The Different Ways You Can Use a Wire Splice Connector

Wire splices—connections between two or more electrical wires—must be made with approved electrical connectors. The most common types of approved connectors are twist-on plastic caps (commonly known by the brand name Wire Nuts) and the relative newcomers, push-in connectors. Both types are equally suitable and safe for household use, provided you use them properly, following the manufacturer's instructions.

We can see come basic guidelines for ensuring safe connections:

• Use the right connector for the job. Follow the manufacturer's specifications for the correct size and number of wires for each size of connector. Wire size is expressed in its gauge, or AWG (American Wire Gauge) number. For example, a large-size twist-on connector may be able to accommodate a minimum of two 14 AWG wires and a maximum of four 12 AWG wires. Also, note that standard wire connectors are for use with solid and stranded copper wire only; never use them with aluminum wire.
• Use only "UL Listed" connectors. UL, or Underwriters Laboratories, is the leading testing authority of electrical equipment in the U.S. Any electrical product worth its salt is UL tested and approved, and UL listing (indicating approval) is required by law for most electrical installations. If a connector does not show the UL symbol on its packaging, don't even consider using it.
• Cover bare wire ends completely with the connector. If you can't cover the bare ends, you've stripped too much insulation or you haven't installed the connector properly. Never try to correct the problem by wrapping the bare wires with electrical tape. Electrical tape does not take the place of wire insulation.
• Ensure that wire ends are clean and undamaged. When you're working with previously connected wires, cut off nicked, scored, blackened or badly bent wire ends and re-strip the insulation before inserting the wires into connectors.
• Confirm that connectors are secure. After installing the connector, tug on each wire to make sure is it held securely inside the connector. Loose wires are common causes of household electrical fires.

The wire splice connectors have multiple usages and are required all around us. They can connect different wires in a car or harness cables in a truck. While dealing with automobiles, you are highly likely to get in touch with the wire splice connectors.

This article presents you with an easy way to understand the working and use of the splice connectors. Let’s see how you can use them:

1. You’ll find an opening channel in the wire splice connector. Use this opening to go over the wires that you want to connect. Place it in the first available channel.
2. Now in the second channel, add the other wire you want to connect with. Slide this wire from the top till it does not go any further.
3. There is an arc bridge in the middle of the connector (the point to which the second wire has gone in). Use a crimping tool over this bridge so it goes all the way in forming the connection between the two wires and tightening it fully.
4. You can try applying a bit of pressure to pull these wires out. If they stay inside, it ensures the establishment of complete connection.
5. Now pull over the remaining part of the splice connector to provide more durability to the connection, and you are good to go.

SUMMING UP:

Splice connectors can be a handy solution in multiple electrical settings, especially for forming connections in automobiles. With a bit of practice, you can easily use these splice connectors to make your work easy.