What is the best way to make an electrical connection?

solder, wire nut, etc.

Thanks, Tony

 

Solder is by far the best.

 

what kind of wires you connecting ?

 

Actually what I'm connecting is my A/C temp cycling switch....a mechanic cut the male, female plugs off so I'm putting them back on, and installing a new temp switch. The wires are 20 gauge so I'm thinking that solder may not work in the situation.

Thanks for the help, Tony

 

so thats aperminent connection definentley soder an shrenk rap

 

a proper solder is the best then i would say a high quality butt connector.

 

if your not going to solder then posi lock it

 

Solder and Shrink tubing

 

The best electrical connection has many answers, depending on just what is being connected to what.

For wire to wire splices, strip an appropriate length of both wires, CLEAN the strands until shiny, lay alongside each other and twist tightly together, heat the splice until solder runs freely throughout the joint, let cool, then insulate with two or three layers of shrink-tube.

If splicing wire 14AWG or larger, instead of the twist-together splice, use un-insulated BUTT-connectors, crimped heavily, then solder-filled, then the three layers of shrink-tube.

Cut the first layer of shrink-tube the same length as the naked splice, the next layer about 1/2" longer, and the third 1/2" longer than the second.

 

I have good luck with heat shrink butt connectors from napa. I use them on my lobster boat for all connections and they hold up good and thats with salt spray everywhere.

 

What BearKiller said! Richie O I tried those heat shrink butt connectors but when I crimp them It tears through the shrink what kind of crimper tool do you use?

 

Just an old pair of stripper / crimpers. Mine must not be as sharp as yours.

 

I would only recommend soldering. A small rosin solder makes "tining" quite easy with a decent iron. As for shrink tubing, use a filled tubing, not the junk GB brand that can be slipped off after shrunk. Remember that your enemy is electrolosis, moisture is in the air so make it "air tight". And I ussually solder 26ga twice a week at work.