Basic Wire Joining
From M-Tech Automotive
Soldering is the best way to connect wires. If you use any other method, such as bullet connectors, choc-blocks,scotch-locks etc then expect problems. Maybe not straight away, but definately in the near future!
To solder you will need:
- Soldering Iron
- Solder (Rosin core, not Acid core)
- Wire Strippers
- Heat Shrink
Contents |
Step One
Strip the two wires that need to be soldered together. You should have 1/2-3/4 inch exposed wire on each.
Step Two
Place an inch or two of the correct size of heatshrink over one of the wires and slide it out of the way of the soldering area. (It will shrink if it gets too warm!)
Step Three
Cross the wires in an "X" pattern and twist them together.
Step Four
Apply the soldering iron the the splice. Quickly dab the end of the iron with solder, this solder helps transfer the heat to the wire. Allow the wire to absorb the heat. This should take aprox 20-30 seconds...
Step Five
Apply the solder to the wire, NOT the iron. Once the wire is hot enough, it will absorb the solder. If you touch the solder directly to the iron, the wire will not absorb the solder. This will result in a faulty "cold solder" joint.
Step Six
Slide the heat shrink over the joint, and apply heat either from the Iron or with a Hot-Air gun to shirnk and seal the joint.
Step Seven
Admire your perfect, insulated join.
