How to connect wires correctly: practical tips with photos

The problem of connecting wires at least once in a lifetime has arisen in every person. At the same time, these products are presented in a fairly wide range: aluminum and copper, single-core and multi-core, computer and telephone, power and heating. They are designed for different loads and require special approaches when working. The question arises: how to properly connect the wires?

The main requirement is to ensure reliable insulation and a long service life.

Features of connecting aluminum and copper wires

Traditional twists are not always able to provide the desired result. Especially in the case of copper and aluminum wires.

As a result, after a certain number of cycles of heating and cooling, the contact will be weakened enough that overheating and disconnection of the connection can occur. Such a situation is inadmissible from the point of view of security.

There are several main types of wire harnesses:

• Connecting insulating clamps;Screw terminal blocks and junction boxes or pads;
• Self-clamping terminal blocks and splitters;
• Clamping splitters;
• Electrical connectors with plug-in contact;
• Connection sleeves and handpieces.

Their practical application requires different approaches and tools.

Connecting insulating clamps

Connecting insulating clamps or simply caps PPE provide simultaneous insulation and fixation of the contact. It is used exclusively for single-core wires.

Before connecting the wires, their ends are twisted clockwise. Inside the cap there is a helical spring, which compresses the wires as they are put on. The clamp is screwed onto the contact point also clockwise.

Screw terminal blocks and junction boxes

The screw terminals are used to connect copper wires. Aluminum is soft enough and plastic. At constant pressure, it deforms. As a result, contact will weaken over time and begin to warm up.

In practice, the wire is inserted into the brass terminal block and clamped with a screw. For the qualitative connection for each section of the wire it is necessary to select the size of the holes of the device.

It should be noted that if the force is too strong, the brass sleeve can burst.

In the screw terminal box the contact point is also clamped with screws. It is suitable for connecting aluminum and stranded wires. This is possible due to some structural differences between the terminal blocks. The end of the wire is clamped between two plates. In this case, the top has a surface that allows increasing the contact surface.

How to connect the wires - Video

Self-clamp terminals and splitters

Self-clamp terminals and splitters are designed to connect only solid copper or aluminum wires. They can reliably connect the two materials together. These are disposable products. In their design, a pressure plate is provided that provides a tight contact of the end of the wire with the tire of tinned copper and prevents the connection from loosening with time.

The question arises: how to connect aluminum wires with this device? The surface of the clamping plate is coated with a mixture of quartz sand with technical petroleum jelly.

The first serves as an abrasive to remove the oxide film from the aluminum wire, and the second - to prevent its re-formation. For reliable and long service of products it is necessary to comply with the requirement for the maximum design value of the current passing through it.

Clamping splitters for correct wire connection

Clamping splitters are suitable for any type of wire in any combination. The design of the product provides a plate that presses the end of the wire to the tire of tin-plated copper.

Unlike self-clamping terminals, this connection is reusable. Reliable contact is provided by means of a special movable lever. It allows you to change wires and their combinations an unlimited number of times. The product is designed for a maximum current of 35A.

Electrical connectors with plug-in contact

Electrical connectors with plug-in contact or Scotch-Lokas can be used only in networks with weak load. For example, for phones or LED lights. This is a disposable product.

The design provides one or two plates, one of whose surfaces is a cutting-clamping. The internal space of the connector is filled with a hydrophobic gel. Its purpose is to protect the contact site from oxidation, moisture and corrosion.

When using a wire, they are inserted into the holes and the adhesive tape is snapped with a compressive force. The plate cuts through the insulation of the wire and provides a tight connection.

Connection sleeves for large current wires

Connection sleeves are used for high currents. Suitable for aluminum and copper wires or a combination thereof. The use is quite simple.

One or more wires are placed inside the sleeve and it is clamped with special pliers. The application of the tool provides a quality connection that does not require additional maintenance. There are several versions of the product:

1. To connect the wire to the housing, when grounding, use liners with a flat end and a hole in it;
2. For single-core wires, sleeves with a screw terminal are used;
3. For all wire combinations, universal tinned copper sleeves are used.

Tip is designed to securely connect stranded copper wires. On the one hand, it has an extension. Before connecting the copper wires, their ends must be twisted and inserted into the extension. Then the tip is pressed by clamp mites. Hereafter, the thus processed end of the wire can be used in any type of connection.

The main goal, pursued with the use of various means for connecting wires - ensuring their reliable and long-term contact. Knowledge of the purpose and design features of products will help to make the most effective use of them in practice.