I'm interested in high quality connectors for two scenarios; The first for general connection of three or more wires and the second for tapping wires. I have the HST-Pro crimpers and am not opposed to buying more. While I have a Hakko soldering station, I'd prefer to find a tap connector. It's a bit more practical on a mooring.
Acceptable methods for connecting three or more wires
- Thread starter Project_Mayhem
- Start date
My understanding is that Wago lever connectors are ABYC certified or acceptable at least
I love Wago connectors but they aren't appropriate for all applications. The one that comes to mind is the bilge pump.
As for a tap/splice, Schotchlocks would be ideal if it was more reliable. TE Connectivity has their own version but I'm guessing it's the same overall design on the inside. I'm planning on installing a wireless relay system to turn various circuits of my electrical panel on/off. The relays essentially bypassing the switch when they are active. It helps keep me at the helm instead of rushing down below. Safety and convenience.
As for a tap/splice, Schotchlocks would be ideal if it was more reliable. TE Connectivity has their own version but I'm guessing it's the same overall design on the inside. I'm planning on installing a wireless relay system to turn various circuits of my electrical panel on/off. The relays essentially bypassing the switch when they are active. It helps keep me at the helm instead of rushing down below. Safety and convenience.
I've used terminal blocks and jumpers. The jumpers come in several sizes for different sized terminal bars.
There are these. Not practical in all applications but can be useful.
With regards to soldering, I carry a butane soldering iron. It isn't a perfect solution because you also have to carry butane, but it is nice when you need it and there's no shore power. Plus, they are handy for heat shrink tubing.
What would you use to connect three wires together in your bilge?
I have one as well. Butane seems to slowly leak out when not in use so I might switch to a Hakko iron with an inverter
Me, I would solder them together and cover with adhesive-lined shrink tubing. Anywhere I thought I might want to get at the circuit (like to disconnect or expand), I would position that in a less hostile environment.
Yeah, I've noticed that too - something I don't find comforting.
I've used the butane soldering iron twice in the past year. My can of butane is already empty. I'm probably going to switch to electric
I ordered a few of these a while back to add to my kit
Ancor Heat Shrink Step-Down Multi-Wire Connectors
Ancor Heat Shrink Step-Down Multi-Wire Connectors
You can't get the solder and especially the wire hot enough for it to properly wick into the strands
There are several different ways to connect 3 wires. Practical Sailor says crimping two at a time seems OK.
"A common concern is that a crimp might be compromised if you placed two wires in one fitting, even if they fit properly. We did some testing with a small sample of 14-16 AWG ring-eye connectors and our pull tests met the UL requirement and far exceeded the ABYC requirement."
www.practical-sailor.com
I've used these. They are cheap, but a pain because they are not insulated.
"A common concern is that a crimp might be compromised if you placed two wires in one fitting, even if they fit properly. We did some testing with a small sample of 14-16 AWG ring-eye connectors and our pull tests met the UL requirement and far exceeded the ABYC requirement."
Reliable Three-way Wire Connections - Practical Sailor
We examine three-way butt connectors, piggy-back spades, pigtails, and other ways to join three conductors without sacrificing safety.
www.practical-sailor.com
I've used these. They are cheap, but a pain because they are not insulated.
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I took a peek behind my panel yesterday and discovered that they used spade splitter connectors on the back of the breakers for many of the connections. There were an average of three switches per breaker. The common bus between the three switches was an uninsulated wire soldered to spade connectors. Even on the AC side there were uninsulated connectors. Some of the decisions Catalina made appall me.
I'll likely end up using more piggyback or splitter connectors for this application. I have some large heatshrink
I'll likely end up using more piggyback or splitter connectors for this application. I have some large heatshrink
Paint them with Liquid Tape. [3 colors avaiable]
Jim...
PS: Hunter boats did that in tight places.
Jim...
PS: Hunter boats did that in tight places.
Doesn't that present a risk of getting liquid tape into areas of the connector that it shouldnt or gluing two connectors together?
buy tiny paint [ toy soldiers type] brushes, use a tiny magnifying glass or give up.
Jim...
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,454
Interesting idea Joe. That glue has a low temp threshold until it melts. It might make a total mess in in a space with your engine. There is a reason to use a good glue infused shrink wrap. The glue oozes out and provides a moisture barrier, while the plastic fuses around the wire and connector. The shrink wrap should be heat rated like the wire you are using.
If you're insured I would advise against solder.Insurers follow ABYC.... If you feel you absolutely must solder, because your crimp tool is low quality, crimp first then add some solder..
