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I've put together some pictures along with descriptions of a couple different ways one could connect and splice wires together. I realize this information is extemely basic to most of the people in this forum; however, I think it would be useful for people who are just getting started in installing their own audio systems or alarms.
I can't tell you how many times I've worked on friend's cars or gone to local car shows to see wires poorly and dangerously connected like this:
1. Probably the cheapest and quickest method of connecting two wires together would be with the use of a Butt Connector. When used with the correct crimping tool along with a generous amount of crimping force, butt connectors can provide a very good connection. An example of a butt connector used properly should look something similar to this:
2. Another way of joining two wires would be to Solder the connection and use Heat Shrink Tubing. This method is a little more time consuming; however, it provides a connection of superior strength compared to a typical butt connector. Heat Shrink Tubing forms very tight seal which helps keep moister and dirt out of the connection. This type of connection is highly recommended if you have a connection that's going to be exposed to the outside elements, such as the engine compartment or underneath the car. Here is a very brief step by step on how to solder a connection and protect it with Heat Shrink Tubing:
Strip off the insulation leaving about a 1/2" of wire exposed on both wires.
Be sure to slip on the piece of Heat Shrink Tubing before you twist the wires together.
Next, solder the wires together. (I'm using a portable butane soldering iron but any electric one will work) If you have never soldered before, it's very easy. I always just touch the wire directly with the tip of the iron to get it hot then touch the wire with solder till it starts to flow.
The soldered wires should look something similar to this.
Lastly, slide over the piece of Heat Shrink Tubing and use either a heat gun or a cigarette lighter to "shrink" it tight. If you use a lighter, don't put the flame dirrectly into the tubing, just let the "heat" from the flame do the work.
This is just an example of how you could connect two wires into one using the heat shrink.
You should be able to find all of these items at your local automotive store (Auto Zone) or electronics store (Radio Shack).
[ August 20, 2004, 03:46 AM: Message edited by: nda0602v6 ]
I can't tell you how many times I've worked on friend's cars or gone to local car shows to see wires poorly and dangerously connected like this:
1. Probably the cheapest and quickest method of connecting two wires together would be with the use of a Butt Connector. When used with the correct crimping tool along with a generous amount of crimping force, butt connectors can provide a very good connection. An example of a butt connector used properly should look something similar to this:
2. Another way of joining two wires would be to Solder the connection and use Heat Shrink Tubing. This method is a little more time consuming; however, it provides a connection of superior strength compared to a typical butt connector. Heat Shrink Tubing forms very tight seal which helps keep moister and dirt out of the connection. This type of connection is highly recommended if you have a connection that's going to be exposed to the outside elements, such as the engine compartment or underneath the car. Here is a very brief step by step on how to solder a connection and protect it with Heat Shrink Tubing:
Strip off the insulation leaving about a 1/2" of wire exposed on both wires.
Be sure to slip on the piece of Heat Shrink Tubing before you twist the wires together.
Next, solder the wires together. (I'm using a portable butane soldering iron but any electric one will work) If you have never soldered before, it's very easy. I always just touch the wire directly with the tip of the iron to get it hot then touch the wire with solder till it starts to flow.
The soldered wires should look something similar to this.
Lastly, slide over the piece of Heat Shrink Tubing and use either a heat gun or a cigarette lighter to "shrink" it tight. If you use a lighter, don't put the flame dirrectly into the tubing, just let the "heat" from the flame do the work.
This is just an example of how you could connect two wires into one using the heat shrink.
You should be able to find all of these items at your local automotive store (Auto Zone) or electronics store (Radio Shack).
[ August 20, 2004, 03:46 AM: Message edited by: nda0602v6 ]
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