Connecting wires in a junction box: learning how to connect wires. Methods for reliable connection of wires Movable connection of wires

Cut the cable at an angle so that the end is tapered rather than blunt. Leave the wire closest to the cut point about 7-8 cm longer than the other two wires. Straighten the stiff wire and make a small loop at the end.

Pass the wire through the loop and wrap it around the stiff wire. Start winding tape around the cable, over the connection. Wrap the tape tightly in a spiral until you slide it over the wires. Each successive winding overlaps the previous one, making it less likely that the edge of the tape will catch on something when you pull it over obstacles. The copper wire is not as stiff, so it will most likely come loose from the connection in the style shown, so this method should not be used with it.

Connection of two flexible wires

If you are using copper wire as a fishing tool, use a Western Union connection. Start with two L's, then wrap each wire around the other without looping them around. The recording step is the same for both methods.

How to connect wires correctly: 4 main ways

Methods for connecting wires are regulated by the Electrical Installation Rules. According to their latest revision, the following options can be used for connection:

• soldering;
• welding;
• crimping;
• compress.

Nevertheless, many electricians still use one of the most common connection methods - twisting. According to the current rules, it is not a complete process, it must be followed by soldering, welding or clamping. Further soldering method is not given.

How to choose a wire connection method

The choice of the optimal option depends not only on the personal preferences of the master, but also on a number of other factors. For example, when combining aluminum and copper, it is important to consider the possible oxidation process. Also, not all methods are suitable for a large number of wires in the connection. It also influences the load in the circuit, the cross section and number of cores, etc.

Connection of wires by welding

Compared to soldering, welding is an even more reliable connection method, but it is rarely used as a household method, as it requires a welding machine, personal protective equipment and welding skills.

The welding technique is approximately the same as in the case of soldering, but before the procedure it is necessary to take the free ends of the two strands, straighten them and press them parallel to each other so that the melt ball is better formed.

The welding area must cool down naturally before the insulation is applied. Lowering the wire into cold water leads to the appearance of microcracks.

The disadvantages of the method include:

• high cost of equipment;
• the need for relevant skills;
• time costs.

Connection pressure testing

Crimping ensures high-quality installation and reliable insulation. For this method, special tubular sleeves are used, which are selected in size depending on the cross section of the wire. Connecting wires in this way requires a crimping tool: pliers or a crimping press.

After cutting the wire, that is, removing the insulation and stripping the ends, quartz-vaseline paste is applied to the cores, the connector is put on and crimped. Wires can be inserted both from opposite and from one side. When using a high-quality and professional tool, you can crimp the wire at a time. After that, the usual isolation of the junction is performed.

Among the disadvantages of the method can be noted:

• the impossibility of using the connector repeatedly, as it is deformed during crimping;
• connecting copper and aluminum wire in this way is possible only when using a special sleeve, which is difficult to find on sale;
• takes quite a lot of time.

Connecting wires with a clamp

Wire compression can be done in various ways, some of which are more preferable, others less so.

Connecting insulating clamps resemble crimping sleeves, with the difference that inside they have a steel wire coiled into a spiral, which protects the wires from oxidation and presses them tightly together. The connections are technological, in addition, you can use clips of different colors if the wires are not color-coded in order to mark zero, phase and ground.

The use of clamps is limited by the number of connected wires: they are suitable for two wires with a cross section of 4 mm2 or four with a cross section of 1.5 mm2. Over time, the spring weakens, due to which the resistance increases and voltage losses occur in the network. It is impossible to combine wires from different materials with this connection method.

Using a short bolt, three washers, a nut and electrical tape, you can quickly and cost-effectively connect wires of any material, but the junction is very cumbersome, so this option cannot be used in a junction box.

Screw terminals are convenient for connecting lamps, sockets and switches. They allow you to connect copper and aluminum wires without additional insulation. The disadvantages include the need to maintain connections: the screws need to be tightened periodically.

Using modern terminal blocks is the easiest, fastest and most convenient way to connect wires of any type. Due to their small size, they are easily placed in a junction box, there are different options for blocks for wires with different sections. They provide high quality connections and high installation speed. Of the minuses, one can note the possibility of poor quality pads, which may cause network disturbances. Working with them requires care and attention to avoid damaging the wires.

When choosing any of the listed options, you must ensure the safety and reliability of the electrical network. It is very important that all wire connections, regardless of the method of their joint, be provided with convenient access for inspection and maintenance during operation.

Wire connection methods

Hello dear readers! This article will describe the different ways of wires, their pros and cons. The most important thing when wiring is to comply with safety rules and PUE (Electrical Installation Rules). 1. Twist. The most common wire connection. Fast and cheap. It is required to remove the insulation and twist the wires into a bundle with pliers. The twist is of high quality, if its length is at least 5 cm, the cores fit snugly together and are not damaged. But this kind of connection in this form contradicts the rules, different from the ones below. But we are all human and we all break something.

2. Welding. This is a combined version of the same twist, but boiled at the end. This type of twisting is suitable for the norms, and can be used for electrical installation. Welding can be done using a low voltage transformer, or a low current inverter. In this case, a graphite rod acts as an electrode.

3. Screw terminals type ZVI 20. A short twist is made, after which a clamp is put on it. The clamp has two screws that compress the cores together and press them to the body. But as with any screw connection, the fixation can loosen over time and the screws will need to be tightened. Such a connection is best used in unloaded circuits with free access to junction boxes.

Junction boxes perform a very important function. It is they who ensure the distribution of electrical wires between consumption points, i.e. switches, lights and sockets.

Decided to install the devices listed above yourself? Then you need to thoroughly understand the features and order of connecting cables, as well as the basic methods of connecting them.

For a better understanding of the process, this event will be considered in several stages: from preparing the necessary materials to connecting electrical appliances using the example of a socket, a two-gang switch and light bulbs. Beforehand, you will learn about the main methods of connecting cables and the features of the connection.

Wire connection methods

There are several methods for connecting electrical wires. You can choose the most convenient and suitable option for your case.

Prices for cables and wires for construction and repair

Cables and wires for construction and repair

The first stage - getting ready for work

First of all, we prepare everything that is required to connect electrical appliances to the box. Set includes:

• cables 3x2.5, VVG;
• cables 2x2.5, AVVG;
• switch for 2 keys;
• fastenings;
• lighting;
• socket;
• round nose pliers;
• roulette;
• wire cutters;
• pliers;
• flat screwdriver;
• a hammer.

The second stage - do the markup

At this stage, we mark the installation locations of electrical appliances and the paths for the passage of wires. So we can calculate the required amount of materials for the installation of the system.

The third stage - proceed to installation

First turn off the electricity supply.

We bring the wires to the junction box. As a rule, cables are laid in strobes. To fix the cables, small nails or special plastic clips are used. In the case of performing work in a wooden house, the wires will be supplied through special mounting boxes.

Important note! Wiring must be laid so that the cables do not intersect. In the event that intersections are inevitable, such places must be isolated especially carefully.

The fourth stage - we connect electrical appliances and connect the wires

We start in a junction box pre-built into the wall or fixed on the base (depending on the model) about 10 cm of wire. We remove the common sheath from the cables. Then we remove approximately 0.5 cm of insulation from each core. At this moment, we are guided by the situation - we clean off as much insulation so that the cores can be connected in the chosen way.

The diagram shows an example of connecting electrical wires using terminal blocks.

In this example, the connection is made using a two-wire wire, in which one core is zero, the second is a phase. We connect the socket to zero and. We connect the phase supply wire to the socket and one residential cable of the switch.

In our example, the switch is a two-button switch. Each key is responsible for controlling a separate group of lighting fixtures. The second wire of the switch cable is connected to the first button, the third wire is connected to the second key.

In the junction box, zero wires are connected from the socket and bulb holders. The power cable is connected: zero is marked in blue, phase is in red. Wires are connected to connect each switch button to the lamp sockets.

Fifth stage - check the performance of the system

We turn on the power supply and check the operation of our outlet and. Everything is working properly. We did a great job.

Now you know the order of connecting the wires in the junction box and the connection features of each main electrical appliance. Using the information received, you will be able to independently cope with all the planned activities.

Successful work!

Video - Connecting wires in a junction box

In the article we will talk about ways to connect wires in junction boxes, talk about preparing conductors for connecting household appliances and installation products.

The wiring of residential premises consists of many elements, these are various current-carrying conductors (cables), protective devices, electrical installation products, individual current consumers. In order to assemble all the components of the system into a single circuit and at the same time make the power supply functional and safe, it is necessary to connect them to each other qualitatively, or, as they say, to commute (switching is the process that occurs when electrical circuits are closed or opened).

At first glance, it may seem to an unprepared person that there should not be anything complicated here. But, working with an electrician “on a whim”, it doesn’t matter if we transfer some single outlet, connect a lamp or assemble a complex control system, we are at serious risk. Experienced electricians know that wiring is primarily a "contact fight", since it is an open circuit, not a short circuit, that is the most common problem that one has to face. Obviously, the connections in the circuit (terminals, twists) are the most vulnerable, since at these points the mechanical density of the contact can weaken (the contact area decreases), an oxide film with a very high resistance forms on the conductors over time. Poor contact causes heating of current-carrying conductors, sparking at switching points - these are the consequences of the occurrence of transient contact resistance. Complete burnout of the wire and de-energization of the site, when household appliances do not work, or the light is gone, this is unpleasant, but the problem is solved. Worse, if the insulation of the wires heats up and breaks down, which threatens to cause electric shock or a fire.

Recently, the load on the wiring has seriously increased, so even more stringent fire and electrical safety requirements are now imposed on switching. However, if earlier there were not many connection options, now reliable modern devices have appeared that facilitate wiring switching. In addition to welding and soldering, followed by tape insulation of the twist, PPE caps, various terminal screw and spring blocks, all kinds of insulated and open lugs, branch clamps can be used in the household network. These products will help to qualitatively connect wires in junction boxes, assemble a switchboard, connect household appliances and lighting fixtures, sockets and switches.

There are several key objective factors influencing the choice of switching method, or the use of specific devices. Let's just list the main ones:

• power and number of consumers (read: total cross section of conductors);
• conductor material (copper or aluminum);
• type of cables (flat or round, hard or soft stranded, in single or double insulation);
• node assignment (group or single branch, end connection);
• the presence of mobility of wires or vibrations near them;
• elevated temperature, humidity;
• indoor or outdoor use.

Connecting wires in junction boxes

According to the provisions of the PUE, branching of the wires of the household network can only be carried out in a junction (junction) box. Junction boxes allow, during the operation of the wiring, to quickly reach the ends of any individual branch, if necessary, to find which of them is broken or has a short circuit. You can also always inspect the condition of the contacts inside the box, and perform their maintenance. Modern PVC boxes are used for open and hidden wiring, they have sufficient reliability and extended functionality: they are easy to install on various surfaces, convenient for electrical installation manipulations.

In order to always have access to the connected wires, all junction boxes are located on free sections of the walls, it is most rational to install them from the side of the corridors, for example, above the door of a powered room. Naturally, the boxes cannot be tightly plastered, or sewn up inside building frames, the permissible decorative maximum is a thin-layer finish on top of the lid (paint, wallpaper, decorative plaster).

For the arrangement of lighting and power circuits (pins and sockets), it is recommended to use separate junction boxes for each room. Such a divided power supply makes it possible to make the electrical wiring of the home more balanced and safe, since “lights” and “sockets” differ in workloads and operating conditions, they are subject to different requirements. Moreover, it is much easier to upgrade or repair the wiring later, and not always all the wires in the room can be properly marked in one housing.

Switching wires in any junction box can be carried out according to the same principle. In most cases, “twisting” is initially used, but simply wrapping the conductors with electrical tape is not enough - it must be reinforced with additional operations that are designed to increase the contact area of ​​the connected current-carrying wires and reduce the oxidation of materials. Paragraph 2.1.21 of the PUE offers the following options:

• soldering
• welding
• crimping
• crimping (bolts, screws, etc.)

Wire crimping

The essence of this method lies in the fact that twisted wires are inserted into a special metal sleeve-tip, which is compressed by hand tongs, mechanical or hydraulic press. Crimping can be done either by local indentation or continuous compression. Such a connection of wires is considered one of the most reliable. Crimping allows you to compress the cores very tightly, increasing the contact area, the mechanical strength of such switching is the highest. This method is used for both copper wires and aluminum.

The crimping process consists of several operations, each of which has its own nuances:

1. The wires are released from the insulation by 20-40 mm from the edge, depending on the working length of the sleeve.
2. The veins are cleaned with a brush or emery to a shine.
3. With the help of pliers, a tight twist is made.
4. According to the total cross section of the twist, a GAO sleeve with the required internal diameter is selected, as well as a suitable punch and matrix.
5. The sleeve is treated from the inside with quartz-vaseline paste (if it comes “dry” from the factory).
6. The twist is inserted into the sleeve.
7. The twist is compressed with press tongs. It is necessary that the tool rig is completely closed.
8. The quality of the connection is checked - the wires should not move in the tip.
9. The sleeve of the connected conductors is wrapped with electrical tape in three layers, with a tip thickness of up to 9 mm, a polyethylene insulating cap can be used.

Crimping conductors

The conductors can be crimped using terminal blocks, PPE caps or WAGO clamps.

The body of the terminal block is made of plastic, inside it there are nests with threads and clamping screws. The wires can be wound under the individual screws of the terminal towards each other, or one conductor passes through the entire block and is fixed with two screws. Some junction boxes are assembled with standard blocks.

A clear advantage of switching on the terminal block is the ability to connect copper and aluminum wires, which in this case do not have direct contact. The disadvantage is the need to tighten the bolt clamp if aluminum conductors are used.

PPE caps (connecting insulating clips) are also made of durable non-flammable polymer, which, as an insulator, provides mechanical and fire protection. They are twisted with force on the twisting of the conductors, then the conical metal spring located inside the cap expands and compresses the current-carrying wires. As a rule, the internal cavity of PPE is treated with a paste that prevents oxidation.

WAGO terminals for junction boxes are screwless, here the compression is performed by a spring, it is only necessary to insert the stripped wire into the terminal. These terminal blocks are designed to connect up to eight wires with a cross section of 1-2.5 mm 2 or three cores with a cross section of 2.5 to 6 mm 2, while the spring acts on the conductor with a force suitable for each wire. The clamps function normally with operating currents up to 41A for 6 squares, 32A for 4 squares and 25A for 2.5 squares. Interestingly, WAGO universal clamps allow you to connect wires of various cross sections (from 0.75 to 4 mm 2) in one housing.

These devices can be designed for a rigid conductor, or for a soft stranded one. Due to the fact that there is no direct contact of the connected cores, it is possible to switch copper wires and aluminum wires, while there is no need to make a regular audit of aluminum compression. Inside, WAGO terminal blocks also have a paste that destroys the oxide film and improves contact, however, clamps for copper conductors are not filled with contact paste. It is very easy to work with such connecting products, they are quickly installed without the use of additional tools, they are compact and reliable. It must be said that WAGO is not the only company producing screwless spring-loaded terminal blocks.

Whatever type of crimping device is used, it is necessary to accurately select it according to the cross section of an individual conductor or strand, since a terminal that is too large may not provide normal contact. It is not always possible to trust the marking in this case - it is better to check the compliance of fasteners and conductors on site. We recommend that you have an assortment of crimp terminal blocks according to standard sizes during installation. Please note that contact gel must be used to work with aluminum, copper and aluminum conductors cannot be connected in one twist. After crimping, it is always necessary to check the strength of the wires in the terminal.

Soldering wires

Due to the technological complexity, this connection method is used quite rarely, mainly when for some reason it is impossible to use crimping, crimping or welding. You can solder wires made of aluminum and copper, you just need to choose the right solder. For branching wires with a cross section of up to 6-10 mm 2, an ordinary soldering iron is suitable, but more massive wires will have to be heated with a portable gas burner (propane + oxygen). For soldering, it is necessary to use flux in the form of rosin or its alcohol solution.

The advantages of soldering are considered to be high reliability of the connection, compared with crimping (in particular, we have an increased contact area). Also, this method is quite inexpensive. The disadvantages of switching construction wires by soldering include the duration of work, the technical complexity of the process.

Soldering wires looks like this:

• wires are stripped of insulation;
• the veins are polished with emery to a metallic sheen;
• a twist is made 50-70 mm long;
• the core is heated by a burner flame or a soldering iron;
• the metal is covered with flux;
• solder is introduced into the working area or hot twist is immersed in a bath with molten solder for 1-2 seconds;
• after cooling, the soldered twist is insulated with electrical tape or polymer caps-tips.

Welding

Most often, for reliable switching of wires in a junction box, electricians use contact heating welding. You can weld a twist with a total cross section of up to 25 mm 2. Under the action of an electric arc at the end of the twist, the metal of several strands is fused into a single drop, and then the current during the operation of the electrical circuit does not even flow through the body of the twist, but through the formed monolith. If everything is done correctly, then the connection is no less reliable than a solid wire. This method has no technological and operational disadvantages, the only thing is that you need to purchase a suitable welding machine.

Welding of copper conductors is carried out with direct or alternating current with a voltage of 12 to 36 V. If we talk about factory welding units, it is better to use inverter devices with sensitive adjustment of the welding current, which are light in weight and dimensions (during operation they are sometimes worn on the shoulder) , can be powered from the household network. In addition, inverters provide good arc stability at low welding currents. Due to the high cost of inverters, very often electricians use home-made welding machines made from a transformer with a power of more than 500 W, with a secondary winding voltage of 12-36 volts. The mass and the electrode holder are connected to the secondary winding. The electrode itself for welding copper conductors must be infusible - coal, this is a factory copper-plated "pencil" or a home-made element from a similar material.

If a factory inverter is used for welding wires, then it is recommended to set the following operating current indicators for wires of various sections: 70-90 amperes is suitable for connecting two or three wires with a cross section of 1.5 squares, wires with a cross section of 2.5 mm 2 are welded at amperes. These indicators are indicative, since the exact composition of the core may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer - it is recommended to test the device and a certain current strength on the conductor cuts. Correctly selected indicators are when the arc is stable, and the electrode does not stick on the twist.

The wire welding process includes the following operations:

• the cores are cleaned of insulation (about 40-50 mm);
• a tight twist is made with pliers, its end is cut so that the ends of the wires have the same length;
• a mass clamp is connected to the twist;
• the carbon electrode is brought to the end of the twist for 1-2 seconds (so that the insulation does not melt, but a solid copper ball is formed;
• after cooling, the welded twist is insulated with electrical tape, heat shrink tubing or a plastic tip.

When connecting wires, you should follow safety precautions and take fire prevention measures, as for any welding work. It is recommended to use a welding mask or special glasses with a light filter; welding leggings or mittens will not be superfluous.

Connecting wires to electrical equipment terminals

Connecting household appliances and various electrical installation products is also an important step in wiring wiring. The reliability of electrical connections in these nodes depends on the performance of consumers, as well as the protection of users and fire safety.

The technology for connecting current-carrying conductors to equipment is regulated by the PUE, the current SNiPs, as well as the "Instructions for terminating, connecting and branching aluminum and copper conductors of insulated wires and cables and connecting them to the contact terminals of electrical devices." As well as branching conductors in junction boxes, soldering, welding, crimping, screw or spring crimping are used for termination and connection. This or that method is chosen primarily depending on the design of the equipment, as well as on the properties of the current-carrying conductor.

Screw crimping is used in most types of modern equipment. There are screw terminals in sockets and switches, chandeliers and lamps, in various household appliances (built-in fan, air conditioner, hob). Crimp sockets are supplied with switchboard elements: circuit breakers, RCD, electric meter, here switching busbars with screw terminals are also used.

It should be noted that convenient spring-loaded terminal blocks can also be used to connect equipment. For example, switches are often equipped with screwless terminals, WAGO produces a special series of clamps for connecting chandeliers and lamps, as well as for switching in ASU (terminals mounted on a DIN rail).

Please note that for crimping, soft stranded conductors must be terminated with insulated lugs (connectors). For rigid monolithic cores, connectors are not needed. If you do not use tips, then the soft core should be tightly twisted and tinned with solder before connecting. The size of the lug is selected depending on the cross section of the conductor, and the geometry of the contact part - depending on the type of terminal on the device being connected and the features of operation. For example, a connector in the form of a pin is used for a clamping tunnel socket, and a ring or fork connector is used to fix it with a nut on a bolt. In turn, the fork tip is not recommended for use if the device is mobile or vibration is possible in the switching zone.

If it is necessary to clamp a rigid single-wire conductor (copper or aluminum) with a cross section of up to 10 mm 2 under the bolt, then it can be bent using round-nose pliers in the form of a ring of a suitable radius. The ring is cleaned with glass sandpaper or sandpaper from the oxide film, lubricated with quartz-vaseline gel and put on the bolt (the ring should wrap around the bolt clockwise), after which it is covered with an asterisk washer (prevents the extrusion of the conductor), a grover (springs the connection, does not allow to unwind when vibrations), and the clamp assembly is tightly tightened with a nut. If a large cross-section core (from 10 mm 2) should be clamped under the bolt, then a metal sleeve with a ring is mounted on the conductor by crimping.

Switching wires is a very responsible job, while the process of assembling a circuit has a lot of nuances that, for convenience, should be combined into one list:

1. Strip the wires with special pliers, since when removing the insulation with a knife, the cross section of the core is often reduced.
2. Always remove the oxide film from the conductor. Use glass skin or emery, use special liquids and contact paste.
3. Make the twist a couple of centimeters longer, and then cut off the excess.
4. Select the diameter of the sleeve or tip as accurately as possible.
5. Lead the conductor under the terminal or sleeve / lug to the very insulation.
6. Make sure that the wire insulation does not get under the clamp.
7. If possible, insert into the tunnel screw terminal and clamp there not a single soft core, but a double-folded one.
8. When using electrical tape, wind it with an overlap of turns in three layers, be sure to go to the insulating sheath of the conductor. Electrical tape can be replaced with heat shrink or plastic caps.
9. Be sure to wrap the screw terminal blocks with electrical tape.
10. Always mechanically check the strength of the connection - pull the conductors.
11. Never connect copper and aluminum directly.
12. Fasten the cable firmly near the switching area so that the wire does not pull down and there is no mechanical impact on the connection.
13. Use the color marking of the conductors, for example, in the entire house network, the brown conductor will be the phase, blue - zero, yellow - grounding.
14. Accept a single connection scheme for mounting all devices (for example, the phase on the sockets is clamped on the right terminal, and the neutral is not on the left).
15. Mark both ends of all wires yourself - with a ballpoint pen on the outer sheath, at a distance of 100-150 mm from the edge of the conductor, write its purpose (for example, "pink kitchen desktop" or "bedroom light"). You can also use tags or pieces of masking tape.
16. Leave a supply of wires convenient for installation. For junction boxes, sockets and switches, the normal length of the ends will be 100-200 mm. To switch the shield, you may need wires up to one meter long, so that you can lead some of them from the bottom of the box, and some from the top.
17. Bring external cable channels close to the junction boxes, it is better to lead round corrugation or pipes into the housing a few millimeters.
18. We connect sockets in parallel, and switches - in series. The switch should break the phase, not zero.
19. Compress all the wires of one switched twist into a bundle and fix it with electrical tape. Inside the box, separate the insulated connections to the maximum distance between them.
20. Use only certified materials and specialized tools.

In conclusion, I would like to once again note the importance of high-quality performance of switching work. In fact, the technologies used are quite simple, you just need to make them a habit, and then the “installation culture” will appear by itself, and the wiring will be reliable and durable.

About 70% of installation errors are related to wires. The lack of electricity may be due to unreliable contact or its absence in the junction box, electrical appliance. Further in the article - all the options for connecting wires, their installation and varieties.

Methods for connecting wires and cables

Electricity is an area in which you need to carefully select materials, monitor reliability and performance.

For high-quality and uninterrupted power supply in the house, the electrical wires must be connected correctly.

In the event of an error, not only the performance of household appliances will be at risk, but also fire safety.

When to Connect Cables

Cable connection will be required in case of poor-quality wiring performed earlier, or due to errors made during installation work. To restore the supply of electricity to the house, you need to connect the electrical wires. You can make a connection in ways that are conditionally divided into 2 groups:

1. For the first group, special equipment is not required.
2. For the second group, certain skills and professional tools are already needed.

Cable connection work must be carried out in compliance with safety regulations.

Types of cables for connection

The most common cable for home electrical wiring is a PVA connecting wire, consisting of two insulating layers. Copper conductors, stranded, twisted along the central axis. The wire is flexible, so it's great for a variety of connections.

The voltage of connected devices must be up to 380 volts.

Selected depending on the load:

• for a current of 6 A, PVA with a cross section of 0.75 mm is used;
• for 10 Amperes - the cross section is 1 mm .;
• for currents of 16 A - 1.5 mm.

In addition to the PVA wire for connection, there are multi-core cables SHVVP, PUGNP, PRS, KG. They are used less frequently for home wiring than PVC.

What is the best way to securely connect two cables together

Methods for connecting cables that require equipment and skills in the field of electrical engineering:

• soldering;
• welding;
• crimping sleeves.

Simple connection methods that do not require tools and knowledge:

• connection using terminal blocks;
• spring clips;
• PPE caps;
• bolted connection.

The choice of connection method depends on the characteristics of the wires. It is required to take into account the type and number of wiring, operating conditions.

With spike

Soldering is a common way to connect cables. To work, you need a soldering iron, rosin, solder and sandpaper. How to connect wires by soldering:

• stripping insulation;
• cleaning from oxides with sandpaper;
• conductors need to be tinned - rosin is placed on the wire, it is heated with a soldering iron until the wire is covered with rosin;
• the conductors are assembled together, bubbling rosin must be applied to them and heated until the solder spreads;
• the soldering point is cooled down.

The complexity of the process lies in the availability of professional skills. Do not overheat the place of the solder, or twist it when heated, otherwise the insulation may melt. It is important to ensure high-quality and reliable wire contact. Soldering is used in low-current electrics.

without soldering

Connection without soldering is carried out using special connecting elements. It is also possible to connect the wires with a twist. Twisting is the simplest method that does not require equipment, but it is also the most unreliable method.

It is forbidden to use only a twisted connection according to the rules of the PUE.

Copper

Copper wire can be connected using terminal blocks, Wago clamps (required using a special paste), using a bolt, soldering.

Aluminum

Aluminum wires can also be connected by any method, but with some peculiarities. When connecting, the metal must be manually stripped of insulation.

Do not directly connect copper and aluminum wires. The connection point gets very hot and the contact weakens over time. Therefore, it is better to use terminal blocks, wago, bolted connection or special branch clamps.

Is it possible to connect cables by twisting

According to the rules of the PUE, twisting is prohibited, since it does not provide reliable contact. It can only be used in conjunction with another connection method. It is also unacceptable to use twisting to attach two different metals.

Stranded and single-core

When connecting stranded wires, the following rules should be observed:

• strip the insulation by 4 cm;
• unwind the conductors by 2 cm;
• connect to the junction of untwisted cores;
• wires are twisted only with fingers;
• you can tighten the twist with pliers;
• bare ones are insulated with a special tape or heat shrink tube.

It is much easier to twist single-core wires. They need to be stripped of insulation, twisted by hand along the entire length, then clamped with pliers, insulated.

Twisting methods

You can do twisting in different ways. It can be done by branch, parallel or serial connection. Also, to improve the reliability of contact, caps and clamps are additionally used.

Correct wiring in the junction box

When twisting, follow the following procedure:

• de-energize a house or apartment;
• clean the wiring from insulation by 4 cm or more;
• unwind the wires by 2 cm;
• connect to the joint untwisted wires;
• twist the wires with your fingers;
• tighten the twist with pliers;
• insulate bare wires.

Both single-core and multi-core cables can be connected.

Twisting of different sections

Do not twist wires with very different diameters. Such contact is not reliable and stable. You can twist wires of adjacent sections - for example, 4 sq. mm and 2.5 sq. mm. When twisting, you need to make sure that both cores wrap around each other. A thin wire should not be wound on a thick one, otherwise the contact will be unreliable. Then you need to solder or weld the junction.

Twist caps

Caps help to securely isolate the contact point. The cap is made of fire-resistant material, inside it there is a metal part with a thread.

It is quite simple to make a twist with the help of caps - you need to remove the insulation by 2 cm, twist the wires slightly. A cap is put on them and rotated several times until the metal wires are inside.

With terminal clamps

The contact clamp consists of a screw, a spring washer, a base, a current-carrying core and a stop that limits the spreading of the aluminum conductor. Making a connection with a terminal clamp is simple - just strip the ends of the wires 12 mm and insert them into the clamp hole. Terminal clamps are used for both solid and stranded conductors.

How to brew a twist

After twisting the wires you need to solder. For this, the wires are tinned before twisting and rosin is applied to them. A heated soldering iron is lowered into rosin, they need to be drawn along the stripped part of the wiring. After twisting, tin is taken to the soldering iron, the junction is heated until the tin begins to flow between the turns. This method takes a lot of time, but it is reliable and of high quality.

Methods for connecting wires or cables to each other

The connection points of two conductors must meet the following requirements:

• reliability;
• mechanical strength.

These conditions can also be met when connecting conductors without soldering.

Crimping

This method requires special equipment. Crimping of wires with sleeves is carried out for both copper and aluminum wires of different diameters. The sleeve is selected depending on the section and material.

Pressing algorithm:

• stripping insulation;
• stripping wires to bare metal;
• the wires must be twisted and inserted into the sleeve;
• conductors are crimped using special pliers.

The selection of the sleeve causes the main difficulties. An incorrectly selected diameter will not be able to provide reliable contact.

Bolted connection

Bolts, nuts and several washers are used for contact. The junction is reliable, but the design itself takes up a lot of space and is inconvenient when laying.

The connection order is:

• stripping insulation;
• the cleaned part is laid in the form of a loop with a diameter equal to the cross section of the bolt;
• a washer is put on the bolt, then one of the conductors, another washer, the second conductor and the third washer;
• the structure is tightened with a nut.

A bolt can be used to connect several wires. Tightening the nut is done not only by hand, but also by a wrench.

Terminal blocks

The terminal block is a contact plate in a polymer or carbolite housing. With their help, any user can connect the wires. The connection takes place in several stages:

• stripping insulation by 5-7 mm;
• removal of the oxide film;
• installation of conductors in sockets opposite each other;
• bolt fixing.

Pros - you can connect cables of different diameters. Disadvantages - only 2 wires can be connected.

Types of terminal blocks for multi-core and single-core cables

In total there are 5 main types of terminal blocks:

• knife and pin;
• screw;
• clamping and self-clamping;
• cap;
• walnut grips.

The first type is rarely used, they are not designed for high currents and have an open design. Screw terminals create a reliable contact, but are not suitable for connecting multi-core cables. Clamp terminal blocks are the most convenient devices to use, no special equipment is needed for their installation. Caps are also used frequently, but unlike clamping devices, caps can be used repeatedly. "Nut" is practically not used.

Terminals in junction box (copper or metal)

Terminals are the most common connection method in a junction box. They are cheap, easy to install, provide a secure contact, and can be used to connect copper and aluminum. Flaws:

• cheap devices are of poor quality;
• only 2 wires can be connected;
• not suitable for stranded wires.

Self-clamping terminal blocks WAGO

2 types of Vago terminal blocks are used:

• With a flat-spring mechanism - they are also called disposable, since reuse is impossible. Inside is a plate with spring petals. When installing the conductor, the tab is pressed out, and the wire is clamped.
• With lever mechanism. This is the best connector. The stripped conductor is inserted into the terminal, the lever is clamped. Re-installation is possible.

With proper operation, Vago terminal blocks work for 25-30 years.

Use of tips

For connection, 2 types of tips and sleeves are used:

• in the first, the connection is made inside the product;
• in the second, the termination of two electrical wires occurs with different tips.

The connection inside the sleeve or tip is strong and reliable. There are also special sleeves for connecting copper and aluminum wires.

Soldering wire lugs

The tips are connected to the wiring using a press. If not, contact can be made by soldering.

The electrical wire and the tip are tinned inside, the stripped cable is brought inside.

The entire structure on the contact must be wrapped with fiberglass tape, heated with a burner until the tin melts.

Connectors for wires and cables

Connectors are special devices that facilitate the connection of two or more conductors. There are screw and clamp mechanisms.

Screw terminals

Used to connect wires of different materials and different diameters. An exception is stranded electrical wires, which are crimped with special lugs. Also, the screw clamp can damage aluminum wires, so it is better not to use them for this material.

Screw terminals

Allows you to connect aluminum and copper conductors. They are easy to connect.

Power clamp

In such clamps, the stripped conductor is placed in the hole to the end. There it is automatically fixed by a pressure plate. Clamps can be used to fasten copper and aluminum wires.

Clips

To install the wire, the clip retainer is placed in a vertical position, the wires are inserted inside, and then the retainer must be moved to a horizontal position. Plus, you can make adjustments.

Spring clamps

PPE caps are used as spring clips. Thanks to them, you can quickly make contact between two wires of similar diameters. It is important to choose the right clamp, otherwise the contact will be unreliable.

Spring terminals

Wago spring terminals quickly and efficiently provide reliable contact. In this case, over time, the spring may weaken or overheat.

Connecting clamps

There are two types - electrical and electrical. The only difference is the current load. The connection takes place inside the device.

Couplings

It is made in the form of a metal tube. Used for conductors with a cross section of 0.25-16 mm. The wire is fixed by force crimping. Not used for solid wires.

Electrical wiring connectors in case of damage

In case of damage to the wiring with stranded conductors, clamping blocks must not be used. They additionally crush the conductors, due to which the cores are deformed and damaged. As a result, the connection is heated, melted and there is a risk of fire.

Only masters with a qualification group are allowed to weld. Soldering is also allowed for persons who have skills in working with a soldering iron.

Cables can only be connected in ways permitted for them. Do not work with damaged wires. All exposed parts must be insulated.

Cables can be connected in different ways. The choice of connection method is determined by the material, section diameter and other parameters. For the correct operation of electrical equipment, it is necessary that the conductors are securely connected. If the connection is not secure, there is a risk of fire.

Useful video

Today, there are many ways to connect wires in a junction box.

Here are some factors that determine the choice of connector:

1. Core material (copper or aluminium).
2. Working conditions (on the street, in an apartment, in water, in the ground, in the floor, normal conditions).
3. Number of conductors (two, three, four, etc.).
4. The cross section of the veins (the same, different).
5. Core structure (single-wire or multi-wire).

Based on these factors, the most appropriate and correct method is selected. To begin with, consider the materials with which you can connect electrical wires in a junction box.

Existing methods

The following connection options are considered the most popular and effective:

• use of terminal blocks;
• installation of spring terminals (wago);
• fixation with PPE (plastic caps);
• sleeve crimping;
• soldering;
• twist;
• installation of "nuts";
• use of bolts.

Consider the essence, advantages and disadvantages of each method!

Installing PPE caps

PPE stands for connecting insulating clamps. Products are ordinary plastic caps with a special spring inside, which holds the wires.

Most often, such caps are used to connect cores in junction boxes.

Benefits of using these products:

• low cost of PPE;
• the caps are made of non-combustible material, so there will be no twisting at the place;
• fast installation;
• caps have a wide range of color shades. For example, if the wires do not have, you can mark with the help of PPE (using a white, blue and green cap).

Flaws:

• relatively poor quality of insulation and fixation;
• it is impossible to combine aluminum with copper.

Crimping with special sleeves

Twisting and insulation

The old "grandfather" method consists in twisting the cores together. The essence of the work is that the conductors are stripped and carefully twisted with pliers, after which the place of twisting is isolated.

Advantages:

• ease of electrical work;
• no material costs.

Flaws:

• poor quality of fastening lived;
• connection of aluminum and copper products is unacceptable.

We figured out the existing methods of connecting wires in the box, now we will consider the remaining, important issues of this topic.

What if there are several wires?

When bonding two contacts, problems usually do not arise. But what if you need to combine three, four or more at the same time?

• using wago terminal blocks;
• sleeve crimping;
• soldering;
• twisting using sizov;
• twisting and winding with electrical tape.

The order of connecting the wires for each of the methods we discussed in detail above. We strongly recommend that you use the first option, because. it is one of the most modern and efficient. At the same time, the cost of the vag is not too high, and the wiring has been serving for more than 30 years.

What to do if the conductors are of different sections?

To connect conductors of different cross-sections in a junction box, it is recommended to use all the same terminal blocks of the car, or a cheaper option - ordinary terminal blocks. In this case, it is necessary to carefully tighten the wires with a screw or fix with a flag, and that's all, the work is over.

Please note that if the wires are made of different materials, then it is necessary to use special pads with paste inside, which will prevent the wires from oxidizing. These pads include wago products.

Also, conductors of different sections can be fixed by soldering.

Combining stranded and solid wires

Connecting single-core and stranded wires separately does not have any features, so you can use any of the methods listed above.

In order to carry out bonding, you must choose one of two options: car terminals or soldering. It all depends on your preference, the advantages and disadvantages of each method we have provided.

How to work in water and land

During electrical work, a situation often occurs when it is necessary to fasten electrical wiring under water or in the ground. Now we will briefly consider the features of each of the cases!

In water (for example, when installing a submersible pump), it is recommended to use the following technology. To begin with, the ends are soldered, after which the soldering point is carefully insulated with hot-melt adhesive, over which it is put on. If everything is done efficiently and conscientiously, the joint will be tight and safe. Otherwise, power outage may also occur.

To connect an electrical wire in the ground (for example, after it has been mechanically damaged), it is recommended to use the method provided above (hot glue and heat shrink), but it is better to protect yourself and use the following method. Clamp the ends of the cable with a terminal block, install a sealed junction box, and then carefully fill the box with a special silicone sealant. We draw your attention to the fact that the underground track must be additionally placed in a pipe or box in order to ensure reliable!