Best Way To Terminate Unused 24v Wire?

[GorillaToast]

Would appreciate some advice...

The distribution panel I'm installing has an unneeded 24v wire for connecting the backlighting for the analog meters. What is the best / safest way to terminate this wire while still allowing for its use should some future owner wish to use a 24v system. I'm thinking a piece of black electrical tape folded over the end is not the best.
Thanks!

 

[justsomeguy]

I suppose I'd install a plastic junction box with a blank cover, if there's room.

 

[woodster]

just put some heat shrink tubing on it and heat it closed

 

[GorillaToast]

Doh!!

Thanks woodster. Some things are just too obvious to not overthink!

justsomeguy, that panel is a bit too crowded now to add a box. Thanks tho...

 

[justsomeguy]

Too many years of dealing with the NEC will do that to a person.

You're welcome.

 

[IStream]

I just crimp a barrel connector on the end and fasten it somewhere out of the way with the open end down. That way it's both protected and ready to go when you need it. If you want belt and suspenders, you can tape over the open end.

 

[caguy]

The way we did it when I was working for an electrician was to take a firm grip and slide the insulation over the expose wire about a 1/8 - 1/4".

 

[centerline]

I just crimp a barrel connector on the end and fasten it somewhere out of the way with the open end down. That way it's both protected and ready to go when you need it. If you want belt and suspenders, you can tape over the open end.

That the way I do it... if a butt connector is good enough for protecting a connection, its good enough for protecting a termination... and mark it well as a 24volt supply so someone doesnt plug a 12v device into it...

 

[GorillaToast]

Thanks for all your replies.

What I did was shrink a piece of tubing over the end leaving it about a 1/4" proud. Then while it was still hot, I pinched the end, sealing the tube. The 6" pigtail is labeled from the manufacturer at its exit from the meter housing.

 

[IStream]

Looks good.

 

[Daveinet]

Another way would be to put a loop in the wire and then heat shrink over the loop, also covering the end. This way the vulnerable end that is open on the heat shrink is an insulated loop. Also heat shrink can slip off a straight wire, however if there is some bulk for it to form over, it can't slip off.

 

[mitiempo]

Good idea to label it as 24 volts as well.

Why do you have 24 volts on a 27' boat?

 

[GorillaToast]

Good idea to label it as 24 volts as well. Why do you have 24 volts on a 27' boat?

I don't. The meters have pigtails for both.

 

[woodster]

Another way would be to put a loop in the wire and then heat shrink over the loop, also covering the end. This way the vulnerable end that is open on the heat shrink is an insulated loop. Also heat shrink can slip off a straight wire, however if there is some bulk for it to form over, it can't slip off.

this is correct if you don't use the heat shrink that has the glue in it