulic one is used. This method can even connect copper and aluminum wires, which is unacceptable with a bolted connection.

To connect using this method, the cable is stripped to a length greater than the length of the sleeve, so that after putting on the sleeve, the wire sticks out 10–15 mm. If thin conductors are connected by crimping, then twisting can be done first.

If the cable has a large cross-section, then, on the contrary, in the stripped areas it is necessary to align the wire, fold all the cables together and give them a round shape. Depending on local conditions, the cables can be folded with the ends in one direction or in the opposite direction.

This does not affect the reliability of the connection.

A sleeve is tightly placed on the prepared cables or, when laid in opposite directions, the wires are inserted into the sleeve from both sides. If there is still free space in the sleeve, it is filled with pieces of copper or aluminum wire. And if the cables do not fit in the sleeve, then a few wires (5–7%) can be cut off with side cutters. If you do not have a sleeve of the required size, you can take a cable lug by sawing off a flat part from it.

The sleeve is pressed 2–3 times along its length. The crimping points should not be located at the edges of the sleeve. It is necessary to retreat 7–10 mm from them so as not to crush the wire during crimping.

The advantage of this method is that it allows you to connect wires of different sections and from different materials, which is difficult with other connection methods.

Bolted connection

A fairly common connection method is a bolted connection. For this type you need a bolt, at least two washers and a nut. The diameter of the bolt depends on the thickness of the wire. It should be such that a ring can be made from the wire. If wires of different sections are connected, then the bolt is selected according to the largest one.

To make a bolted connection, the end is cleared of insulation. The length of the stripped part should be such as to make a ring that fits onto the bolt using round pliers. If the wire is stranded (flexible), then the length should allow, after making the ring, to wrap the free end around the wire near the insulation.

In this way, you can connect only two identical wires. If there are more of them, or they are different in cross-section, rigidity and materials (copper and aluminum), then it is necessary to install conductive, usually steel washers. If you take a bolt of sufficient length, you can connect any number of wires.

Terminal block connection

A development of the bolted connection is the terminal connection. Terminal blocks come in two types - with a rectangular pressure washer and with a round one. When using a terminal block with a pressure washer, the insulation is removed to a length equal to half the width of the terminal block. The bolt is released, the wire is slipped under the washer and the bolt is clamped again. On one side, you can connect only two wires, preferably of the same cross-section and only flexible or only single-core.

Source: https://vi-pole.ru/chem-soedinit-jelektricheskie-provoda-mezhdu-soboj.html

How to Make a Reliable Electrical Wire Connection for Home Wiring

When doing DIY repairs of household appliances or electrical wiring maintenance, any craftsman is faced with the issue of safely creating electrical circuits by connecting wires to each other or connecting them to output terminal blocks.

At the same time, even experienced electricians can make mistakes in ensuring the reliable formation of electrical contacts, which will not appear at the initial moment of operation, but will create a malfunction over time.

The metal of the wire is made for the ideal flow of electric current through it. For this purpose, it is cast from a homogeneous composition of copper or aluminum alloy with a standard cross-section along its entire length.

To create contact, simply touching the surfaces without any effort is enough. The photo below shows that if you place the exposed core of a second wire on one bare section, an electrical connection is formed between them. Through it, a 4-volt battery can make a light bulb from a flashlight glow.

In home wiring, the voltage is much higher - 220 volts. An erroneous conclusion is drawn from this fact: it is easy to create contact between electrical wires.

Novice electricians simply forget the issue of providing reliable contact resistance for long-term operation of such a connection.

When installing wires, the home master is faced with the need to process:

1. conductor;
2. insulation layer.

These are two interrelated processes that ensure the final result - the optimal flow of electric current through the created circuit.

How to work with wire insulation layer

The dielectric coating protects the metal core from unexpected circuits. When it is violated, leakage currents immediately appear, leading to malfunctions.

The wire insulation layer may be damaged:

• under mechanical influence;
• overheating;
• from solar radiation.

Protection is required from all these destructive factors. Moreover, if necessary, removing the insulation layer to connect the wire, you must not damage the surface of the metal core.

To do this job safely, many tools with cutting edges have been created. Let's consider their use at home.

Electrician's knife

Trade provides a wide range of their designs. Some workers prefer to use knives made by themselves from materials selected according to individual characteristics.

When choosing the right model for your needs, pay attention to the safety of using them, eliminating the possibility of accidental cuts.

The main condition for proper operation is the orientation of the blade relative to the axis of the wire. The angle formed should be acute. Then the knife will cut off the dielectric layer and at the same time slide along the metal without touching it.

Installing a knife perpendicular to the wire will cut not only the insulation, but also the surface of the metal core. This means it will reduce its cross-section, break the connection, increase the electrical resistance to the passing current, which will cause excessive heating and aging of the dielectric layer.

Deep penetration of a sharp blade into the metal leads to rapid breakage when the wire bends. Such scratches can be identified by careful visual inspection. But who does this?

A lineman's knife is a common tool for every electrician, but not all home craftsmen have good practical skills in removing insulation with it. And experienced specialists can accidentally cut metal and not notice the mistake.

Therefore, industry has long been producing tools adapted for these purposes.

Stripping pliers

Their industrial designs have been produced for quite some time, and the design is constantly being improved. Let's look at them with examples.

Rare sample

Combined pliers were produced for the Soviet electrician's tool kit, allowing:

• Safely cut through and remove insulation from wires with typical cross-sections of 1.5 and 2.5 mm square;
• bite copper wires;
• bend neat rings;
• perform other operations.

They cope with their tasks normally even now, despite their unsightly appearance, slight wear and heavy weight. To strip the insulation from the ends of the wire, it is enough:

• insert it into the corresponding slot;
• squeeze the handles to cut the insulation;
• ensure axial movement of the pliers to the end of the wire.

The surface of the metal core is not damaged and remains in its original condition.

The increased compression force of the handles is compensated by the design of the pliers and does not create malfunctions.

Modern models

They have significantly greater technical capabilities, allowing them to work with wires of small and large cross-sections, both monolithic and stranded conductors.

The case, made of high-strength plastic, has dielectric properties and is lighter in weight. Various regulators and devices are installed on it.

Before work, such a tool must not only be studied, but also correctly adjusted for each cross-section. Otherwise he will create problems.

Pliers and side cutters

Among electricians, there is a category of workers who remove insulation in a similar way. The error of this method is the uncontrolled compression force of the handles, leading to squeezing of the metal wire, deformation and destruction of its surface.

This error may occur periodically in a random pattern. It depends on the employee’s experience, condition, attentiveness and other factors.

Removing insulation in this way is dangerous, and the places where it is removed must be carefully checked. Particular attention should be paid to stranded strands.

How to work with metal core wires

Methods for creating electrical contacts through wire are based on the use of:

• screw terminals;
• twists;
• soldering or welding;
• spring compression.

Screw connections

The connection can be made:

• pressing the ring;
• by pressing the core with a screw directly or through washers.

Making rings

When screwing in the screw, the ring of wires should work to compress, not unwind. They must be separated with wide washers on each side of the surface. A wire that is incorrectly clamped into a ring may come out of the fastening during operation.

This method is considered the most reliable and is widely used in energy enterprises.

Using terminal blocks

The metal core is inserted into a special socket and held in it by the tightening force of a screw through the surface of a spring steel washer or its threaded end.

With this method, it is important to maintain the nominal value of screw screwing force. Weak twisting leads to the wire being pulled out of the terminal (you need to check it with your hand), and excessive twisting crushes the wire.

Twisting wires

The created contact surface between the cores must cover the cross-sectional area with a margin.

To do this, the twisted ends with the insulation removed are made of a large length, about 10 cm, and they are twisted using pliers quite tightly with an even distribution of turns.

When twisting, the wires should be well crimped and stretched to ensure reliable contact of the surfaces.

Ways to Create an Improved Twist

The contact resistance of the surface layer can be reduced by:

• welding the final section of the connection;
• soldering twisted surface.

Not every home master can use this technology. It requires special equipment - a welding transformer for copper or aluminum, or a soldering iron. Therefore, in home wiring, the twists are immediately covered with electrical tape or insulated with heat-shrinkable tubes.

Typical twist errors

Often, electricians make short ends of the wire, which, under heavy loads, cause increased heating of the contact connection being created.

Insulating caps for connecting wires

The contact is created by compressing the surfaces of each wire with the force of a spiral spring built inside the housing.

Metal wires of the appropriate diameter, stripped of insulation, are screwed into a spiral, creating a twist. The steel spring straightens a little when the ends of the wire are inserted and compresses them into the socket.

Errors in installing wires with PPE caps

Poor connection contact quality occurs from:

• incompetent work of electricians;
• the use of low-quality counterfeits of branded products;
• incorrect calculation or installation of electrical wiring;
• incorrect selection of circuit breakers and protective shutdown devices.

To prevent possible malfunctions, individual craftsmen increase the surface of the twist, having first removed a larger layer of insulation than required and twist it on it. After screwing in the PPE cap, the exposed area is wrapped with electrical tape or covered with heat-shrink tubing, which creates additional compression.

However, such technology is not provided by manufacturers and requires additional actions and time.

Wago terminal blocks

When using them, the electrical contact of the circuit is created by a spring clamp controlled by a special lever.

The wire is inserted with a metal core into the terminal block socket until it stops with the lever retracted, and then fixed in it with a simple action. The created contact connection has an acceptable contact resistance and works well at rated loads. You should not count on its reliable operation under long-term overloads of more than 16 amperes.

The advantage of Vago terminal blocks is the ability to quickly rewire the circuit for its reconstruction. The wires from them in most designs can be quickly and easily removed. However, there are disposable models on sale that do not provide the function of re-breaking the created chain.

This connection method is common among our western neighbors. It is well suited for the DIYer who does everything with his own hands, but does not have sufficient practice in reliably connecting cores in other ways.

Features of connecting a flexible wire

Stranded strands are designed for use in mobile electrical appliances. They withstand bending and twisting well, but do not work well when installed in terminal blocks to create a screw or spring contact.

Under the created compression force, individual wires are deformed, and their overall twist spreads so that the total cross-sectional area of ​​the wire can decrease.

To prevent this process, metal tips with a dielectric insert of appropriate diameters are used. After installing the bare core in them, a small crimp is made, creating electrical contact.

When a stranded wire with such a tip is inserted into the terminal block, it is additionally compressed by fastening a screw or by spring force. As a result, a normal electrical contact is created from all the wires.

Only properly configured protection can prevent the consequences of undetected installation errors when switching on under load:

• circuit breakers,
• RCD or automatic devices.

To supplement the material on reliable connection of wires, in relation to home wiring conditions, the owner’s video “Tips from an Electrician” “Pros and Cons” provides information. We recommend viewing.

If you have any unresolved questions, ask them in the comments. And now is the most convenient time for you to share this material with your friends on social networks using special buttons.

Source: https://HouseDiz.ru/kak-vypolnit-nadezhnoe-soedinenie-elektricheskix-provodov-dlya-domashnej-provodki/

How to connect electrical wires

The process of building and renovating a house does not end with finishing the walls and floor; an important event is the correct location and installation of electrical wiring in the house. However, not everyone knows the algorithm for installing wires and junction boxes. As a rule, a qualified electrician is called for this, but if for some reason this is not possible, you can connect the wires yourself.

Important! If you do not have the necessary skills and knowledge, then it is better not to undertake wiring installation - it is life-threatening.

Depending on the type and method of fastening the wires, the purpose of the wiring, various types of connections are used in everyday life. This is due to electrical safety rules and the peculiarities of network operation.

There are four types of wire connections, all regulated by the PUE rules. This condition is important due to the fact that these methods meet all safety standards.

Terminal connections

When installing an electrical wire, it is necessary to choose high-quality products - this is the key to safe and reliable operation. As a rule, copper is used. However, in everyday life situations may arise when you have to connect aluminum and copper channels to each other, how to connect them in this case? It is then that this type of connection is used.

The terminals are brass devices that are filled with helium. This filler prevents the oxidation of metals.

Terminal connections are used both for connecting wires of the same type and of different types. Such connectors are classified into three types: spring, knife and screw, depending on the type of fastening.

Clips or spring terminals are used to secure the channels together. The mechanism of the device is simple: the design includes a spring, with the help of which the core is secured in the case, forming a safe and compact connection.

On sale you can find terminal connections of various types, depending on the diameter, current and voltage in the network. These parameters are indicated by the manufacturer on the product body.

Screw terminals are used to connect wires of different cross-sectional diameters, as well as multi-wire bundles, if they have brass tips. The design consists of a pin screw onto which the core is secured. However, the maximum number of wires in a bundle is no more than three.

Important! The wire must be cleaned before winding it onto the terminal screw.

This type of terminals is convenient when installing a copper cable in a distribution box, first of all, because the connection is compact and easily fits inside the box. The disadvantages include the fact that the wires can break and lose contact. As a result, this device requires preventive and diagnostic measures, unlike clamps, which are guaranteed to last up to 30 years.

Knife connectors are used to insert branch wires into the main channel. As a rule, this method is used to install a wire going to an outlet from a box or earth conductor. This type gets its name from the design features, which includes a knife that cuts through the braid of the wire, separating it.

Connecting wires with caps

Connecting insulating clips (PIC) or caps are used to connect wires made of the same material. They are used for both stranded and single-core wires. During installation, the channels are cleared of insulation and twisted together. In order for the connection to be reliable, it is necessary to select the optimal size specified by the manufacturer. If the size is not suitable, then the quality of the fastening decreases, in fact, as does the level of safety.

Welding wiring channels

Welding is the most reliable method. Its peculiarity is that only wires from the same material can be welded together. However, this method has several disadvantages. Firstly, the process requires the use of special equipment. Secondly, skill.

The process is simple: the channels are cleared of the winding and twisted, then the end is cut to the same length of each object. Only after this the components are welded.

PPE caps are used to insulate the exposed ends. The use of this method guarantees a long service life and reliability of the structure.

Branch clamps

This type of connection is typically used outdoors. “Nuts” or branch clamps are used to connect the secondary channel to the main wire core. You can also connect products of different types, for example, copper and aluminum. They are separate containers in which a bunch of electrical wires are located.

In addition to these methods, they use the method of twisting wires, however, this method is unsafe, even if the ends are treated with insulating material.

Therefore, the rules provide for the fastening of power supply channels only by the methods above and approved by the PUE.

We have indicated the main methods of fastening electrical wires, but it is up to you to choose which one is optimal for your situation.

How to connect the wires in the junction box yourself, depending on the individual case? You can find a more detailed answer in this video.

Source: http://obrawa.ru/kak-pravilno-soedinyat-elektricheskie-provoda-v-elektricheskih-korobkah-i-mezhdu-soboj/

How to properly connect electrical wires

When installing or repairing electrical wiring, when connecting household appliances and a host of other works, it is necessary to connect conductors. In order for the connection of wires to be reliable and safe, it is necessary to know the features of each of them, where and when, under what conditions they can be used.

Existing methods of connecting conductors

Basic methods of connecting conductors in a house or apartment

Connecting wires can be done in several ways:

• welding is the most reliable method, ensuring high reliability of the connection, but requiring skills and the presence of a welding machine;
• terminal blocks - a simple and fairly reliable connection;
• soldering - works well if the currents do not exceed the norm and the connection does not heat up to temperatures above the norm (65°C);
• crimping with sleeves - requires knowledge of technology, special pliers, but the connection is reliable;
• use of spring clamps - wago, PPE - are quickly installed and, subject to operating conditions, ensure good contact;
• bolted connection - easy to perform, usually used in difficult cases - when it is necessary to switch from aluminum to copper and vice versa.

The specific type of connection is selected based on many factors. It is necessary to take into account the material of the conductor, its cross-section, the number of cores, the type of insulation, the number of conductors that will be connected, as well as operating conditions. Based on these factors, we will consider each type of connection.

Welding – high reliability in any conditions

When connecting wires by welding, the conductors are twisted and their ends are welded. As a result, a metal ball is formed, which provides a stable and very reliable connection in any conditions. Moreover, it is reliable not only in terms of electrical characteristics, but also mechanically - the metal of the connected wires after melting forms a monolith and it is impossible to isolate a separate conductor.

Welding - it is important to heat the metal, but not melt the insulation

The disadvantage of this type of wire connection is that the connection is 100% permanent. If you need to change something, you need to cut off the fused piece and do it all over again. Therefore, for such connections, a certain supply of wires is left in case of possible alterations.

Other disadvantages include the need for a welding machine, appropriate electrodes, flux and operating skills. In addition, welding takes a lot of time, it is necessary to protect surrounding objects, and it is also inconvenient to work with a welder at height.

Therefore, electricians practice this type of connection in exceptional cases. If you are doing it “for yourself” and know how to handle a welding machine well, you can practice on scraps.

The main trick is to not melt the insulation, but to weld the metal.

After cooling, the welding site is isolated. You can use electrical tape, you can use heat shrink tubing.

Connecting wires by crimping

To crimp wires, a special aluminum or copper sleeve is required - it is selected based on the size of the twist (bundle diameter), and the material is the same as for the conductors. The bare wires, stripped to a shine, are twisted, a tube-sleeve is put on them, which is clamped with special pliers.

An example of crimping conductors with a sleeve

Both sleeves and pliers are different, there are several types. Each of them has its own rules of use (the number of wires that can be packed in a sleeve), which you need to be well versed in. It is necessary to pack the wires according to certain rules, measure the size of the resulting bundle, and adjust it to the requirements. In general, a rather dreary task. Therefore, this type of wire connection is mainly used by professional electricians, and more and more often they are switching to spring clamps.

Terminal blocks

One of the simplest and most reliable wire connections is through terminal blocks. There are several types, but almost all of them use a screw connection. There are sockets of different sizes - for different sizes of conductors, with different numbers of pairs - from 2 to 20 or more.

The terminal block itself is a plastic case in which a metal socket or plate is sealed. A bare conductor is inserted into this socket or between the plates and clamped with a screw. After the screw is tightened, you need to give the conductor a good tug to make sure it is tightly clamped. Due to the fact that the connection points remain uninsulated, the terminal blocks are used in rooms with normal humidity.

The disadvantage of such a connection: due to the ductility of metals - especially aluminum - the contact weakens over time, which can lead to an increase in the degree of heating and accelerated oxidation, which again leads to a decrease in contact. In general, the connection of wires in screw terminal boxes must be tightened periodically.

Connecting wires in terminal blocks

Advantages - speed, simplicity, low cost, does not require any skills, except the ability to use a screwdriver. Another important advantage is that you can easily connect wires of different diameters, single-core and stranded, copper and aluminum. There is no direct contact, so there are no risks.

Soldering

First, about soldering technology. The connected conductors are stripped of insulation, cleared of the oxide film to bare metal, twisted, and then tinned. To do this, the conductors are heated with a soldering iron and applied to rosin. It should cover the joint completely. Tinned wires are twisted first with your fingers, then pressed using pliers. Instead of tinning, you can use soldering flux. They wet the wires well, but after twisting.

Then, in fact, the soldering process begins: the joint is heated with a soldering iron or narrow torch. When rosin or flux begins to boil, take some of the solder onto the soldering iron tip and bring it into the soldering zone, pressing the tip against the conductors. The solder flows to fill the gaps between the wires, making a good connection. When using a torch, solder is simply added little by little into the torch.

Next, after the soldering area has cooled, according to the technology, it is necessary to wash off the remaining flux (they accelerate oxidation), dry the joint, cover it with a special protective varnish, and then insulate it with electrical tape and/or heat-shrinkable tubes.

Now about the advantages and disadvantages of this method of connecting wires. In low-current systems, soldering is one of the most reliable methods of connecting wires.

But, when installing electrical wiring in a house or apartment, it is criticized mercilessly. The thing is that solder has a low melting point. When large currents periodically pass through the connection (this happens if the circuit breakers are incorrectly selected or faulty), the solder gradually melts and evaporates. Over and over again, the contact becomes worse and the connection heats up more and more.

If this process is not detected, the matter may well end in a fire.

The second negative point is the low mechanical strength of soldering. It's the tin again - it's soft. If there are a lot of wires in a soldered joint, and if they are also rigid, when you try to pack them, the conductors often fall out of the solder joint - the elastic force is too great, which pulls them out. That is why it is not recommended to use soldering connections when wiring electricity: it is inconvenient, time-consuming and risky.

Spring clamps for connecting wires

One of the most controversial ways to connect wires is using spring clamps. There are several types, but the two most common are wago terminal blocks and PPE caps. Externally and in terms of installation method, they are very different, but both designs are based on a spring, which creates strong contact with the wire.

There is controversy about this spring. Opponents of using wago say that the spring will weaken over time, the contact will become worse, the connection will begin to heat up more and more, which, again, leads to an even more rapid decrease in the degree of elasticity of the spring. After some time, the temperature may rise so much that the body (plastic) will melt, but what can happen next is known.

Spring clamps for electrical wiring - popular connections for wires

In defense of using spring clamps to connect wires, if they are used according to manufacturers' recommendations, problems are very, very rare. Although there are many fakes of both wago and PPE, as well as a sufficient number of photographs of them in melted form. But, at the same time, many people use them, and, under normal operating conditions, they work for years without complaints.

wago wire clamps

They appeared on our market several years ago and made a lot of noise: with their help, the connection is very quick and easy, and at the same time has high reliability. The manufacturer has specific recommendations for using this product:

• wago should only be used for single-core or stranded conductors with a cross-section from 0.5 mm 2 to 4 mm 2;
• for fixing and connecting stranded and small-diameter wires, use the CAGE CLAMP clamp - from 0.08 mm 2 to 35 mm 2;

What's inside wago wire clamps

Inside these devices there is a metal plate, which ensures the proper degree of contact. The shape and its parameters of the plates were specially developed and tested. The tests were carried out on a vibration stand for many hours, then heated and cooled. After which the electrical parameters of the connection were checked. All tests were passed “excellent” and branded products always perform “five”.

In general, the range of Wago products is very wide, but for installing electrical wiring or connecting home appliances and lighting fixtures, two types of wire clamps are used: series 222 (detachable) with the ability to reconnect or change the connection, and series 773 and 273 - which are called permanent.

Source: https://ostwest.su/instrumenty/kak-pravilno-soedinit-jelektricheskie-provoda.php/

Methods for connecting wires - how to connect electrical wires and cables yourself

Methods for connecting electrical wires

Electrical wiring plays an important role in our homes. The correct and uninterrupted operation of the equipment depends on it. Most electrical wiring problems are caused by breaks. Therefore, it is important to know the basic methods of connecting wires. The reliability of the wiring and your safety depend on this. With the right skills, you can connect electrical cables yourself. After studying the safety precautions and instructions, this process will not seem difficult to you.

How to connect wires

There are different ways to connect wires correctly. It should be remembered that not every method will allow you to connect copper and aluminum wires to each other - for this you should use terminals.

To connect wires and cables, you need to choose one of the existing methods:

• twist connection;
• soldering or welding method;
• connection using terminal blocks;
• connection by crimping;
• bandaging method.

All these options have their advantages and disadvantages - they will be listed below. All you have to do is choose the method that best suits your situation.

How to connect cables and wires by twisting

Twisting is a traditional and proven method. To connect you need to do the following:

• take two wires and remove the standard insulation of five centimeters;
• twist them tightly;
• insulate the twist using electrical tape, heat-shrink tubing or special insulating terminals.

If you connect wires in a junction box, you can bundle up to six wires into one twist. Therefore, you take as many wires as needed in your situation. This connection method will not work if you need to connect a copper wire to an aluminum one. In such cases, you need to use other methods of connecting wires.

This method of connecting electrical wires is the simplest, but not the most reliable - mechanical twisting can be weakened under the influence of various factors.

How to connect wires by soldering and welding

Soldering and/or welding are considered a safer technology for connecting wires. This method is particularly reliable. But to carry out soldering work you need to have a number of skills and materials:

• knowledge of electrical installation basics;
• rosin;
• tin-lead solder;
• soldering iron

When you have studied the issue and stocked up with everything you need, you can start soldering:

• take two wires and expose them for twisting;
• cover the electrical wires with a not very thick layer of solder;
• twist the wires;
• carry out soldering using a soldering iron;
• let the wires cool down.

This method is a guarantee of reliability and durability. It will ensure reliable contact of the wires - they will serve you for many years without interruption.

To weld cables or electrical wires, you need a power transformer with a power of 400-600 W and carbon electrodes. The process of connecting wires is similar to the soldering technique. Once you have connected them, you need to provide insulation in any convenient way. When soldering and welding, you should first expose the junction of the wires and twist them tightly.

The main disadvantages of such connection methods are the complexity of the installation process and the high probability of damage to the wires. Therefore, carefully study safety precautions when soldering and welding electrical wires.

Methods for connecting wires using terminal blocks

Terminals are a modern option for connecting cables and wires. These special boxes and plates are sold ready-made and have insulated compartments for connection. This method is very simple and reliable. For connection you can choose the following options:

• terminal blocks. They are produced in the form of plates with a certain number of holes. Using a strong clamp, the electrical wires are connected in the cells of the block;
• spring terminals. When connecting wires, you need to strip them and install them in special cells. The wires are fixed with a special spring inside the device;
• branch terminals. They are used to branch wires. These terminals are a device with two plates with grooves for wires. The wires need to be clamped with four screws.

These are the main types of terminals for connecting wires. There are many of them on the modern market - you can easily choose the appropriate option. The main advantage of the terminals is that the wires do not need to be insulated - you can safely connect copper cables to aluminum ones.

Connecting wires using crimping method

Crimping involves compressing and deforming a special sleeve and the wire contained in it. There are two types of crimping:

• continuous compression;
• local indentation.

Crimping takes place according to the following algorithm:

• Aluminum wires are cleaned and treated with lubricant. It is better to take quartz-vaseline paste. It is enough to lubricate copper wires with Vaseline;
• take a special sleeve;
• insert the wires into it so that the joint is in the middle;
• crimp the sleeve on both sides.

If you need to connect copper and aluminum wires, use a copper-aluminum sleeve.

Banding method

This connection method can be used both in combination with other methods, and separately. The connection technology is very simple:

• remove the layer of standard insulation from the wires;
• the wires are pressed tightly against each other;
• The connection must be carefully wrapped with wire. If you are connecting copper wires, you must use copper wire. Aluminum electrical wires require aluminum wire.

In terms of reliability, the banding method can be compared with the twisting method. But it is quite fast and effective.

Before starting work

Here are the main ways to connect wires with your own hands. You can choose any of them. The main thing is to strictly follow the instructions and advice of specialists when connecting electrical wires. Only responsibility and conscientiousness during work will ensure the reliability of the wiring and your safety.

Before working with electrical wires and cables, make sure they are disconnected. You should also stock up on all the necessary materials and tools in advance. It should be remembered that almost every method requires careful insulation of the wire joints after the connection is completed.

The process of connecting wires and cables is key when connecting electrical wiring. Correct connection guarantees the safety of using electricity, so the procedure must be approached with the utmost responsibility.

If you have any doubts before starting to work with wiring, it is better to contact a specialist. But detailed instructions will help you understand in detail how to connect the wiring.

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Source: https://remont.youdo.com/articles/electric/soedinenie-elektricheskih-provodov/