OneJay

iTrader: (14)

So my friend wants to install a power inverter in his truck, but we don't know whether to solder the wires, or to strip them, and just twist, and use a wire nut.
The guy at radioshack said not to solder wire to wire, and to twist them together and use a wire nut.
My friend said that the people on his forum always solder the wires together and it turns out fine.
For all you electrical guru's out there, what is the appropriate way to do this? Thanks.

bob2200

Achieving a mechanical connection and then soldering is sort of the "gold standard" for connecting wires. Screw terminals (e.g., terminal barrier strips) are fine. Wire nuts are certainly OK for higher voltages and lower currents, but I don't think they were designed for low-voltage, high-current applications. Especially with stranded wires, I'd feel better soldering. But, then again, a car is not a house and you're not expecting things to last 50 years or more.

mkorsu

Definately NO wire nuts. They are not designed for automotive use. They will vibrate loose and come off.

Soldering is the best way to go but tape and splice is perfectly acceptable.

OneJay

iTrader: (14)

Thanks for the help guys.

PushinLEX

iTrader: (9)

Solder.


I am guilty of using wire nuts and electic tape.....

88supramki

solder, or even butt connectors is better that twist and tape

icedowt

t taps are good too depending on what you are doing either butt connectors or soldering. twist and black tape is just as bad as wire nuts. not safe at all

Raja GS

I agree, wire nuts are a big no when it comes to mobile electronics.
T- taps are effective only if done correctly. I prefer soder and tape. It helps you maintain the factory look.

OneJay

iTrader: (14)

What are butt connectors and t taps exactly? Sorry if this is a n00b question, but I am new to wiring.

bob2200

I believe that they are referring to crimp-on connectors, where you have a crimping tool and connectors that usually come in colors (pink, blue, etc.) that cover a range of wire sizes. I forgot to mention these as they are good too. Typically they are designed for thinner, stranded wire.

88supramki

^^

that's them

T-taps are connectors in which you can remotely connect to a wire without cutting it. It makes a small slice in the shielding in both wires and connects them that way.

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

just make sure you get the right gauge one.

OneJay

iTrader: (14)

Oh, I've seen those connectors before. They just look like little colored tubes right?

cliffud

iTrader: (3)

the colored tubes are the butt connectors. the ones in the image are t-tap connectors which allow you to branch off an existing set of wires.

Debonair

"Butt" Connectors



T-Tap Connectors (Dark Blue Ones)



I personally LOVE t-tap connectors. I bought a 100 pack at Fry's a long time ago and have used them many times.