Every homeowner, car owner and garage owner is sooner or later concerned with the issue of connecting wires. There are several ways, the operability and durability of the equipment will depend on the chosen one. One of the simplest reliable methods is wire crimping.
The essence of the method and advantages
Crimping for wires is a method of connecting them using special sleeves. Visually, they resemble ordinary pipes. The main task is to play the role of a connecting mechanism.
The conductors of the wires that need to be connected are wound up to the stop on both sides of the sleeve and crimped with special press tongs. The result is a reliable and durable electrical assembly. The tube must be squeezed in several places, depending on the cross-section of the switched conductors and the length of the cores. The connected sleeve with the conductors is also subject to deformation. By squeezing, the wires are interlocked, which provides reliable electrical contact. Finally, it is imperative to insulate the junction.
The crimping method is most in demand in such cases:
- if necessary, connect wires with a large cross-sectional area;
- for connecting stranded conductors;
- if there is a need to connect wires in power lines with high current load.
The advantages of the method:
- The tool designed for crimping the sleeves is used without electricity. In rooms where there is no voltage - crimping is the only connection method.
- Such a connection does not require maintenance throughout its entire operational life.
- With the help of sleeves, conductors made of different metals can be connected. One of the most common problems faced by electricians is the connection of copper and aluminum conductors.
- The quality of the connection is at a high level, the amount of time spent is minimal.
- A special crimping tool allows you to connect the conductors even in very confined spaces, for example, in a box or socket.
Even a person without experience and skills in this area can crimp the sleeve, unlike other connection methods. For example, when soldering, you need to be able to use a soldering iron and solder.
What is the joining process
Before starting work, you need to purchase couplings suitable for the diameter of the wire. This indicator should be exactly 2 times the diameter together with the insulating layer.
There are two types of couplings - simple and with complicated insulation. The former have a single layer of plastic, the latter are equipped with a layer of heat shrinkage on the surface and inside with a layer of glue and sealant.
It is worth taking a responsible approach to the choice of tool - press tongs. The best option is a modification equipped with a ratchet for fixing, which greatly simplifies the process of working with non-insulated and insulated conductors.
Work begins by cutting the wire with wire cutters. Further, it is important to clean them from insulation to a length of 0.5 of the length of the sleeve. If several wires are connected on one side, they are pre-twisted. Then a sleeve is put on and carefully healed with ticks.If the kit included heat shrinkage, it is put on before crimping.
One side of the pliers is equipped with an oval sponge, and the other side is equipped with the same sponges, only in large sizes. The smaller side is for clamping the wire insulation in the sleeve, and the other is for fixing the metal sleeve.
For a secure connection, the pliers crimp the sleeve first on one side and then on the other. Next, the heat shrinkage is mounted and processed with fire from one side to the other. If the wires are connected on one side, the heat shrink is put on in advance.
Other connection methods, their advantages and disadvantages
The most common method after crimping wires is soldering. It still occupies a leading position in electronics because of its high mechanical strength. Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting that in a humid environment and places with large temperature differences, this method of connection will not work.
Another well-known method is twisting. The main advantage of the method lies in its implementation - a minimum set of tools is required. When connected, the conductors remain intact. To twist the wires, you only need to clean small areas of the insulating layer. Dismantling the connection should also not raise questions. The only difficulty that may arise at the stage of work is the small contact area, as well as the low reliability of the connection.
The crimp wire connector combines the advantages of all methods.
Common mistakes when crimping wires
Despite the fact that it is not difficult to crimp wires, people make typical mistakes during installation.
- The use of a sleeve, the dimensions of which are the same or less than the cross-section of the wire. In this case, it will be necessary to cut off part of the wire, which will negatively affect the durability and reliability of the connection. It also leads to a decrease in the resistance and throughput of the traumatic section of the circuit.
- Crimping the sleeve using tools not intended for this. To ensure a high-quality connection, special pliers must be used, other tools will not be able to provide the desired effect. Pliers and hammer damage the structure of the lugs, which again negatively affects the durability and performance of the wire.
- Another common mistake in crimping wires is cutting the sleeve to save money. In such sections of the circuit, there is an increased resistance, deformation of the geometry of the tips. The strength and reliability of the connection is poor.
- Use of oversized liners. This approach will also be unsuccessful. Even slight bending will immediately reduce the strength of the joint.
In conclusion, it is definitely worth mentioning the observance of personal safety precautions. Electrical appliances and live wires are a potential threat not only to health, but also to human life.
